Running full speed ahead, nothing is better than doing it in Cabourg! ๐โโ๏ธ
Ladies and gentlemen, make way for the king of the North ๐. Attach your bibs and let yourself be carried by the splendid... Cabourg Half Marathon! ๐ Once the excitement has calmed and you've regained your senses, we can tell you a bit more about this road race in an urban setting and by the coast. We guarantee itโs as refreshing as it gets ๐คฉ.
Head to Calvados, in Normandy for this half marathon with a national scale within the famous seaside resort of Cabourg. Once a fishing village ๐ฃ, it was not until the late 19th century that the city became, through the initiative of Henri Durand-Morimbeau and Achille Colin, respectively a lawyer and director of the Saint-Martin theater, a seaside resort ๐. As the city rapidly developed, with the building of the famous "Grand-Hotel" (1861) and the Casino (1867), rebuilt of stone, it gave a new dimension to this more than renowned seaside resort ๐โโ๏ธ. The period known as "La Belle รpoque" was important for Cabourg. It indeed inspired many artists, including a certain Marcel Proust (no less!) who was charmed by both its beauty and its therapeutic benefits ๐ฅฐ. For yes, Mr. Proust went to Cabourg to treat his asthma, surely to better prepare himself for the half marathon ๐ฌ. It also became a source of inspiration for part of his work "In Search of Lost Time" ๐ฐ.
The meeting is set for the end of March ๐, as spring makes its grand entrance in Normandy ๐ผ, where the locals are well-acquainted with the region's climatic conditions ๐ . However, if you're not from around here, and it's your first time in the area, we suggest packing some warm clothes or even spares just in case (but really just in case) the rain shows up โ๏ธ. Also, the wind might decide to join the race ๐จ. Behind you or in front, it'll play with you to make you strain those legs or give you a little push ๐ช.
So, it's clear you're off for a legendary half marathon between land and sea ๐ฆ, along the Normandy coast and through the main streets of the famous seaside resort ๐ฅ. Donโt worry, itโs a rolling course without any gradient and accessible to all ๐ฌ. What awaits is a flat course ๐, in the form of a loop that you'll complete twice, for twice the fun โฟ. Now, let's take a look at the course! ๐ After an early start, the race kicks off at precisely 9 AM, near the legendary Stade Fernand Sastre ๐๏ธ. After a fanfare start ๐บ, you'll head west, skirting the commune of Varaville. At this hour, it will feel like you have the town just for yourself ๐. You'll see there are very few turns, maybe a chance to unleash some sprints ๐๏ธ. The course bypasses the city center and leads you to the Promenade Marcel Proust, which overlooks the beach and the sea. Rest assured, you wonโt have your feet in the flat sand, itโs a 100% road half โฑ๏ธ. Now is not the time to be in search of lost time ๐ฌ, as you will run along the seafront for about 4 km ๐. Indeed, youโll run (twice!) on the longest pedestrian promenade in Europe, allowing ample time to admire the view on offer ๐. Itโs a long straight line with the sea on your left and on your right, a series of beautiful typical buildings from the area. Enjoy the view, the bracing iodine air from the flowered coast. You'll pass in front of the Marine Theatre as well as face the famous Grand Hotel and the Casino de Cabourg ๐ฐ. Weโre willing to bet you'll be amazed! ๐ At the end of the promenade, a 180-degree turn takes you along the river La Dives, with a view of the neighboring town, Dives-sur-Mer. Come on, just a few kilometers left until you complete your first lap. Only at the end of the second lap can you unleash your best stride in front of the stadium ๐๏ธ.
So, did it take your breath away? ๐ซฃ How about filling that belly now? ๐ฝ๏ธ Besides its stunning heritage, the city of Cabourg boasts many other attractions including its gastronomy ๐. Local flavors will delight your taste buds while offering variety. Canโt you just see yourself sitting on a terrace, overlooking the sea? ๐น The city is beautiful, so donโt wait any longer to stroll through the centerโs alleys. Moreover, you'll also have the chance to admire the buildings from the "Belle รpoque." From the Villa Marie Antoinette to the Villa du Temps retrouvรฉ, you'll be mesmerized by their distinctive style and architectural beauty ๐๏ธ. Then why not try your luck at the casino? ๐ค Who knows, you might not leave empty-handed from your journey in Normandy ๐ฐ.
PS: If youโre won over by the half and want to challenge yourself the royal Marathon, we have something for you ๐ค . Just a few kilometers away, and only a few weeks later, another event opens its doors: The International Marathon in Deauville ๐ฆธ. Mid-November, this event offers a variety of distances, from the most accessible to the legendary 42 km.
In the heart of the city of Cabourg, you will embark on a race between land and sea, both enjoyable and exceptional ๐ค.
With a start and finish at the Fernand Sastre Stadium โฝ๏ธ, you will bypass the city center and fully enjoy its "Belle รpoque" architecture ๐. Cabourg also offers invigorating scenery, and the Marcel Proust promenade, which you will traverse for about 4 km, will only reinforce this impression ๐. The sea and the fine sandy beach on one side, while on the other side are the monuments that tell the city's history. Casino, theater and even the Grand-Hotel, will leave you awestruck ๐คฉ.
This solo format allows you to fully enjoy the race and perhaps even set a new record! โฑ
Runners can collect their bib number on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 2 PM to 7 PM and on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10 AM to 7 PM at the race village located at the Gymnasium of La Divette (19 Avenue de la Divette, Cabourg). An ID will be required to collect the bib number.
The half marathon will start on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 9 AM from the Gymnasium of La Divette, 19 Avenue de la Divette - Cabourg.
You must be at least 17 years old to start.
No, it is not required, however, you must present a PPS certificate dated less than three months before the race date. Valid FFA licenses are also accepted.
For minors, a parental authorization along with an honor declaration must be provided.
First 500 bibs:
FFA members: โฌ30
Non-members: โฌ33
Next 1,000 bibs:
FFA members: โฌ32
Non-members: โฌ36
Beyond that:
FFA members: โฌ35
Non-members: โฌ39
You will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the half marathon.
Yes, there will be solid and liquid refreshments offered:
solid refreshment at the 10th km and at the finish
liquid refreshment at the 3rd, 10th, and 13.5th km.
Yes, lockers will be available at the Gymnasium of La Divette from 7:30 AM to 12 PM. For security reasons, only one bag per participant will be accepted. Suitcases (other than "cabin" suitcases) or other large-sized bags will not be accepted.
Yes, for target times of 1h30 / 1h45 / 2h.
You can check the race rules here
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