Unexpected U-turn by the KVR
Despite previous positive indications, the Munich District Administration Office (KVR) unexpectedly excluded LG Stadtwerke München (LG SWM) from the bidding process for the 2025/2026 Munich Marathon in August. Our application, which the KVR itself had rated as the "best overall concept," was subsequently rejected due to an alleged lack of approval for the use of the English Garden for both years. The concept was primarily developed by Munich Athletics GmbH, a spin-off of LG SWM.
A brief background overview
- Declaration of assurance instead of a binding commitment
As usual, the Bavarian Palace Administration (BSV) issued all applicants only a conditional guarantee, which was intended to regulate the final lease agreement for the use of the English Garden. It was stipulated that details regarding the route would only be finalized after the contract had been awarded by the KVR (Munich's Department of Public Order). - Route review
Due to media reports, the BSV (Berlin Transport Authority) reviewed our planned route in the English Garden in November to ensure we met all official requirements. They confirmed to the KVR (Munich's Department of Public Order) that all requirements were met, but added a new condition: the second year (2026) could only be guaranteed after successful completion in 2025, as it involved a new (slightly modified) route compared to the established one. - Request for comments
On December 6, 2024, the KVR (Bavarian State Office for Spatial Planning and Building Control) informed us that, consequently, no valid permit for two years existed and requested an explanation. Within seven days, we submitted confirmation from the Bavarian State Government that the permit would be extended to both years. Apparently, the Bavarian Palace Administration had not previously been informed about the call for tenders, which had been in place since 2018. Nevertheless, the KVR upheld its decision and notified us of the exclusion on February 11, 2025.
Thank you for your support
This completely unexpected turn of events is incomprehensible and a bitter blow, which we accept with great disappointment but also with determination. Our special thanks go to the volunteer members of our clubs who have tirelessly supported us over the past 15 months, sparing no expense or effort. Together, our goal was to promote children's, youth, and competitive sports with the Munich Marathon and to strengthen the sports community in Munich. Although this opportunity is now denied us, we will continue to fight passionately for athletics in Munich and look for new opportunities to generate urgently needed funding for track and field.
The contract for the years 2025/2026 went to Laufstatt gGmbH, to whom we wish every success in organizing the marathon and to all participants.
As of February 2025