First-ever split-kilometre timing for all

With this, the event is once again introducing a technological innovation that will fundamentally change the entire marathon landscape.

The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon has repeatedly served as a driving force for innovation, setting trends that have later been adopted by other international organizers – from digital participant services to professional chip timing for amateur sports. Frankfurt is once again leading the way: a marathon that presents the race more comprehensively and transparently than ever before.

This development is made possible by the latest timing technology from Race Result AG, the leading innovator in professional timing systems, and the timing service provider race result Timing BW GmbH. The system allows for an unprecedented density and precision of timing points along the entire course. What was long considered virtually impossible – real-time kilometre splits for tens of thousands of runners – is now a reality in Frankfurt.

Previously, split times were only recorded every 5 kilometres and at the halfway point of the marathon. Between these splits, the race’s progress was estimated based on projections. With this new technology, what’s happening on the course is now visible second by second:

- Changes in pace

- Tactical decisions

- Performance gains and drops in pace

- Catch-ups and battles for position

Every runner and every team receives a complete performance and pace profile over the entire 42.195 kilometres. This makes the race not just run – it becomes more tangible, comprehensible, and analysable than ever before.

For fans and supporters, this innovation means a completely new way to participate. They can digitally track runners in real time – whether live at the course or online from anywhere in the world. This creates a sense of closeness, excitement, and an emotional connection that extends far beyond the finish line.

Media and live commentators also gain a new tool. Changes in position, increases in pace, and race decisions are now instantly visible, even without a camera. This enables significantly more precise, dynamic, and compelling live coverage of the elite runners.

“Running has long been data-driven – and we’re now making this data more readily available to all participants, supporters, and media professionals than ever before,” says Race Director Jo Schindler. “With 1 kilometre = 1 split time, our marathon becomes the most transparent running event in the world; this is a true leap forward for the sport. Frankfurt has often been a technological pioneer – and it is once again.”

Although 33 additional timing points are being installed along the course, the entry fee will only increase by one euro. This is made possible by the close partnership between motion events as the organizer and Race Result as the technology partner and timekeeper.

A total of 45 timing points will be used in the future: start, finish, half marathon – plus every single one of the 42 kilometres.

To implement this technological advancement, the entry fee will be increased by just one euro. The additional revenue will be fully invested in measuring equipment, signal technology, and data analysis. For participants, this means: more service, more insights, and greater personal value from every single kilometre.