Press Release - Frankfurt Marathon - 8/13/20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

            Mainova Frankfurt Marathon 2020 will not take place

This year's Mainova Frankfurt Marathon had to be cancelled due to the 
Coronavirus pandemic, organizers announced. Germany's oldest city marathon 
had been scheduled for 25 October. With Frankfurt not going ahead as well 
it will be the first year since the times of the Second World War that 
there will be no significant marathon race in Germany. 

The event organizers together with the State of Hessen and the City of 
Frankfurt came to the conclusion that it is not possible to stage the 
Mainova Frankfurt Marathon 2020. "Set against the hardship which this 
worldwide pandemic has inflicted on people, countries, institutions and 
business, the cancellation of a sports event is of minor significance," 
said Race Director Jo Schindler.

The contact and operating regulations imposed by the State of Hessen 
because of the coronavirus greatly restrict the holding of major events 
before October 31st, 2020. They are not permitted unless the organizers can 
ensure social distancing, hygiene regulations and the personal contact data 
of all involved in the event. "In this respect this also means, for us, the 
spectators," explains Jo Schindler. "Unfortunately, with the venue and 
timing we cannot guarantee with absolute certainty the wellbeing of 
hundreds of thousands of spectators along a route of 42.195 kilometers 
running right across Frankfurt."

All runners who entered this year's Mainova Frankfurt Marathon will have 
the possibility to move their start into one of the next three years, 2021 
to 2023. Another option is to donate the entry fee and become a „Marathon 
Saviour", helping the small Frankfurt running event company to financially 
survive this extremely difficult period. Those who choose this option will 
be named on the webite as well as on a Wall of Honour at the 2021 Marathon 
and will receive a gold start number for their race in the coming year. In 
addition 5 Euro of the entry fee retained will be donated to the official 
charity partner. „We have been working part-time for months and reduced our 
costs as much as possible. But we have costs to maintain our operation, 
independent of whether the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon can take place or 
not. At this point in the process of returning race entries we are 
dependent upon the solidarity and support of our participants and also our 
sponsors," explained Jo Schindler.

Preparations have already begun for October 31st, 2021. "I am convinced 
that with a build-up of around 15 months we shall be able to meet the 
requirements of the State of Hessen," said Jo Schindler. "I and my team are 
looking forward greatly to the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon 2021."

More Information is available at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com 

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