Paris, France

Paris Marathon

Sunday, April 5, 2026
Mostly Flat
Open Registration

Course Profile

Difficulty
Mostly Flat
Terrainroad
Elevation Gain125m
Elevation Loss125m

Mostly flat course with some gentle rollers. Passes through the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne parks. A few short climbs.

Typical Weather

Temperature6°C - 15°C
Humiditymoderate

Variable spring weather. Can be cool and overcast or warm and sunny. Occasional rain possible. Generally good running conditions.

Registration

Entry TypeOpen Registration
Typically HeldFirst or second Sunday in April

Open registration that typically fills within weeks. Early registration recommended. Approximately 50,000 runners. No time qualification required.

Official Website

What Makes This Race Special

  • 1
    Start on the Champs-Élysées with Arc de Triomphe views
  • 2
    Pass the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Eiffel Tower
  • 3
    One of the world's largest and most scenic marathons
  • 4
    Excellent crowd support throughout Paris
  • 5
    Finish on Avenue Foch

The Paris Marathon transforms the City of Light into a runner's paradise. With a course that passes some of the world's most recognizable landmarks, Paris offers an unforgettable marathon experience through the heart of one of history's most beautiful cities.

The Course

Starting on the famous Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe, the course takes runners on a grand tour of Paris before finishing on the tree-lined Avenue Foch. The route is mostly flat but includes some gentle rollers, particularly in the two large parks.

A Runner's Tour of Paris

The course showcases Paris's greatest treasures:

  • Champs-Élysées (Start) - Below the Arc de Triomphe
  • Place de la Concorde (mile 1) - Historic square
  • Rue de Rivoli (miles 1-3) - Along the Tuileries Gardens
  • Bastille (mile 4) - Revolutionary history
  • Bois de Vincennes (miles 6-11) - Peaceful parkland
  • Nation (mile 12) - Halfway landmark
  • Île de la Cité (mile 17) - Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • Pont Alexandre III (mile 21) - The city's most ornate bridge
  • Eiffel Tower (mile 23) - Paris's defining landmark
  • Bois de Boulogne (miles 24-26) - Final park section
  • Avenue Foch (Finish) - Elegant tree-lined avenue

Course Challenges

While Paris isn't mountainous, the two large park sections (Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne) can feel isolating after the energy of central Paris. The undulations in these parks also accumulate, particularly on tired legs.

Why Paris?

Running a marathon is always memorable, but running through Paris elevates the experience to something extraordinary. The combination of world-famous landmarks, enthusiastic French crowds, and excellent organization makes it one of Europe's must-run marathons.

The race also offers exceptional value - a major international marathon through one of the world's most expensive cities, but with entry fees comparable to smaller regional races.

Getting In

Unlike the World Marathon Majors, Paris uses open registration rather than a lottery. However, the race is popular and spots fill quickly - often within weeks of registration opening.

Key tips:

  • Registration typically opens in September for the following April's race
  • Be ready to register immediately when it opens
  • No qualifying time required
  • Consider using an official tour operator for guaranteed entry

Race Day Tips

  • The start is cold - April mornings on the Champs-Élysées can be chilly
  • Banking time early is risky - The parks in the second half are where races come undone
  • Notre-Dame marks a turning point - You're back in central Paris for the finale
  • The Eiffel Tower provides a boost - Arguably the most scenic mile in marathon running
  • Bois de Boulogne can feel long - Stay mentally engaged in the final park section

Train for Paris Marathon

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