Mainz Marathon

MainzRhineland-PalatinateGermany

Next race

Sunday, 23 May 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Riverside urban road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Mainz Marathon attracts approximately 2,000 finishers each May through the Rhine city of Gutenberg and carnival fame. The course passes the Mainz Cathedral, the Rhine riverfront, and the citadel overlooking the river on flat Rhenish Hesse terrain. May's Rhine spring and the carnival-city atmosphere make it one of Germany's most cheerful regional marathons.

Mainz Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 2,000 finishers

Weather: Mild spring
13–18°C · humidity 60–70%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Mainz Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Mainz Marathon is a riverside urban road that starts and finishes at the Mainz Cathedral (Dom) or the Rhine riverfront. The loop follows the Rhine embankment, passes the Gutenberg Museum area, and crosses the citadel park. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.

Registration

Mainz Marathon entry requirements

The Mainz Marathon is held in May, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.mainz-marathon.de/.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mainz Marathon elevation profile?: The Mainz Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
How long is the Mainz Marathon?: The Mainz Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Riverside urban road starting and finishing at the Mainz Cathedral (Dom) or the Rhine riverfront.
What time does the Mainz Marathon start?: The 2027 Mainz Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 23 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What is Mainz famous for?: Mainz is the home of Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the printing press here. The Gutenberg Museum and Mainz Cathedral anchor the marathon route.
When is the Mainz Marathon?: The Mainz Marathon is held in May, typically on the fourth Sunday.
Is the Mainz Marathon flat?: Yes. The Rhine riverfront course is flat, with the citadel hill visible but not significantly climbed.
Does the Mainz Marathon follow the Rhine?: Yes. The Rhine riverfront is a centrepiece of the course, with views across to Wiesbaden on the opposite bank.
What weather should I expect in Mainz in May?: May in Mainz is mild Rhine spring weather, often 14–22 °C (57–72 °F). The wine-growing Rhenish Hesse region is pleasant in spring.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Mainz.

FrankfurtHesseGermany· 32 km away

Frankfurt Marathon

The Frankfurt Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers on an urban road in Frankfurt, Germany. Runners start on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage (waves from 10:00, must start by 10:30) and finish inside the Festhalle (east gate). The route passes the Römer, the Main river embankment, Sachsenhausen, and the banking district. Very flat with only minor rises on Main river bridges.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

MannheimBaden-WürttembergGermany· 56 km away

Mannheim Marathon

The Mannheim Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each May through the grid-planned city at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. The course passes the Wasserturm water tower, the baroque Schloss Mannheim, and the grid-layout city blocks unique in Germany. May's Rhine spring and the flat river-plain terrain make it a fast southwest German marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

HeidelbergBaden-WürttembergGermany· 70 km away

Heidelberg Marathon

The Heidelberg Marathon attracts approximately 1,500 finishers each April through Germany's most romantic university town on the Neckar River. The course passes Heidelberg Castle on its forested hilltop, the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke), and the Philosopher's Walk with views of the red-roofed Altstadt. April's Neckar valley spring and the fairy-tale scenery make it one of Germany's most picturesque marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

KandelRhineland-PalatinateGermany· 100 km away

Bienwald-Marathon

The Bienwald-Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each March on a forest road in Kandel, Germany. It is a favored German spring race for runners chasing even splits on flat terrain. The route passes quiet Palatinate roads and long sheltered sections beside the Bienwald woodland. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

KarlsruheBaden-WürttembergGermany· 109 km away

Karlsruhe Marathon

The Karlsruhe Marathon attracts approximately 2,500 finishers each May through the fan-shaped baroque city in Baden-Württemberg. The course radiates from the Karlsruhe Palace through the city's unique fan-layout streets, passing the ZKM media museum and the Rhine harbour. May's spring weather in Germany's sunniest city and flat terrain make it a popular southwest German marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

BonnNorth Rhine-WestphaliaGermany· 119 km away

Bonn Marathon

The Bonn Marathon attracts approximately 1,200 finishers each April through the former West German capital on the Rhine. The course passes Beethoven's birthplace, the Post Tower, and the Rhine meadows (Rheinaue) on flat Bonn terrain. April's Rhine spring and the Beethovenstadt cultural heritage make it a charming Rhineland marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 11 April 2027

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Planning guides

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