Biarritz International Marathon - Basque Country 2026
See more about the offersMarathon de Biarritz
- Next event : Early May 2026
- Last event : 3 Sat ➜ May 4, 2025
The event in a few words
We're taking you to the Pyrenees-Atlantiques for the International Marathon of Biarritz - Basque Country. You'll see the beach from the land with various distances on offer: a marathon, a 3-person relay marathon, a half marathon, and a 12 km that you can choose to run or walk.
Ocean 🐳, fine sand 🏝️, surfer spots 🏄♀️, plus the legendary Bayonne festival 🐃, you'll definitely know the famous Basque Coast. It's one of the favorite seaside destinations for french vacationers every summer 😎 and the ultimate holiday spot. We meet you in Biarritz, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, for the International Marathon of Biarritz 📍. This fantastic event takes place at the start of May. Expect a hot atmosphere and hopefully, you'll be all fired up too! 🔥 May is the perfect month to enjoy the fresh oceanic spring air! This is indeed the real advantage of this race: it offers you an ideal setting to enjoy a holiday vibe in advance! Don't be surprised by the weather, as this is the magic 🪄 of the region. You might experience intense heat ☀️ or gray and rainy conditions 🌦. What an adventure! 😅
Back to the race 👉. Not only can you tackle the ambitious 42 km distance, but there's also a half marathon and a 12 km where you can showcase your running talents solo or in a team 👯♂️, thanks to the "12 km Duo Entreprises" option for coworkers looking for a challenge✨. If the marathon course catches your eye 👀, but the long distance intimidates you, no worries. You can also tackle it in a 3-person relay 🤝. This event is meant to be accessible, especially with the 12 km walk 🚶🏼♂️ allowing everyone to participate! Describing the race without mentioning the course? 🫢 Let's be clear, a dual-natured course awaits you 🎭.
The International Marathon of Biarritz is unique in how it varies the landscapes. You will alternate between trails and roads, city and nature, sea and mountains, lake and hilly paths 👍🏼. You'll never be bored! So, ready to ride run? Your journey begins with discovering the historic city of Biarritz with a start and finish at the Stadium Christina Aguilera 🏟️. The various races let you explore the city's landmarks as well as charming neighboring villages that highlight the typical beauty of the region. Prepare to run along the seaside 🌊, with the wind in your hair 💨, and also brace for some climbs. Nothing too daunting... But you know the famous saying about breathtaking scenery? They are worth the effort! 😉 You might even have the chance, weather permitting, to admire the Pyrenees mountain range ⛰️. As mentioned, the sea may be a bit choppy: with 480 m of elevation gain for the Marathon and 320 m of elevation gain for the Half Marathon of Biarritz, make sure to lace up your shoes well and get ready to face the challenges 💪.
Once your feet are tired, why not try out some water sports? Perhaps even surfing? 🤔 We know, how original 😌. After your surf session, you can explore the city of Biarritz, which is packed with spots to discover like the Biarritz Aquarium 🐠, the Historical Museum, the Asian Art Museum, and the Chocolate Museum 🍫. Speaking of chocolate, if you're like us and love trying regional culinary specialties, you're in for a treat! 🍽️ For those seeking new challenges, try the famous Espelette Pepper 🌶️ without tearing up 🥲. More seriously, for a proper meal, we recommend tasting the Bayonne ham 🥩 or the well-known Basque chicken 🍗. As for cheese, indulge in Ossau-Iraty 🧀, paired with an Irouléguy (local vineyard wine), to be enjoyed in moderation 🍷. To end on a sweet note, we suggest the Basque cake, the star dessert of the region 🍰.
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
MarathonTOP
Half Marathon
12 km
1.6 km
Kids
- Early May 2026
- Elevation gain : 480mD+
- 1 loopx42.195 km
A few more words
Come on, marathon runners, let's keep moving and get ready to explore an awesome route 😄.
Your adventure kicks off at the Stade de Aguilera in Biarritz. No, unfortunately, Christina won't be singing here 🎤, but many rugby matches 🏉 take place at this venue. Are you ready for a grand start?
You'll run alongside the Lac Marion, a coastal conservatory surrounded by 5 hectares of green spaces. Nature is calling in the city, and you'll continue to enjoy scenic views as you make your way to the Lac de Mouriscot. Expect diverse landscapes, including woodland 🌳 and a lake with green waters 🛶. At 13 km, you'll reach your first village, Bassussarry, known for its typical Basque coast houses. We're sure the locals will cheer you on! Remember, ⚠️ don't litter, as this area is home to a regional nature reserve! 🦆 Heads up, this is where the elevation starts, as all the charming villages along the way feature hilly paths. Stay strong; the route gets smoother after this point, we promise 🙏.
