Europe / Germany / Frankfurt
Mainova Frankfurt Marathon 2026
At the starting line
A race worth the journey.
Frankfurt's road marathon starts near the trade fair and finishes on the red carpet inside the Festhalle. The course combines central city streets with longer stretches across the Main.
Know the course
Race route
Explore the course and the climbs before you get to the starting line.
Marathon
Official course trackInteractive map requires JavaScript. The course source is linked below.
Estimated elevation
Download elevation CSVApproximate ascent 252 mApproximate descent 245 m
Distances on this chart are approximate and follow the supplied track.
Terrain estimate · mapzen · Prepared
Terrain estimates may differ from the road surface, especially on bridges and in tunnels. Sampled every 100 m with a three-sample median filter.
Organizer course source · Checked
Event history
First held in 1981
First held in 1981, Frankfurt became an established German city marathon. The indoor Festhalle finish has become one of the event's defining traditions.
Previous winners
The last ten completed editions where results can be verified. Overall men's and women's winners for this distance.
| Edition | Men | Time | Women | Time | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Belay Asfaw | 2:06:16 | Buze Diriba | 2:19:34 | Results ↗ |
| 2024 | Benard Biwott | 2:05:54 | Hawi Feysa | 2:17:25 | Results ↗ |
| 2023 | Brimin Misoi | 2:04:53 | Buzunesh Gudeta | 2:19:27 | Results ↗ |
| 2022 | Brimin Misoi | 2:06:11 | Sally Chepyego Kaptich | 2:23:11 | Results ↗ |
| 2019 | Fikre Bekele | 2:07:08 | Valary Aiyabei | 2:19:10 | Results ↗ |
| 2018 | Kelkile Gezahegn | 2:06:37 | Meskerem Assefa | 2:20:36 | Results ↗ |
| 2017 | Shura Kitata | 2:05:50 | Vivian Cheruiyot | 2:23:35 | Results ↗ |
| 2016 | Mark Korir | 2:06:48 | Mamitu Daska | 2:25:27 | Results ↗ |
| 2015 | Sisay Lemma | 2:06:26 | Gulume Tollesa | 2:23:12 | Results ↗ |
| 2014 | Mark Kiptoo | 2:06:49 | Aberu Kebede | 2:22:21 | Results ↗ |
Ten completed editions before the October 2026 race; 2020 and 2021 were cancelled.
Runner perspectives
Selected summaries of public runner reviews. These describe the editions and distances noted, and experiences may change.
He found bib collection, bag drop and transport straightforward, enjoyed the flat course and dramatic Festhalle finish, and found the outer city stretches less scenic.
Colin Ricketts · Read review ↗2024Marathon
The red carpet finish crowned a personal best, but he found the packed start and uneven pacing in the front corral frustrating. His initially incorrect timing result was later corrected.
Patti Ramone · Read review ↗2023Marathon
Typical race weather
October in Frankfurt
- Average daytime high
- 15.7°C
- Average overnight low
- 6.0°C
- Average monthly precipitation
- 54 mm
October has mild-to-cool days and distinctly cooler nights. Bring a layer for waiting and changing after the finish rather than choosing clothing from the daytime high alone. Average daily highs are 15.7°C and overnight lows 6.0°C. Average precipitation totals about 54 mm over the whole month. Rain preparation is sensible, but the total does not give the chance or timing of rain during the race. These are historical regional averages, not a forecast or race-hour temperatures; the coast, hills and start line may differ.
Climate source ↗ · NASA POWER / MERRA-2 grid near Frankfurt (50.11°, 8.68°); not a weather station · October 2001–2020 (20 years)
Historical averages describe typical conditions, not the forecast or the temperature at the starting line.
What to wear
- Racing: consider a technical T-shirt with shorts or light tights; removable sleeves or a thin long-sleeve layer may suit a cooler forecast.
- Waiting at the start: bring a removable warm layer and, if rain is forecast, a rain shell or poncho. If the start-time forecast is cold, consider light gloves and a hat or headband that you can remove.
- After finishing: keep a dry top and an extra layer in your finish bag.
- These are editorial clothing suggestions. Check the forecast close to race day and adapt to your own comfort.
Check the forecast close to race day and adjust your clothing to the start time and your own comfort.
Guide sources checked on .
Checked on 4 Oct 2026 · Event source
Map pins locate the host city, not the start line or race course.