Frankfurt, Germany - On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the 23rd Frankfurt Mainova Half Marathon began at 10 AM, attracting nearly 10,000 runners for its inaugural race along the inner city side of the Main River. This year marked the first time competitors would run on this new route, enhancing the tradition of this popular event.
The event kicked off at the Deutsche Bank Park, where both elite athletes and amateur runners gathered with excitement. While elite runners took off at 10 AM, the amateur race commenced just five minutes later. Participants faced the challenge of conquering the official 21.0975-kilometer course, which showcased some of Frankfurt's most beautiful areas.
According to race organizers, this year's course included landmarks such as the Lyoner Quarter and the tranquil Waldspielpark, culminating with the thrill of crossing the finish line back at the stadium. Previous years have built excitement for the new-found path, and this year's turnout confirmed the growing enthusiasm for competitive running. Organizers noted, "The Frankfurt Half Marathon was more than just a race – it was a festival for the city and its sports-loving residents," capturing the essence of this beloved local tradition.
The weather on the event day was reported nearly perfect, with light clouds and temperatures between 7 and 11 degrees Celsius, ensuring all runners had ideal conditions for racing. Despite some travel disruptions due to public transport strikes impacting areas like Main-Kinzig-Kreis and Osthessen, nearly all participants managed to arrive at the start line.
With the streets echoing cheers from enthusiastic spectators, the atmosphere was electric as runners navigated through the newly established sections along the Main. The participation figures also highlighted the event’s popularity, as the half marathon completely sold out with 10,000 registrations. Runners had two hours and 45 minutes to finish the race, and many trained rigorously to meet the competitive standards.
Highlighting elite performances, previous records set were undoubtedly on the minds of competitors. Last year's standout performers, Ethiopian Nuguse Hirsuato, who recorded 1:02:46, and German Julia Kümpers, who finished with 1:16:20, set high expectations for this year’s contenders.
On the men’s side, Moroccan Abdelhadi Labali finished first with exceptional speed, completing the race with a remarkable time of 1:02:36. On the women’s leaderboard, Nina Voelckel from Germany secured her top position with an impressive time of 1:12:53. Reports confirmed the fast-paced atmosphere spurred many athletes to achieve personal bests during this highly competitive event.
Participants embarking on this course hailed from across Germany and even abroad. Some runners had spoken about the unique route's appeal, particularly the scenic views along the Main, which added to the exhilarating experience of competing within the city. The atmosphere, merged with the beautiful city backdrop, acted as inspiration for many.
While the main course was congested with eager runners, local organizers maintained strict safety protocols, including road closures and security measures, ensuring all could enjoy the race safely. The police's presence reassured participants and spectators alike with their promise of safety monitoring along the route.
Road closures began early at 8 AM around Deutsche Bank Park. Streets like Mörfelder Landstraße and others had stipulated times for access restriction, ensuring the smooth flow of the race without unintended distractions from vehicular traffic. Typically, roadways would be cleared by mid-afternoon, making sure the city could return to normalcy relatively quickly.
All public transportation options remained predominantly unaffected, with commuters advised to monitor updates from the transport services as alterations were limited solely to bus and tram lines during the event. Visitors traveling to experience the marathon found several options available, though significantly, choosing public transport helped mitigate disruptions.
With such considerable community involvement, the Frankfurt Mainova Half Marathon has solidified its stature as not just another running event but as part of the city’s heartbeat, drawing together fitness enthusiasts, families, and spectators alike. The event this year reaffirms Frankfurt's place as a prominent fixture when it welcomes runners yet again.
Plans for next year are already underway, with expectations running high for participation as the marathon becomes increasingly popular, making it a must-attend event for avid runners. The camaraderie among participants and the lively support from the community leave every runner with lasting memories to carry onward.
With the impactful atmosphere of the event and successful execution by organizers, the anticipation for the 2026 Frankfurt Mainova Half Marathon already begins, as both elites and amateurs look to return to tackle the streets once more.