🎶 "Biarritz, under your enchanting sky, I found happiness" 🎶. If these lyrics sound familiar, it's because the singer was none other than Luis Mariano, who passed away in 1970 and is buried in Arcangues, a village on your route. Apart from the singer's tombstone, you'll have the unique chance to pass through the Golf d'Arcangues, offering stunning views over the Pyrenees ⛰️. This majestic spot provides an incredible landscape with many natural elevations 🖼.
At kilometer 19, you'll arrive in the lovely town of Arbonne, a village that is sure to delight you, particularly because of the original stone house architecture 🏠 (but we'll let you discover it for yourself! 😉). Explore its rich historical heritage, including the Saint-Laurent Church, listed as a Historical Monument. At 26 km, you'll enter the charming coastal village of Bidart, the highest village on the Basque Coast 👆. Originally a whaling port 🐳, its history dates back to the Middle Ages. Although fishing 🎣 is not practiced here anymore, it's still a highlight of your race. Sadly, you won't have time to stop, but we recommend coming back after your run to enjoy the scenery, cafes, and restaurants🍴.
Finally, the much-anticipated seaside segment of your route will unfold before you. Your journey by the sea will begin, offering breathtaking ocean views all the way to the finish line. You'll pass by unique spots like the "100 steps" (commonly used to descend to the beach 🏝️). Don't worry, you're just passing by. Whew! But don't relax just yet; the last stretch of your run holds some hills. Yes, we told you, those amazing views are worth the effort! 😻
While you won't be running on the sand (as you'll be on roads overlooking the sea), you'll be very close to the stunning beaches on the coast, such as La Milady and Marbella 😏. No time to lay down your towel, as you're approaching one of the highlights of this race, the Villa Belza, founded in 1880, an exceptional site that has actually been used for filming several movie scenes.
What's next (and the finale)? A detour past the Old Port and a stop at the foot of the Biarritz Lighthouse, towering at 73 meters 👀. We weren't kidding when we said the route is extraordinary... All good things must come to an end! A few final strides and you'll make a triumphant return to Biarritz, finishing with a grand arrival at the Stade Aguilera 👏.
Marathon relais (3 runners)
Road Running- Early May 2026
- Elevation gain : 550mD+
- 1 loopx42.195 km
A few more words
Your route is exactly the same as the marathoners'. What changes is that depending on where you start your race, you'll experience different landscapes than your fellow runners.
Here are the 3 points to take the relay:
- The first point is at kilometer 14 in Bussassarry. This is where you'll encounter most of the elevation gain along the village's rolling paths 📈.
- The second point is at kilometer 20 in Arbonne. This charming town offers a unique view of the Pyrenees... ⛰
- The third point is at kilometer 32, at the Colline de Handia. The race concludes with a course along the seaside 🌊.
Half Marathon
Road Running- Early May 2026
- Elevation gain : 250mD+
- 1 loopx21.0975 km
A few more words
The Half Marathon is every bit as exciting as the Marathon 👉. The course awaiting you promises to be equally thrilling! While the marathon ventures into neighboring towns, your race will remain in the heart of Biarritz, which we assure you is full of surprises and breathtaking spots 😍.
The champion in you will start the race at the Aguilera Stadium in Biarritz. Known for hosting rugby matches 🏉, this sports park promises an atmosphere worthy of major celebrations 🎉. Ready for your adventure? Let's go!
Your journey begins by skirting the Lac Marion 🛶, a coastal conservatory spread across 5 hectares of green spaces. Nature makes a guest appearance in the city. If you don't have time for a guided tour, you can enjoy a coffee at a terrace or dine at one of the many restaurants in this area after your run 🍴.
You'll continue through picturesque scenes, as your route takes you around the Lac de Mouriscot. This exceptional setting offers diverse landscapes like wooded areas 🌳 and a lake with serene green waters... 🥰 Even though the scenery is idyllic, the trails remain hilly. So, make sure you keep your breath steady! 😉
Soon you'll see the fine sand of Milady Beach. That’s right, you'll be reaching the seaside for the remainder of your race. In these next few kilometers, with the wind in your hair 💨, you'll approach one of the highlights of this race: the Villa Belza, founded in 1880. This exceptional site has even been featured in films 📽 for numerous movie scenes. For the last leg of your already exciting program, we suggest you take a short detour to the Old Port, and a few meters further, pass close to the famous Biarritz Lighthouse standing 73 meters tall.
These final landmarks mark the end of your stunning journey... Only a few more meters to go before you return to the Aguilera Stadium, where fellow participants will be awaiting you 👏.
12 km : La Boucle des Plages
Road Running- Early May 2026
- Elevation gain : 110mD+
- 1 loopx12 km
A few more words
The 12 km route lets you run through the city of Biarritz.
