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Saumur Loire Marathon 2026

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The event in a few words

In the month of May 🌸, when the spring mildness is at its peak 🌞, the town of Saumur, in the Pays de la Loire, hosts the Loire Marathon. Under a beautiful sun and mild temperatures 😌, perfect for swallowing miles, the department of Maine-et-Loire is the stage for one of the most beautiful events in France 🇫🇷. There are 3 different events on offer: a marathon (53 mD+), a half-marathon, and a combined event (tandem canoe 🛶 & running 👟), for those who love both earth 🪴 and water 💧. Original? That's the goal! 😏 Another good news: the 21 km and 42 km are open to para-athletes ♿️. More about the Loire Marathon ⬇️.

As you have understood, if the 42 miles of the marathon seem a bit too much for you, that's not a problem 👐. You also have the option to split the difference 🍐 in two ✌️ with the half-marathon. Otherwise, if you want to cut things even more, you can choose the combined canoe and running event! 🏃‍♀️ This event, which takes place in pairs 🖇️ (it's more practical and so much more fun 😜), is a rare and challenging nature race promising to provide those who take it on a rich emotional experience 🫶. The concept is simple: 12 km on the Loire in a tandem canoe before hitting the pavement for 17 km of running. This event is undoubtedly the star of this competition as it requires both technique and compatibility and mental strength with your partner 👫.

However, don't make the mistake of thinking it's the prettiest... or even the most legendary! 🙅‍♀️ The reputation of the Loire Marathon speaks for itself. Last year, 6,000 runners (😯) gathered to start the 42 km, and 4,500 for the 21 km. The Regional FFA Label even made the marathon a qualifying event ✔️ for the French championship 🇫🇷. These races, as beautiful as they are demanding, promise to let you enjoy exceptional views 😍 and an electrifying atmosphere ⚡. Indeed, it's the historically rich city 📚 of Saumur, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 🌎, that hosts the event, a stone's throw from its famous castle 🏰. You'll be spoiled right from the start with wooded and rural landscapes 🌳, you'll have the opportunity to admire all the beautiful houses lining the royal river 👑, as the banks of the charming town will be your playground 🛝 throughout the events... When you're not directly in the water (during the canoe race)! 😂 Of course, the castle, classified as a historical monument since 1862, will always be in the backdrop of this fabulous setting 💫.

But that's not all that makes the Saumur Marathon famous ✋. The great advantage ➕ for athletes is also the non-existent elevation 📏. Yes, if you stray from the trail, it might feel strange! 😅 On the other hand, if you're trying for your best time ⌚, it's the top! It's easy to explain: your race will meticulously follow the banks of the Loire 🌊, taking you through villages like Saint-Lambert-des-Levées, Saint-Martin-de-la-Place, Saint-Clément-des-Levées, Gennes, Les-Rosiers-sur-Loire, Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent... A host of small towns that will add undeniable charm to the event! 💛

However, know that your walk won't be a walk in the park! Know that the Loire Marathon, also features a superb atmosphere throughout the course, with local music groups 🎷 and even DJ stations at key points to accompany your strides 🎛️. In total, there are 44 animations awaiting you on the marathon. Yes, you're right, one for every km ! 👏 There will be plenty of spectators at your finish! 📣 After running all these kilometers, you'll have earned a glass 🍷 of Anjou wine as a reward! No, actually, it's more about the bubbly glasses 🫧 that will welcome you 🍾. In this regard, know that the rewards should motivate you: a beautiful jacket 🧥 and a bottle of crémant de Loire for the marathoners 🎁.

Life is a long, tranquil river of 21,0975 km, 42.195 km, or filled with canoeing!

4 reasons to join this race

Races to break records 💥
With very flat (53 mD+) and fast courses, the marathon and half-marathon are perfect for speeding record-breaking. Of course, that's only about the runs, as the canoeing event is more about the flow! 😂 The Loire Marathon is ideal for starting this distance or going for a personal record ⏱️.
The combined event 🔗
A triple combined event: two sports, two different terrains, and two team participants 🤝. A perfect challenge for those who like to test themselves and not go it alone.
The festive atmosphere 🥳
Running is good. Doing it with music is better. This is what the organizers of the Loire Marathon have incorporated... As well as they have incorporated entertainment, DJ 📀, and musical operations 🎸 at every kilometer. No need to worry about a full battery or bringing your headphones, what a treat! 🦶
Saumur, oh Saumur 🤩
The word says it all: Saumur. This historic and classified city offers many exceptional landscapes and will definitely charm you! 😍 Let yourself be lulled by the gentle sound of the water flowing in the Loire riverbed, the singing birds in the surrounding nature, and the incredible view of the castle overlooking the commune. You'll be asking for more! 👍

A distance for every taste

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Parc des Expositions, Avenue du Breil, 49400 Saumur.

