Paris Marathon 2026: All You Need to Know About This Year’s Edition
The 49th edition of the Paris Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026. This year, nearly 60,000 participants are expected to take on the iconic 42.195-kilometer course through the French capital. The race will commence gradually from 8:00 AM until noon, with staggered starts based on runners’ levels.
The Course: A Grand Tour of Paris
True to tradition, the marathon offers a magnificent route, starting from the Champs-Élysées and concluding at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, specifically on Avenue Foch, after traversing the Bois de Boulogne. The course will guide runners through many of Paris’s most famous landmarks, including the Place de la Concorde, Place Vendôme, the Opéra, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Bastille, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, and the Hippodrome d’Auteuil, as well as the Bois de Vincennes. This scenic route ensures a memorable experience for both participants and spectators, showcasing the beauty and history of Paris.
Top Contenders for 2026
The 2026 lineup is anticipated to be one of the most competitive in the history of the Paris Marathon. In the men’s category, all eyes will be on Ethiopian runner Kinde Atanaw, 32, who boasts the best personal record among the participants with a time of 2h03’51" achieved in Valencia in 2019. He will face strong competition from Kenyan athlete Hillary Kipkoech. For the women’s race, Kenyan runner Magdalyne Masai is widely considered the favorite, with her compatriot Sharon Chelimo expected to be her primary challenger. The high caliber of athletes promises an exciting and closely contested race.
Practical Information for Participants and Spectators
Participants can collect their bib numbers at Hall 1 of the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles, available on the three days leading up to the race (Thursday to Saturday). Luggage storage facilities will be provided near the finish line for personal belongings. Pacemakers, easily identifiable by their large colored plumes corresponding to each starting wave, will be available to assist runners in maintaining their desired pace.
Traffic in Paris will be significantly affected on race day. The first roads, including Concorde and Rue de Rivoli, are expected to reopen at 1:30 PM, followed by the Champs-Élysées at 3:00 PM, and Avenue Foch at 7:30 PM. For those who wish to follow the marathon route without running, the RATP has introduced a special "42 km line" on the metro, allowing tourists and supporters to experience the entire course via public transport.
Where to Watch the Race
The 49th edition of the Paris Marathon will be broadcast live on France 3 and Eurosport, with coverage beginning at 7:50 AM. Viewers can tune in to catch all the action and witness the thrilling conclusion of this prestigious event.
The Paris Marathon continues to be a highlight in the global running calendar, attracting elite athletes and amateur runners alike. Its combination of a challenging course and breathtaking scenery makes it a truly unique experience.