Like your fellow runners, you will start and finish at the Stade d'Aguilera. Regardless of the distance, this event offers a well-organized start!
The first few kilometers will take you through some of the most famous spots on the Basque Coast. This route offers a sneak peek into the vibrant summer atmosphere of this coastal town, inviting you to discover its typical and charming places! Plus, you can count on the locals to cheer you on 👏.
The city paths gently lead you to the coastal section, offering breathtaking views of the ocean 🌊. Yes, you too will get to run along the seaside 🥰. This stunning section is one of the highlights of this race. Unfortunately, you won't be running directly on the sand, but rather on roads overlooking the beautiful coastal beaches 🏖 (it's more comfortable, after all).
As if the scenery wasn't enough, you'll get to see up close the race's key landmarks: starting with the Villa Belze, founded in 1880. This exceptional site has actually been used in films 📽 for shooting several scenes. After a detour at the Old Port, you'll stay on course towards the Biarritz Lighthouse, which stands 73 meters tall 👀.
12 km Duo Entreprises
Road Running- Early May 2026
- Elevation gain : 110mD+
- 1 loopx12 km
12 km rando
Walking- Early May 2026
- Elevation gain : 110mD+
- 1 loopx12 km
A few more words
The 12 km walk follows the same route as the 12 km run 😉.
1.6 km : Course Kids
Road Running- Early May 2026
- 1 loopx1.6 km
Races for children / juniors 👶
👦🏼 A children's running event is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 4 PM at Aguilera Stadium⌚️.
There are 3 races with different distances based on age categories:
- Baby Athlé (ages 5-6) : 400 m – 1 lap
- U 10 (ages 7-8-9) : 850 m – 2 laps
- U12 (ages 10-11) : 1.5 km – 3 laps
- U14 (ages 12-13) : 1.6 km – 4 laps
📍 You can pick up the bib numbers for those little ones who stick to you like glue at Halle Iraty on Saturday, May 3, from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
We highly recommend those staying nearby to walk to the start line. Otherwise, use public transportation or consider carpooling. You can also check the route to the venue on your race page.
A list of park-and-ride facilities will be provided soon.
All races will begin at the Aguiléra Sports Park.
Marathon: starts at 7:00 AM
Relay Marathon: starts at 7:00 AM
Semi-Marathon: starts at 10:30 AM
Beach Loop (12 km): starts at 8:00 AM
The 12 km Walk: 8:30 AM
Corporate 12 km Duo: 8:00 AM (to be confirmed)
Kids Races: starts at 4:00 PM
Participants can pick up their race bibs on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Hiraty Hall between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Yes, there will be a baggage drop area where you can leave your bag (limited to 25L). Bag drop facilities are available only for the Marathon, Semi-Marathon, and the 12 km race.
Yes, both solid and liquid refreshments will be available along each course.
For the marathon and semi-marathon: refreshment stations every 5 km
For the 12 km race, walk, and corporate duo: 2 refreshment stations on the route and at the finish line
The medical certificate has now been replaced by the PPS, which you can find here. It must be completed within the three weeks preceding the event.
Participants who are already licensed can provide a valid FFA 'Athlé Competition', 'Athlé Enterprise', 'Athlé Running', a valid Running Pass, or other valid licenses: French Federation of Adapted Sport (FFSA).
For the Solo Marathon: over 20 years old
For the Relay Marathon: over 16 years old, with parental consent
For the Semi Marathon: over 18 years old
For the 12 km: over 16 years old, with parental consent
For the 12 km Walk: over 12 years old, with parental consent
For the Corporate 12 km Duo: over 18 years old
Kids: over 5 years old, with parental consent
All races must be completed by 3:00 PM, with a specific requirement for the marathon: participants must pass the 32 km mark at Ilbarritz by 1:30 PM.
Yes, prizes will be awarded to competitors present during the award ceremony.
For the Solo Marathon: €60 for the first 1000 bibs, then €70, €80 on-site
For the Relay Marathon: €92 for the first 1000 bibs, then €112, €130 on-site
For the Semi Marathon: €40 for the first 1000 bibs, then €44, €50 on-site
For the 12 km: €17 for the first 1000 bibs, then €22, €25 on-site
For the 12 km Walk: €14 for the first 1000 bibs, then €16, €20 on-site
For the Corporate 12 km Duo: Starting from €72
Kids: €8 for the first 1000 bibs, then €10, €12 on-site
The registration fee includes:
A welcome gift for everyone
Electronic timing (except for the walk and kids categories)
No paper or plastic cups will be provided at refreshment stations, so participants must bring their own container (such as a flask or collapsible cup). Poles are not allowed (except for the 12 km walk). Animals are not permitted on the courses.
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