Frankfurt Marathon gives platform to the next generation

And on Sunday, it will be the 8- to 17-year-old kids and teenagers in the Mini-Marathon. It’s the youngsters who get their moment in the spotlight at the classic race on the Main River. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon has always been much more than just a 42.195-kilometer race.

At Germany’s oldest city marathon, every runner, from young to old, from ambitious to relaxed, will find something to suit them. For example, there’s the Brezellauf powered by interair, a relaxed prelude to the weekend. Those who don’t (yet) feel up to the full marathon distance, or simply want to achieve a good time with family or friends, can register for a relay team. At the marathonmall, the large sports equipment expo, everyone can get a real taste of the marathon atmosphere.

Race Director Jo Schindler: “The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon offers something for every type of runner and every age group. It’s important to us that we can offer fantastic experiences to the entire running community. Many who started out small in the children’s races have later found themselves on our marathon course.”

When the participants of the Mini-Marathon run into the festival hall on the red carpet in front of a large crowd, accompanied by a light show and loud music, goosebumps are guaranteed. Club athletes, school teams, and kids who simply love to run line up together at the starting line. At 11:00 a.m. on Sunday – immediately after the main marathon field – the starting gun will sound for the young participants. The 4.2-kilometer course leads through closed-off streets in the city center, with many spectators and musical groups lining the route. With 2,756 participants, the Mini-Marathon has been fully booked for some time.

However, registrations for the Struwwelpeter Run will be accepted until shortly before the start. The children will start the 420-meter race in front of the Frankfurt Trade Fair Forum, separated by their birth year (2017 to 2021). Hardly anyone can resist pulling out their (cell phone) camera when the youngest runners take off at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday for the Struwwelpeter Run. As they enter the festival hall, cheered on by their parents, a special moment is guaranteed for novice runners. All children (1,254 registered so far) will receive refreshments and a certificate to color and personalize after crossing the finish line.

Even earlier on Saturday morning (10:00 a.m.), the Pretzel Run powered by interAir will take place. This relaxed breakfast run, traditionally attended by many volunteers before the main race, is already fully booked with 2,486 registrations. The Pretzel Run powered by interAir kicks off the race weekend with a convivial shake-out run at a leisurely pace, featuring celebrity runners. After the loop through the Europaviertel district, every participant will receive a pretzel and a medal at the finish line by the Messeturm (Trade Fair Tower).

A visit to the marathon mall is an experience for everyone. Anyone wanting to experience the true marathon atmosphere should head to the large sports equipment fair in Hall 1, Level 2. The Marathon Mall is a paradise for all those who enjoy sports and exercise. Nearly 60 exhibitors will be presenting everything a runner’s heart desires. It’s open Friday (12 pm – 7 pm), Saturday (10 am – 7 pm), and Sunday (7 am – 5 pm).