Saumur Loire Marathon 2027
- Next event : 15 Sat ➜ May 16, 2027Date confirmed
- Last event : 9 Sat ➜ May 10, 2026
- 5 km / 10 km / Half Marathon (21.0975 km) / Multisports / Marathon (42.195 km)
The event in a few words
In the month of May 🌸, when springtime mildness is at its peak 🌞, the city of Saumur, in the Pays de la Loire, hosts the Loire Marathon. Under bright sunshine and mild temperatures 😌—perfect for clocking up the kilometers—the department of Maine-et-Loire becomes the stage for one of the finest events in France 🇫🇷. Three different events are offered: a marathon (53 mD+), a half-marathon, and a combined event (two-seater canoe 🛶 & running 👟) for those who love land 🪴 as much as water 💧. Original? That’s the point! 😏 More good news: the 21 km and the 42 km are open to para-athletes ♿️. Here’s more about the Loire Marathon ⬇️.
As you’ve understood, if the 26.2 miles of the marathon are a bit too much for you, no problem 👐. You can also split the difference 🍐 in two ✌️ with the half-marathon. Or, if you feel like cutting things in half even more, you can choose the combined canoe and running event! 🏃♀️ This event, done in pairs 🖇️ (it’s more practical and much more fun 😜), is a rare and challenging nature race that promises those who take it on an emotion-packed experience 🫶. The concept is simple: 12 km on the Loire in a two-seater canoe before hitting the road for 17 km of running. This event is, without a doubt, the flagship asset of the competition since it requires as much technique as chemistry and mental strength with your partner 👫.
Still, don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s the prettiest... or even the most legendary! 🙅♀️ The Loire Marathon’s reputation is well established. Last year, 6,000 runners (😯) gathered to start the 42 km and 4,500 for the 21 km. The FFA National Label has also made the marathon a qualifying event ✔️ for the French championship 🇫🇷. These races, as beautiful as they are demanding, promise you an exceptional panorama 😍 and an electrifying atmosphere ⚡. Indeed, it is the history-laden city 📚 of Saumur, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 🌎, that hosts the event, just a stone’s throw from its famous château 🏰. Scenery-wise, you’ll be spoiled right away ! Between wooded and countryside landscapes 🌳, you’ll be able to admire all the beautiful houses lining the royal river 👑, since the banks of this charming city will be your playground 🛝 throughout the events... when you’re not directly in the water (the canoe event)! 😂 Of course, the château—listed as a historic monument since 1862—will always be in the background of this fabulous setting 💫.
But that’s not everything that makes the Saumur Marathon ✋ famous. The big plus ➕ for athletes is also the non-existent elevation gain 📏. Yes, if you’re cheating on trail running, it might feel strange! 😅 On the other hand, if you want to hit your best time ⌚, it’s perfect! It’s easy to explain: your race will follow the banks of the Loire 🌊 closely, taking you through villages such as Saint-Lambert-des-Levées, Saint-Martin-de-la-Place, Saint-Clément-des-Levées, Gennes, Les-Rosiers-sur-Loire, Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent... Plenty of small towns that will bring a certain charm to the event! 💛
That doesn’t mean your stroll will be easy! Know that the Loire Marathon also means a fantastic atmosphere all along the course, with local music groups 🎷 and even DJs posted at key spots to accompany your strides 🎛️. In total, on the marathon, 44 entertainment points await you. Yes, you understood correctly, one at every km! 👏 The crowd will be out in force at your finish! 📣 After running all those kilometers, you’ll have earned a little glass 🍷 of Anjou wine as a reward! No, actually, it’s more like glasses of bubbly 🫧 that will welcome you 🍾. By the way, the prizes should motivate you: a nice jacket 🧥 and a bottle of Loire crémant for marathon runners 🎁.
Life is a long, calm river of 21.0975 km, 42.195 km, or filled with canoeing!
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
MarathonTOP
Half Marathon
Multisports
10 km
5 km
- Sunday, May 16, 2027 at 8:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 53mD+
- 6,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx42.195 km
A few more words
For this route, you set off from Saumur, with the majestic Loire as your guide 🌊. Head towards Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent, before passing through Chênehutte-Trêves-Cunault, and reaching Gennes. At the 20th kilometer, you cross the Loire via Gennes Island 🌉. Then, set your sights on the other bank for the way back, where you’ll discover Saint-Clément-des-Levées and Saint-Martin-de-la-Place. From the 37th kilometer, Millocheau Island opens its arms to you for one last push 🔥 before returning to Saumur and completing the loop 🔁.
Half Marathon
Road Running- Sunday, May 16, 2027 at 8:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 29mD+
- 4,000+ runners in the last edition
- Distinct starting and finishing locations
A few more words
For fans of half-measures (but not too much either 🙃), the Half is perfect! 😆 You start from Les Rosiers-sur-Loire and head to Saumur by taking the marathon return route. All along the course, the Loire will keep you company, with its shimmering reflections that will soothe your pain 😌.
The cherry on top 🍰: you’ll loop around the islands of Millocheau and Offard, natural gems that will give you wings 🪽 to cross the finish line. No need to be a seasoned marathoner to enjoy a grand experience! 💥
Combined duo event - Canoe + running
Multisports- Sunday, May 16, 2027 at 9:00 AM
- Canoe12 km
- Road Running17 km
A few more words
Looking to spice up your race? The Combined event is here for you, adventurer at heart! 🌟 This unique event offers you a challenge that’s both sporty and friendly. As a duo, you start with 12 km in a two-seater canoe on the Loire 🚣♂️.