  • Marathon: start on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. from Place de la République (Route de Saumur, 49400 Saumur)

  • Half Marathon: start on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. from Île de Gennes (49350 Gennes)

  • Combined event (12 km canoe + 17 km run): start on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. from Cale Mayaud (49400 Saumur)

Marathon de la Loire:

  • Phase 1 (until 02/12/25): €75

  • Phase 2 (from 03/12/25): €85

Semi-Marathon de la Loire:

  • Phase 1 (until 12/11/2025): €50

  • Phase 2 (from 13/11/2025): €60

Canoe Combo:

  • €90/person

No—medical certificates are no longer required to start.

The new PPS attestation available here replaces it. This FFA “Parcours Prévention Santé” must be completed within the 3 months before the race (from 11/02/2026), and its reference number must be entered on the registration platform.

FFA license holders must provide their 2025–2026 athletics license number.

Minors must present a health questionnaire. Legal guardians certify that every item on the questionnaire is answered “no”. Otherwise, they must provide a medical certificate (issued within the last six months) confirming there is no contraindication to practicing sport or the relevant discipline.

For more information about the PPS (Parcours Prévention Santé), we recommend this article.

All aid stations offer both food and drinks at each point:

  • Marathon: every 5 km, plus at the finish

  • Half Marathon: every 5 km, plus at the finish

  • Combined event (12 km canoe + 17 km run): first aid station after the water section, then every 5 km and at the finish

  • The Individual Marathon is open to licensed and non-licensed runners in the Espoirs to Masters categories, born in 2006 or earlier (20 years old in 2026).

  • The Half Marathon is open to licensed and non-licensed runners in the Juniors to Masters categories, born in 2008 or earlier (18 years old in 2026).

  • The Combined event (two-person canoe + running) is open to all participants born in 2006 or earlier (20 years old in 2026).

Marathon: 6 hours

  • km 20.2: must pass in 2:51:00 at Rond-point de l’Etoile – 49350 GENNES

  • km 25.2: must pass in 3:34:00 at Place Michel Pruvost – 49350 ST-CLÉMENT-DES-LEVÉES

  • km 30: must pass in 4:15:00 at Rond-point de Boumois – 49350 SAINT MARTIN DE LA PLACE

  • km 35.6: must pass in 5:03:00 at Rond-point Place Vaucel – 49400 SAUMUR

  • km 40.6: must pass in 5:45:00 at Pont Cessart – 49400 SAUMUR

Half Marathon: 3 hours

  • km 8.1: must pass in 1:15:00 at Rond-point de Boumois – 49350 SAINT MARTIN DE LA PLACE

  • km 14.5: must pass in 2:03:00 at Rond-point Place Vaucel – 49400 SAUMUR

  • km 19.5: must pass in 2:45:00 at Pont Cessart – 49400 SAUMUR

Para-athletes must bring an approved helmet and a suitable racing wheelchair. Motorized devices, handbikes, or any other geared equipment are not allowed.

For the combined event, the boat and all equipment are provided by the organizer.

For the Individual Marathon, prize money is paid equally (men’s and women’s) to the overall podium finishers (top 3 overall men and women): €1,000 for 1st overall, €750 for 2nd overall, €500 for 3rd overall. An additional performance bonus—equal for men and women and stackable with the overall prize—will reward the following performances: €300 for any male runner finishing under 2:20, and €300 for any female runner finishing under 2:45.

For the Half Marathon, prize money is paid equally (men’s and women’s) to the overall podium finishers (top 3 overall men and women): €600 for 1st overall, €400 for 2nd overall, €200 for 3rd overall.

You can become a volunteer by clicking this link.

You can contact the organizers:

You can find the list of registered runners by clicking here.

You can request a cancellation (if you purchased the flexibility option) using this form: https://forms.finishers.com/annulation-marathon-de-la-loire-2026

No, your runner gifts are not sent by mail. You can collect them after the race at the “Post-race gifts” booth, at the exit of the Finish Village located on Place de la République in Saumur.

Bib transfers and resales have been closed since April 13, 2026.

No refunds are possible outside of the cancellation option, if it was purchased.

You can check the race rules here

Results - Saumur Loire Marathon

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