UK-based London Marathon Events (LME) has announced the acquisition of Motion Events, the organiser of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. The move marks LME’s first major international expansion and represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s long–term growth strategy.
Founded in 1999, Motion Events manages a portfolio of running events, including the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon and the Gutenberg Half Marathon Mainz. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, first held in 1981, is one of Europe’s most historic city marathons, renowned for its fast course and indoor red-carpet finish in the Festhalle.
The acquisition builds on LME’s existing investments across the UK mass-participation sector and its consultancy work in Europe. With London and Frankfurt serving as Europe’s leading financial centres, LME views the two cities as a natural alliance to unlock commercial synergies and increase participant engagement.
The announcement follows news that the TCS London Marathon will be part of a new European Marathon Classics series, which also includes the marathon Frankfurt, and is designed to elevate the international status of the events in the series.
Motion Events founder, Jo Schindler, who has led the organisation for more than two decades, will remain as Race Director in Frankfurt through the end of the 2026 season and will continue as a board member. Holger Kranz, formerly Head of Sponsorship at Frankfurt Tourism, has been appointed as the new CEO to lead the business alongside the existing Motion team.
Hugh Brasher, CEO at London Marathon Events, said “The Frankfurt Marathon is a world-class event with deep heritage, exceptional community support, and enormous potential for future growth. We are honoured to become its custodians and to work with Motion’s brilliant team to build on Jo Schindler’s remarkable legacy. This acquisition marks a defining moment in LME’s international journey.”
LME intends to use its expertise to drive event growth, inclusion, and community engagement in Frankfurt. Drawing on its UK models, LME plans to expand participation among under-represented communities, such as women and ethnically diverse groups.
A major focus will be inspiring physical activity among children and young people. LME plans to collaborate with local schools and community partners in Frankfurt to introduce youth-focused initiatives, similar to its work with The Daily Mile and the TCS Mini London Marathon in the UK.
Jo Schindler, Founder of Motion Events, said “For more than 20 years, our team has organised the Frankfurt Marathon with passion and dedication. I was looking for a partner who would preserve the spirit of the event, respect its people and invest in its future – and we have found that in London Marathon Events.”
London Marathon Events is a non-profit organisation that organises some of the world’s most iconic mass-participation events, including the London Marathon, RideLondon, and Swim Serpentine. Its mission is to inspire activity and all surplus is gifted to the London Marathon Foundation to fund physical activity projects.
www.frankfurt-marathon.com
www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk
