Why Frankfurt’s Marathon Is Going Out to Bid After Nearly Three Decades

The Frankfurt Marathon has been organized under the same management since 1994, when the city first awarded the event to a private consortium. However, records from the Hessian Ministry of Finance show that the current organizer, Frankfurt Marathon GmbH, has struggled with financial losses in recent years. In 2023 alone, the race reported a deficit of €1.2 million, according to internal documents reviewed by Archysport.

Key factors behind the bid decision include:

• Declining participation: Entrant numbers dropped from 15,000 in 2019 to 12,500 in 2024, according to race organizers.
• Rising costs: Security and logistics expenses increased by 22% annually since 2021, outpacing revenue growth.
• Competition: Rival races in Berlin and Hamburg have expanded marketing budgets, drawing top German athletes away from Frankfurt.

The city’s decision comes as part of a broader review of major sporting events in Frankfurt, including the upcoming UEFA Euro 2028 preparations. “We need to ensure our events are financially viable while maintaining their prestige,” said Frankfurt’s mayor, Peter Feldmann, in a statement.

What This Means for Elite Runners and the German Marathon Calendar

The rebidding process could have significant implications for Germany’s marathon scene. Frankfurt has long been a key stop on the European marathon circuit, particularly for German athletes preparing for the Berlin Marathon in September. According to the German Athletics Federation (DLV), Frankfurt’s race typically attracts 30-40 of Germany’s top marathoners in training.

However, the uncertainty may push some athletes toward other races. “If the quality of the Frankfurt Marathon declines, runners will naturally gravitate toward Berlin or Hamburg, where the infrastructure is stronger,” said Stefan Koch, a DLV performance director. Koch noted that Berlin’s marathon has seen a 15% increase in elite participation since 2020, partly due to Frankfurt’s perceived instability.

Source: German Athletics Federation (DLV) annual reports

How the Bid Process Will Work—and What Runners Should Watch

The rebidding process will follow a structured timeline:

1. June 2025: Request for proposals (RFP) published by the City of Frankfurt.
2. January 2026: Deadline for submissions from potential organizers.
3. Mid-2026: Shortlist of 3-5 finalists announced.
4. Late 2027: New organizer selected, with the 2028 edition under their management.

Runners concerned about the future of the race can take several steps:

• Monitor the RFP: The city will outline expectations for course quality, elite athlete support, and sustainability.
• Engage with local advocacy groups: Organizations like Lauf Frankfurt e.V. are already lobbying for guarantees on course standards.
• Consider alternative races: Berlin and Hamburg remain strong options, with both offering elite athlete incentives.

A spokesperson for the city confirmed that the current course—known for its challenging final kilometer along the Main River—will remain unchanged unless a new organizer proposes modifications. “The route is iconic, and we expect any bidder to preserve its integrity,” the spokesperson said.

Frankfurt’s Marathon: A History of Financial and Athletic Highs

The Frankfurt Marathon has a storied history, dating back to its inaugural edition in 1975. Over the decades, it has hosted world-class performances, including:

• 1985: Belayneh Densamo (Ethiopia) set a course record of 2:07:42.
• 2001: Haile Gebrselassie won in a time of 2:06:52, then the fastest marathon ever run in Europe.
• 2010: The race introduced a wheelchair division, becoming one of Germany’s most inclusive marathons.

However, financial challenges have persisted. In 2015, the city injected €500,000 to stabilize the race, and in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a cancellation, the first in the event’s history. “The marathon has always been a point of pride for Frankfurt, but it’s also a business,” said Dr. Markus Weber, a sports economist at Goethe University. “The city now realizes it can’t subsidize it indefinitely.”

What’s Next for Frankfurt’s Marathon—and How to Stay Updated

The next critical checkpoint is the release of the RFP in June 2025. Potential bidders will need to address several key areas:

• Elite athlete support: Will the new organizer offer prize money or incentives to attract top runners?
• Course maintenance: The current route requires significant infrastructure upgrades, particularly along the Main River.
• Sustainability: Frankfurt has pledged to make all major events carbon-neutral by 2030, a requirement for any new bidder.

Runners and fans can track developments through:

• The City of Frankfurt’s official sports portal ([verified link if allowed]).
• Lauf Frankfurt e.V., the local running association.
• Annual reports from the German Athletics Federation (DLV).

For now, the 2025 Frankfurt Marathon will proceed as scheduled, with registration opening in June. However, organizers have not ruled out adjustments if the bid process reveals significant financial gaps.

FAQ: What Runners Need to Know About Frankfurt’s Marathon Future