London Marathon Events has bought Motion Events GmbH, the organiser of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon.

LME, which has made a string of UK event business acquisitions in recent years, said its latest purchase represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s long-term international growth strategy.

In late 2022, LME took over the Brighton Marathon following the collapse of its former operator, Grounded Events Company. Shortly after that it acquired a 50% interest in Run 4 Wales, the operators of multiple events including the Cardiff Half Marathon. The following year LME bought Loch Ness Marathon-owner Caledonian Concepts, and among its most recent investments was Friday Night Lights – a burgeoning UK-wide operation that creates events which combine running with music and social activities.

Founded in 1999, Motion Events manages a portfolio of running events, including the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon and the Gutenberg Half Marathon Mainz. First held in 1981, the Frankfurt Marathon is renowned for its fast course and indoor red-carpet finish in the Festhalle.

LME said a key focus for Motion Events and the Frankfurt Marathon will be utilising LME’s expertise in inspiring physical activity across all ages and abilities, with a particular emphasis on encouraging children and young people to get active.

The announcement follows the recent news of TCS London Marathon’s involvement in a new European Marathon Classics series of marathons, including Frankfurt, designed to elevate the event’s international status and drive demand.

LME said Motion Event’s founder, Jo Schindler, who has led the organisation for more than two decades, will remain as race director through 2026 and will continue as a board member to support a smooth transition. A new CEO, Holger Kranz, previously head of sponsorship at Frankfurt Tourism, has been appointed to lead the business.

“The Frankfurt Marathon is a world-class event with deep heritage, exceptional community support, and enormous potential for future growth,” said LME CEO Hugh Brasher. “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, and we cannot wait to bring our shared vision to life.”

Schindler 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. Together we could take the event to the next level – I couldn’t imagine a better home for my Frankfurt Marathon.”

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