Frankfurt Marathon 2026 features elite German field

The 2026 Frankfurt Marathon will feature a highly competitive men's field, highlighted by German record holder and European champion Amanal Petros. Petros aims to break the European record of 2:03:36, set by Bashir Abdi in 2021, and the course record of 2:03:42 held by Wilson Kipsang since 2011.

Petros faces significant domestic competition from fellow Germans Richard Ringer and Samuel Fitwi, who are also considered favorites for the victory. International competition includes Benard Biwott from Kenya, the surprise winner of the 2024 event.

This edition marks the final time Jo Schindler will serve as race director. Schindler, who has organized the event since 2002 through his agency Motion Events, is retiring from the role at the end of the year following the sale of his company to London Marathon Events. He will transition to an advisory role starting in 2027, with Holger Kranz expected to succeed him.