London Marathon Events (LME) has announced its first major move into the international market, confirming that it has acquired Motion Events GmbH, the organization responsible for the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. The strategic acquisition signals a shift in LME’s growth trajectory, moving beyond the borders of the United Kingdom to establish a footprint in mainland Europe.
The deal brings one of Germany’s most prestigious road races under the same stewardship as the world-famous London Marathon. By absorbing Motion Events, which was founded in 1999, LME too takes over the management of the Gutenberg Half Marathon Mainz, diversifying its portfolio of endurance events across different distances and geographies.
This expansion arrives shortly after the introduction of the European Marathon Classics series, a new initiative designed to link the continent’s most iconic races. With both the London and Frankfurt marathons now integrated into this series, the acquisition creates a powerful synergy that allows LME to synchronize operational standards and athlete experiences across two of the world’s most significant running hubs.
For the running community, the move is less about corporate consolidation and more about the scaling of expertise. LME intends to apply its global blueprint for event management to the Frankfurt race, focusing on increasing participation across all demographics, with a specific emphasis on youth engagement and the inclusion of under-represented communities through partnerships with local German running clubs.
A Transition of Leadership and Legacy
Ensuring the “soul” of the Frankfurt race remains intact has been a central component of the handover. Jo Schindler, the founder of Motion Events, will not be stepping away immediately. To maintain continuity and preserve the event’s heritage, Schindler will remain as Race Director through 2026 and will continue to serve as a board member to guide the transition period.
Taking the helm of the business as the new CEO is Holger Kranz. Kranz brings a deep understanding of the region’s promotional landscape, having previously served as the Head of Sponsorship at Frankfurt Tourism. His appointment is designed to bridge the gap between LME’s international ambitions and the local logistical and commercial needs of the Frankfurt region. LME has confirmed that the existing operational team in Frankfurt will remain in place to ensure stability.
“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,” said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events. “This acquisition marks a defining moment in LME’s international journey, and we cannot wait to bring our shared vision to life.”
Preserving the Spirit of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon
The acquisition is a reflection of a shared philosophy between the British and German organizers. For Jo Schindler, the priority was finding a successor capable of investing in the race’s future without erasing its history. The Frankfurt Marathon is renowned not just for its speed, but for its deep integration into the city’s civic identity.
“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,” Schindler said. “Together we could grab the event to the next level – I couldn’t imagine a better home for my Frankfurt Marathon.”
By leveraging the London Marathon Events infrastructure, the Frankfurt race is expected to see enhancements in athlete services, digital registration systems, and global marketing reach. However, the commitment to local running clubs suggests that the “grassroots” feel of the event will remain a priority.
What So for the European Racing Circuit
The acquisition of Motion Events is a bellwether for the professionalization of the marathon industry. As the “European Marathon Classics” series gains traction, the ability for a single entity to manage multiple “Major-style” events allows for better coordination of the elite racing calendar and more streamlined sponsorship packages.
The impact can be broken down into three primary areas of influence:
- Athlete Experience: Runners can expect a more unified approach to qualification and race-day logistics across the Classics series.
- Community Impact: LME’s stated goal to acquire children and young people active suggests a push toward “family-friendly” race programming in Frankfurt.
- Economic Growth: With Holger Kranz’s background in tourism, the synergy between the race and Frankfurt’s city-wide tourism strategy is likely to tighten.
While the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, the strategic value is evident. LME is no longer just a domestic operator of the London Marathon; it is now a multi-national sports property manager.
Key Transition Timeline
| Role/Event | Status/Timeline | Key Person |
|---|---|---|
| CEO of Motion Events | Newly Appointed | Holger Kranz |
| Race Director | Active through 2026 | Jo Schindler |
| Board Oversight | Ongoing Transition | Jo Schindler |
| Event Management | Immediate Transfer | London Marathon Events |
The next major milestone for the organization will be the integration of the Frankfurt and Mainz events into the 2025/2026 operational cycle, coinciding with the continued rollout of the European Marathon Classics series. Updates regarding registration and new community initiatives for the next Frankfurt race are expected to be released via official channels in the coming months.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the expansion of the European Marathon Classics in the comments below.
