It should be well known that "42" is the answer calculated by a supercomputer to the final question about life, the universe and all the rest. "Deep Thought", which author Douglas Adams cites as a reliable source for this claim in his series of novels "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", will certainly not have miscalculated.

However, for most recreational athletes, who can finally lace up their running shoes again on Sunday in Mainz to take part in the 21st Gutenberg Marathon, the "42" is likely to remain an unattainable mark. Because the amateur's feet often carry only half as far: namely 21.0975 kilometers to the intermediate destination, which is located at the Electoral Palace for the first time this year. This in no way diminishes the performance of the individual. However, it already proves that the popular and highly sought-after Gutenberg Marathon Mainz is more of a popular pleasure than a top-class sport.

Outstanding atmosphere

Those responsible have long since come to terms with this and have come to terms with it well. Top times of just over two hours are run elsewhere: in Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg, perhaps, where significantly more money is likely to be involved. The Mainz long-distance competition, which is about 15th in the nationwide ranking, is particularly supported by the outstanding atmosphere - in the field of runners and along the course. In addition, the city offers so many special formats, as well as different season variants, that even the next generation and older newcomers can easily find their way in.

Incidentally, the marathon was first held in the media city in 2000. At that time in honor of Johannes Gutenberg, born 600 years earlier, inventor of letterpress printing with movable metal type. Since the Bible he created has 42 lines per page, everyone quickly agreed – according to Mainz logic – that the "Man of the Millennium" should ideally be celebrated with a 42-kilometer run. At the time, they certainly had no idea that the idea would still carry on today and still inspire so many people. On Sunday, it's that time again: everyone runs on their own – and yet everyone is pursuing the same goal.