Olympiapark, Marienplatz, Leopoldstrasse, English Garden – the traditional Munich marathon circuit may soon be a thing of the past. Because the previous route of 42.195 kilometers in one go is to be halved to 21 kilometers. The marathon is therefore completed in two rounds. At least that is the plan of the new organizer Munich Athletics GmbH, a company in close cooperation with the athletics community Stadtwerke München eV and other prominent athletics clubs in Munich. The group primarily wants to save costs and effort.
Runners and organizers critical: Two half marathons “just don’t fit”
Until now, Gernot Weigl was responsible for the Munich Marathon – for almost 25 years. He doesn’t think much of the new route concept, as he made clear in the BR24Sport interview: “It’s simply a given that if you’re one of the four largest marathons, like we are, you offer a marathon route in one lap.” And according to him, some runners also show little enthusiasm for the innovation. Weigl received the feedback from them: “Two half marathons for a city with over a million inhabitants like Munich, that just doesn’t fit. We don’t run that either.”
The district administration department (KVR) of the city of Munich decided against Weigl’s offer and in favor of the offer from Munich Athletics GmbH in conjunction with LG Stadtwerke Munich. The shortened route was probably also chosen because fewer streets in the state capital would have to be closed, which reduces costs and restricts fewer residents. Weigl can’t really follow this argument either: “It’s the case that we’ve hardly had any problems with complaints or anything else in the last few years,” said the 71-year-old in the BR24Sport interview.
The future organizers of Munich Athletics GmbH canceled an interview agreed with BR24Sport at short notice in the run-up to this year’s marathon.
Trouble with the award process: Weigl angry with KVR
On August 13th, Weigl and his team received a rejection from the KVR – and from his point of view, far too late. Weigl applied on March 30th. “Then it said we’ll get the notice in June. In June it said we’ll get the notice in July and then we got it on August 13th, exactly two months before the event.” Weigl said he was “completely surprised” by the decision.
Of course, the planning for 2025 was already underway. “That’s all on hold now,” said Weigl, who is also disappointed with the KVR’s actions: “It wasn’t asked whether we have to lay off employees. We have financial obligations in terms of rents and leases.” This is also why Weigl sought legal advice. “We have appealed this decision and will see what the next days and weeks bring.”
Weigl has organized the Munich Marathon since 2000
Weigl will definitely be hosting this year’s marathon this Sunday and is looking forward to setting a new record. 26,500 runners have registered. That would be a new record number of participants. The 71-year-old will probably be there as an organizer for the last time. Applying in two years is also not an option.
“We can’t apply again in two years, but a decision has to be made now for 2025 and 2026 and not for 2027 and 2028,” said Weigl. He also rules out cooperation with the new organizer. “It doesn’t work that as race director I go to a track that I can’t identify with.” But he is still open to discussions.
He, who has organized the event since 2000, already doesn’t want to think about next year. “It’s my baby and will remain my baby. It’s grown up now. I honestly can’t imagine what it’ll be like next year when we’re no longer in the Olympic Park and on the track.”
