Paris Marathon: Date, Route, and Important Details
The Paris Marathon is one of Europe’s largest city races. One day each year, the streets shut down to create a 26.2-mile route starting on the Champs-Elysées and passing through some of Paris’s most historically rich neighborhoods, culminating in a finish at the Arc de Triomphe.
- Location: Paris, France
- Distance: 42.195 km (26.2 miles)
- Start: Champs-Elysées
- Finish: Avenue Foch
- Date: Every year in April
- Participants: Approximately 50,000
- Official Name: Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris
From the first mile, runners fall into step with the city’s rhythm, surrounded by world-famous architecture from start to finish. As both a popular event and performance-focused race, the marathon and expo attract well-known athletes and first-timers alike.
When is the Paris Marathon?
The Paris Marathon takes place every April. The 2026 Marathon de Paris will be held on April 12th with the Run Experience expo open in the lead-up to the city's race. Visit the website for more event details.
What time does the Paris Marathon start?
Race start times are staggered over the course of three hours depending on your anticipated running pace and finish time. Elite waves set out on the Champs-Elysées just before 8 a.m. on race day, and the last starters begin around midday, giving them time to fuel up with breakfast.
The history of the Paris Marathon
The race’s modern iteration first took place in 1976, though the first Paris Marathon, the Tour de Paris, was held in 1896. The event grew throughout the 1980s and ‘90s as running became more and more popular.
Over time, the race has become one of Europe’s largest in terms of participation. Its title partnership with Schneider Electric since 2013 reflects a growing scale and prestige.
The Marathon de Paris is reputed to be relatively fast, with Elisha Rotich holding the men’s record of a 2:04:21 first-place finish and Judith Korir leading the women with a finish of 2:19:48. The race also readily accommodates finish times of up to 6 hours, reinforcing Paris's accessibility and popularity.
How many people run the Paris Marathon?
Around 50,000 runners finish the race each year. The event is highly international, with runners and spectators traveling to Paris from across Europe, North America, Africa, and beyond.
The sheer scale of the race is apparent from the start, with wide city streets needed to accommodate all the runners.
Registration opens months in advance and will typically sell out well before race day. The race does not require qualifying times to earn a place, unlike other races with stricter time standards. Combined with the course's undeniable wealth of landmarks, this helps explain the race’s global popularity.
The Paris Marathon route details
Start and finish
The race begins on the Champs-Elysées, after which it descends toward Place de la Concorde. This slight downhill can encourage a faster start, requiring runners to manage pacing to avoid early fatigue.
The finish line is at Avenue Foch, near the Arc de Triomphe, and the relatively flat final mile is a great chance to finish strong.
Key landmarks
Runners pass the Louvre, Hotel de Ville, and the Bastille before running along the Seine River for nearly six miles with views of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Longer segments through the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne give runners a break from city streets, allowing them to spread out.
Some city marathon routes twist and turn, but the Marathon de Paris course favors long, straight stretches. Runners will experience the city’s vibrant heart and quieter park roads, all in a single race.
Elevation and course profile
The Paris Marathon’s elevation gain is moderate. There are rolling hills, but no sustained climbs in the route.
What makes the Paris Marathon unique?
Paris is known as the city of love, and that love extends to its marathon. Over 50,000 people gather one day each year on the Champs-Elysées to set out and enjoy the sights from the course. The Marathon de Paris combines the electric energy of massive crowds with one of Europe’s most enchanting capitals.
The event date also lends it a unique place in the European race calendar as an alternative to the more exclusive Abbott World Marathon Majors. For runners eyeing a spring performance without strict qualification barriers, it’s a great option.
Paris itself has also become an important capital for road-running culture. Salomon’s presence in the city includes multiple brand stores, like Salomon’s French flagship right by the start on the Champs-Elysées, as well as the brand’s new Paris Hub near Gare de l’Est, a creative center featuring offices, immersive showrooms, and spaces for community events and athlete gatherings. The city’s marathon reflects those priorities, balancing performance and community with its pre-race Run Experience expo.
Participating in the Paris Marathon: how to prepare and what to bring
Even runners with experience need proper preparation and road running gear to get the most out of race day and finish strong.
- Training should prioritize sustained output and discipline; Paris’s early downhill makes restraint vital to reserving energy for later in the day. An eight-week running training plan is a good start to help determine pace ahead of race day. You can also use training to test variables and determine details like what kind of breakfast will keep you going for miles.
- The weather in April, when the Paris marathon is held, varies throughout the day. Layers are a practical choice; early mornings can feel cool before you warm up as the day progresses.
- Find the right running footwear for your goals. Lightweight performance shoes are good for experienced runners chasing personal bests, while more cushioning means comfort for first-time participants managing distance. Use training as a way to test out your running shoes and ensure you’re ready for race day.
Paris Marathon FAQs
Is the Paris Marathon difficult?
The course’s changing density requires focus, so the need to manage pace early on and stay motivated through quieter park sections largely dictates difficulty. With a good pair of running shoes and solid training, Paris is a great gateway marathon for first timers.
Is the Paris Marathon route hilly?
The route's elevation gain is moderate, with gentle undulations rather than sustained climbs, contributing further to its approachability.
Is the Paris Marathon expensive?
Fees are on par with other large European marathons. Travel and accommodation costs for your trip will vary depending on booking strategy and hotel location. Visit the race website for more details.
Do you need to qualify for the Paris Marathon?
No qualification time is required for a place, and registration is first-come, first-served. Runners can also obtain charity entries.
Is the Paris Marathon beginner friendly?
Yes. Paris's open entries and structured course are great for first-time marathoners with appropriate marathon training plans.
The Paris Marathon 2026: Team Salomon Hits the Streets
The Schneider Electric Marathon in Paris offers runners a fast, scenic route through the heart of the city, perfect for chasing personal bests or soaking in the atmosphere. In April 2026, the full Salomon Road Team will be on the ground: Matthias Kyburz, Futsum Zienesselassie, and Maggie Montoya will race, while the rest of the crew will set the pace, support their teammates, and take in the iconic Parisian experience. It’s a week of performance, teamwork, and community at one of Europe’s most celebrated road races.
Explore other city races in Europe’s marathon circuit: