About the race
The Paris Marathon is an annual road marathon through the centre of the French capital. It is the largest running event in France by finishers and is normally listed among the five biggest marathons in the world.
History
A first "Tour de Paris" marathon took place in 1896, when 191 runners covered roughly 40 km from Paris to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine by way of Versailles, with Len Hurst of England winning. The present race dates from 1976 and is organised by Amaury Sport Organisation. It is normally held on a Sunday in April. In 2024 it recorded 53,899 finishers, which briefly stood as the largest marathon field on record, and the 2026 edition was run on 12 April.
The course
The route begins on the Champs-Élysées, heading downhill to loop around the Place de la Concorde before turning onto the Rue de Rivoli past the Louvre. After circling the Place de la Bastille it follows the Boulevard Soult out to the Bois de Vincennes, where a long loop brings runners back into the city. Halfway comes on the Rue de Charenton. The second half follows the Seine past the Île de la Cité and under the Pont Neuf, then through a series of tunnels. A large drinks station stands at the Trocadéro, opposite the Eiffel Tower. The course continues along the river before swinging out through the Bois de Boulogne and finishing on the Avenue Foch.
Distance
The race is the full 42.195 km marathon, and wheelchair races are held alongside it.
Entry basics
The field is capped at about 50,000 runners. Because French road races have historically required medical paperwork, the marathon long asked for a doctor's note; since the 2025 edition, organisers have accepted an online self-declaration instead. Check the organiser's site for the current registration window, any qualifying or time requirements and the finishing time limit.
Where to watch
The route passes some of the city's best-known sights, so the start on the Champs-Élysées, the Rue de Rivoli by the Louvre, the Place de la Bastille, the Trocadéro and the Avenue Foch finish are all natural gathering points. Crowds are largest in the centre, while the long loops in the two big wooded parks are quieter.
Weather
April in Paris is changeable spring weather. Mornings can be cool and fresh, afternoons mild, and showers are possible, so runners and supporters should be ready for a mix of sun and rain rather than expecting one steady pattern.
SourcesWikipedia: Paris Marathon