Five reasons to run the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon in 2026

First held in 1981, it is Germany’s oldest city marathon and has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s fastest and most prestigious races.

This autumn, begin your Classics journey on Frankfurt’s famously flat course, winding through the heart of Germany’s financial capital before culminating in the race’s unforgettable finish inside the historic Festhalle. With thousands of runners lining up from across the world, it’s an electric atmosphere from start to finish. 

Frankfurt is a standout event on the new European Marathon Classics calendar. Here are five reasons why you should be on the Start Line on Sunday 25 October 2026.

Whether you’re chasing a PB or making your marathon debut, the Frankfurt course gives you the best chance of hitting your goals due to a total elevation gain of just 27.8 metres. 

The course is the fastest of Germany’s five largest marathons for recreational runners, with an average finish time of 3:57:56. 

This is a marathon that rolls out the red carpet for a finishing straight like no other anywhere in the world. The stage is set in Frankfurt’s historic Festhalle for your crowning moment in the spotlights. 

You’ll turn off the city streets into the giant illuminated arena, packed full of roaring crowds, for the final 50-metre push to the Finish Line. 

The city is transformed into a celebration of running on marathon weekend and the locals play a huge part. The cheering crowds and live music throughout the course provide all the motivation you need, especially in the final stages. 

Expect plenty of warm congratulations on medal Monday too! 

Frankfurt isn’t just excellent to run through; it’s an exciting city to explore and spend the weekend in. 

Modern skyscrapers rise above the restored medieval old town to create a unique backdrop for the marathon. This blend of old and new is hard to match anywhere in Europe. 

Römerberg, the historic heart of Frankfurt, is home to traditional half-timbered houses and storybook streets to wander down. 

There are plenty of museums, galleries and cosy apple wine taverns, plus a thriving food scene. 

Nestled on the River Main, Frankfurt’s vast riverfront pathways offer great views of the striking skyline, which has earned the city the nickname ‘Mainhattan’. 

Each year Frankfurt welcomes runners from more than 100 countries. The city’s excellent accommodation and transport networks make it a popular choice for international participants. 

Frankfurt Airport is among Europe’s largest international hubs and is less than 20 minutes from the city centre by train. Flights from the UK to Frankfurt take less than two hours.  

The city has plenty of comfortable hotels to choose from, many of which are within walking distance of the Start and Finish Line at the Festhalle.