Once you’ve put your paddle away, it’s time for running: 17 km along the half-marathon route all the way to Saumur. With your partner, you’ll share moments of camaraderie and pushing your limits, with some good splashes thrown in for good measure 💦.
So, ready to dive in… 🌊 and hit the pavement? 🛣️
10 km
Road Running- Saturday, May 15, 2027 at 8:00 PM
- Elevation gain : 30mD+
- 10 km
5km Matmut – #BORNTOGETMOVING
Road Running- Saturday, May 15, 2027 at 6:30 PM
- 5 km
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Friday, May 14 from 3pm to 8pm and Saturday, May 15, 2027 from 9am to 7pm at the Parc des Expositions, Avenue du Breil, 49400 Saumur.
Marathon: start on Sunday, May 16, 2027 at 8:30am from Place du Chardonnet, 49400 Saumur
Half-marathon: start on Sunday, May 16, 2027 at 8:00am from Île de Gennes (49350, Gennes)
Combined (12 km by canoe + 17 km running): start on Sunday, May 16, 2026 at 9:00am from Cale Mayaud, 49400 Saumur
10km : start on Saturday, May 15, 2027 at 8:00pm from Place du Chardonnet, 49400 Saumur
5km Matmut #bornTomove : start on Saturday, May 15, 2027 at 6:30pm from Place du Chardonnet, 49400 Saumur
Loire Marathon:
Phase 1 (until 01/12/26): €78
Phase 2 (from 02/12/26): €88
Loire Half-Marathon:
Phase 1 (until 01/12/2026): €52
Phase 2 (from 02/12/2026): €62
Canoe Combined:
€90/person
No, the medical certificate is no longer required to be able to start.
The new PPS certificate available here replaces it.
FFA license holders must provide their 2026-2027 Athletics License numbers.
Minors must show a questionnaire relating to their state of health. Guardians certify that each section of the questionnaire results in a negative answer. Failing that, they are required to produce a medical certificate attesting to the absence of any contraindication to the practice of sport or the discipline concerned, dated less than six months ago.
For more information on the Health Prevention Pathway (PPS), we recommend this article.All aid stations include solids and liquids at each point:
For the marathon: every 5 km and at the finish
For the half-marathon: every 5 km and at the finish
For the combined event (12 km by canoe + 17 km running): first aid station at the end of the water section, then every 5 km and at the finish
For the 10km: at the 5th km and at the finish
For the 5km: at the finish
The Individual Marathon event is open to all runners, licensed and unlicensed, from the Espoirs to Masters categories, born in 2007 or earlier (20 years old in 2027).
The half-marathon event is open to all runners, licensed and unlicensed, from the Juniors to Masters categories, born in 2009 or earlier (18 years old in 2027).
The Combined event (two-seater canoe – running) is open to all runners born in 2007 or earlier (20 years old in 2027).
For the marathon: 6h
km 20.2: pass in 2:51:00 at the Etoile roundabout – 49350 GENNES
km 25.2: pass in 3:34:00 at Place Michel Pruvost – 49350 ST-CLÉMENT-DES-LEVÉES
km 30: pass in 4:15:00 at the Boumois roundabout – 49350 SAINT MARTIN DE LA PLACE
km 35.6: pass at 5:03:00 at the roundabout Place Vaucel – 49400 SAUMUR
km 40.6: pass at 5:45:00 at Cessart bridge – 49400 SAUMUR
For the half-marathon: 3h
km 8.1: pass in 1:15:00 at the Boumois roundabout – 49350 SAINT MARTIN DE LA PLACE
km 14.5: pass at 2:03:00 at the roundabout Place Vaucel – 49400 SAUMUR
km 19.5: pass at 2:45:00 at Cessart bridge – 49400 SAUMUR
For the 10 km: 1h30
For the 5 km: 1h00
Para-athletes must bring an approved helmet and a suitable wheelchair. Motorized devices, handbikes or any other geared device are not allowed.
For the combined event, the boat as well as all equipment will be provided by the organizer.
As part of the Individual Marathon, ranking prizes will be paid, equally, to runners finishing on the podium (top 3 overall men and women): €1,000 for the overall winner, €750 for the overall runner-up, €500 for the overall third. A performance bonus, equal and cumulative, will reward runners who achieve the following performances: €300 for any male competitor who crosses the finish line under 2h20, €300 for any female competitor who crosses the finish line under 2h45.
As part of the half-marathon, ranking prizes will be paid, equally, to runners finishing on the podium (top 3 overall men and women): €600 for the overall winner, €400 for the overall runner-up, €200 for the overall third
You can become a volunteer by clicking on this link.
You can contact the organizers:
by post: 19 quai Carnot, Saumur, 49400
by email: contact@marathon-loire.fr
by phone: 02 52 60 59 00
by filling out a contact form on the race website
You will find the list of registered participants by clicking here.
You can submit your cancellation request if you took out a flexibility option via this form: https://forms.finishers.com/annulation-marathon-de-la-loire-2027
No, your goodies are not sent by mail. You can pick them up after the race at the “Post-race goodies” booth, at the exit of the Finish Village located Place du Chardonnet in Saumur.
No refund is possible outside of the flexibility option, if it was taken out.
You can check the race rules here
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