Marseille Outdoor Experiences 2026
- Next event : Sun, November 8, 2026Date confirmed
- Last event : Sun, November 9, 2025
The event in a few words
Trail running under the expert eye of the "Good Mother"? 👀 It's only possible at the Marseille Outdoor Experiences! 🤩 This race is one of the most thrilling urban trails awaiting you in the south of France 🌞, on Marseille's land. Whether you're a fan of short trails or you prefer more significant challenges longer, three courses will be offered: a 5 km, a 12 km, and a 21 km! 👟 Each step will take you closer to the iconic monuments of the Phocaean City 🐟, queen of the Bouches-du-Rhône 👑. Early November, the temperatures will be ideal for you to perform 💪. But just because you'll have a sea view of the Mediterranean along the course doesn't mean it will be easy! 😜
Indeed, the city of Marseille has plenty of climbs in store! 📈 You won't need to bring crampons, but a good pair of poles might help you up those stairs 😬. The 5 km is gentle with a 40 mD+, the 12 km has a positive elevation of 267 m, and the 21 km boasts 463 mD+ 😅. You probably didn't expect to gain that much elevation during your race, did you? 😶🌫️ Incidentally, the 21 km is quite technical and falls into the 20K UTMB category, so the race can help you earn points for potential qualifications! 🏆 No worries, if you're not a seasoned trail runner seeking results, you can still enjoy the course without focusing on performance 😉. The route is designed to dazzle you! ✨ Imagine running along the Corniche, with the endless blue of the Mediterranean Sea, or through the scenic lanes of the Panier, the oldest quarter in the city 🏃♂️. But let's not forget the highlight of your climb ⬆️: the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde! ⛪ Nestled atop its hill, it's a sight to behold and well worth the effort to see! 😍 Even locals who know the city like the back of their hand have discovered places they were unaware of! So, what do you think of this fantastic course? 🤪
If that's not enough to convince you to grab your bib, we've curated a selection of top-tier activities 🧅 (the same ones found on the pissaladière 🐟). For football fans, a mandatory stop is the Orange Vélodrome Stadium: attending a match is a whole experience! 🏟️ For nature lovers, idyllic spots await: the Calanques of Marseille, the Frioul Islands, the Cosquer caves… You'll be spoilt for choice! 😵💫 And to live the Marseille experience 100%, why not celebrate your medal on one of the Old Port terraces with the pals? 🍻
Between sporting challenge and cultural discovery, the Marseille Outdoor Experiences is the event you can't miss! 🔥
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
21 kmTOP
12 km
5 km
- Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 7:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 463mD+
- Distinct starting and finishing locations
A few more words
Ah, a 21 km (almost a half-marathon) is far from an easy task, so it's better if there's a beautiful setting. And in this case, you're in luck! ⭐️ But still, beware of the elevation, which will total 463 mD+; that's no small feat! 🤓
Starting from the Le Peron restaurant 🏖️, you won't be sitting on the terrace, but rather heading towards the Parc Montvert and the Corniche Kennedy with a view of the Mediterranean Sea 🌊. Running along the seaside until km 7, you won't face any drastic climb, but enjoy it because it won't last. On your way, the 4th kilometer will be on the sand, just to warm up your calves for the upcoming climb 📈.
After covering the great Prado beach, at km 8, near the Borély park, it's time to turn back and head back north of the city 🤩. Be aware, there will be quite a few stairs along your route amidst all these buildings, but the landscapes will quickly make you forget the difficulty of the course 🤗.
From km 12, the thighs will heat up a bit with a solid climb for almost 3 km and more than 150 mD+! But hey, this climb takes you to the magnificent Notre-Dame de la Garde, so yes, it's worth sweating a bit 🥵. Afterward, you can catch your breath on the descent which will obviously lead you to the Old Port and the Canebière 🙌. To end on a high note, km 19 will take you around the Vieille Charité Center, before finishing beautifully alongside the Mediterranean, near the Sainte-Marie Lighthouse.
12 km – Technical, fun, and intense
Trail- Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 8:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 267mD+ / 258mD-
- 1 loopx12 km
A few more words
12 km and 267 mD+, in the heart of Marseille, that's quite something to get your legs moving before winter hits! ❄️
Starting from restaurant Le Peron 🏖️, you're not heading to the terrace, but rather towards Parc Valmer and the Corniche Kennedy with views of the Mediterranean Sea 🌊. Running along the seaside up to km 3, you won't face any drastic ascent yet, but enjoy it because it won't last. After passing the park, you'll head towards the beautiful and grand Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde, which will make you understand where those 200mD+ come from...
Afterwards, you can catch your breath on the descent that obviously leads you to the Old Port and the Canebière 🙌. To end on a high note, return to the waterfront to enjoy the Port of Marseille! 🚢 Right at the edge of the terraces of the port, you'll be ready to relax and chill post-race 🥂.
5 km – Accessible, fun and explosive
Trail- Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 40mD+ / 38mD-
- 1 loopx5 km
A few more words
For this 5 km, you will start from the Esplanade de la Major. This urban trail will take you running through the heart of the Panier district, all along the Old Port! 🚣
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
2026 information coming soon.
The events will start on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from Restaurant le Peron:
at 7 am for the 21 km
at 8:30 am for the 12 km
at 10 am for the 5 km, starting from Esplanade de la Major
For the 21 km: 11/08/2006 (20 years old)
For the 12 km: 11/08/2008 (18 years old)
For the 5 km: 11/08/2010 (16 years old)
2026 information coming soon.
Refreshments are available every 6 km.
No, it is not required, however, you must present a PPS certificate dated less than one year from the race date.
For the 21 km: 4 hours
For the 12 km: 3 hours
For the 5 km: 2 hours
The following equipment is not mandatory but highly recommended:
Water reserve of at least 50 cl
Energy bars or gels
Reusable cup
Your registration includes:
1 Finisher medal
1 free beer (at the end of the race)
Access to refreshments
Partner products
Timing
Course security
If you still have questions, you can contact the organizers using the form at the bottom of the page: https://www.marseilleoutdoorexperiences.fr
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