Mainz Marathon

The Mainz Marathon was founded in 1984, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 42 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Mainz, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.

The course record of 02:09:47, set by Samuel Kemboi in 2019, speaks to what the Mainz Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.

Runners come to the Mainz Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Mainz has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.

The Mainz Marathon blurs the line between endurance event and gastronomic adventure. Aid stations offer more than gels and water — local delicacies and drinks turn the course into a moving feast. It's the rare race where gaining weight mid-race is a genuine possibility.