Saumur Loire Marathon 2026
- Next event : 9 Sat ➜ May 10, 2026Date confirmed
- Last event : Sun, May 11, 2025
- 5 km / Half Marathon (21.0975 km) / Multisports / Marathon (42.195 km)
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
A distance for every taste
MarathonTOP
5 km
Half Marathon
Multisports
- Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 8:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 53mD+
- 3,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx42.195 km
A few more words
For this route, you start 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 the island of Gennes 🌉. Then, head to the other bank for the return, where you will discover Saint-Clément-des-Levées and Saint-Martin-de-la-Place. From the 37th kilometer, the island of Millocheau welcomes you for a final push 🔥 before returning to Saumur and closing the loop 🔁.
5km Matmut – #BORNTOMOVE
Road Running- Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Half-Marathon
Road Running- Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Elevation gain : 35mD+
- 3,000+ runners in the last edition
- Distinct starting and finishing locations
A few more words
For those who prefer half-measures (but not too much 🙃), the Half is perfect! 😆 You start from Rosiers-sur-Loire and head towards Saumur by taking the marathon return path. Throughout the course, the Loire will keep you company with its shimmering reflections that soothe your pain 😌.
Cherry on the cake 🍰: you'll tour the islands of Millocheau and Offard, natural jewels that will give you wings 🪽 to cross the finish line. No need to be a seasoned marathoner to have a grand experience! 💥
Combined event in duo - Canoeing + Running
Multisports- Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 9:00 AM
- Canoe12 km
- Road Running17 km
A few more words
Want to spice up your race? The Combined is here for you, adventurous at heart! 🌟 This unique event offers you a challenge that is both athletic and friendly. In a duo, you start with 12 km in a two-person canoe on the Loire 🚣♂️.
Once your paddle is put away, it's time for the running: 17 km on the half-marathon course up to Saumur. With your partner, you'll share moments of camaraderie and pushing limits with some good splashes too 💦.
So, ready to dive into the water… 🌊 and onto the tarmac? 🛣️
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 9 am to 7 pm at the Exhibition Park, Avenue du Breil, 49400 Saumur.
For the marathon: start on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8:30 am from Place de la République (Route de Saumur, 49400, Saumur)
For the half-marathon: start on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8 am from Île de Gennes (49350, Gennes)
For the combined event (12 km canoeing + 17 km running): start on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 9 am from Cale Mayaud (49400, Saumur)
Loire Marathon:
Phase 1 (until 12/02/25): 75€
Phase 2 (from 12/03/25): 85€
Loire Half-Marathon:
Phase 1 (until 11/12/2025): 50€
Phase 2 (from 11/13/2025): 60€
Combined Canoeing:
90€/person
No, the medical certificate is no longer required to start the race.
The new PPS certificate available here replaces it. This Health Prevention Pathway of the FFA must be completed within the 3 months preceding the event (from 02/11/2026) and its number must be entered on the registration platform.
FFA licensed racers will need to provide their 2025-2026 Athletics License numbers.
Minors must present a health questionnaire. Guardians confirm that each section of the questionnaire results in a negative response. Otherwise, they are required to produce a medical certificate confirming the absence of contraindication for the sport or discipline concerned, dated less than six months ago.
For more information on the Health Prevention Pathway (PPS), we recommend this article.All refreshment stations contain solids and liquids at each point:
For the marathon: every 5 km and at the finish line
For the half-marathon: every 5 km and at the finish line
For the combined event (12 km canoeing + 17 km running): first refreshments after the nautical part, then every 5 km and at the finish line
The Individual Marathon event is open to all licensed and non-licensed runners in the Under-23 to Masters categories, born in 2006 and before (20 years old in 2026).
The half-marathon event is open to all licensed and non-licensed runners in the Junior to Masters categories, born in 2008 and before (18 years old in 2026).
The Combined Event (tandem canoe and running) is open to all runners born in 2006 and before (20 years old in 2026).
For the marathon: 6h
km 20.2: Pass at 2:51:00 at Rond-Point de l'Etoile – 49350 GENNES
km 25.2: Pass at 3:34:00 Place Michel Pruvost – 49350 ST-CLÉMENT-DES-LEVÉES
km 30: Pass at 4:15:00 Rond-Point de Boumois – 49350 SAINT MARTIN DE LA PLACE
km 35.6: Pass at 5:03:00 at Rond-Point Place Vaucel – 49400 SAUMUR
km 40.6: Pass at 5:45:00 at Pont Cessart – 49400 SAUMUR
For the half-marathon: 3h
km 8.1: Pass at 1:15:00 Rond-Point de Boumois – 49350 SAINT MARTIN DE LA PLACE
km 14.5: Pass at 2:03:00 at Rond-Point Place Vaucel – 49400 SAUMUR
km 19.5: Pass at 2:45:00 at Pont Cessart – 49400 SAUMUR
Para-athletes must wear a certified helmet and use an adapted wheelchair. Motorized devices, handbikes, or any gear devices are not allowed.
For the combined event, the boat and all equipment will be provided by the organizer.
In the context of the Individual Marathon, classification prizes will be awarded equally to the runners reaching the podium (top 3 male and female scratch): 1,000€ for the 1st of the scratch, 750€ for the 2nd of the scratch, 500€ for the 3rd of the scratch. A performance bonus, equal and cumulative, will reward runners who achieve the following performances: 300€ for any male competitor who finishes under 2h20, 300€ for any female competitor who finishes under 2h45.
In the context of the half-marathon, classification prizes will be awarded equally to runners reaching the podium (top 3 male and female scratch): 600€ for the 1st of the scratch, 400€ for the 2nd of the scratch, 200€ for the 3rd of the scratch
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 registrants by clicking here.
You can request cancellation if you subscribed to a flexibility option via this form: https://forms.finishers.com/annulation-marathon-de-la-loire-2026
No, your gifts are not sent by mail. You can collect them after the race at the “Post-Race Gifts” stand, at the exit of the Finish Village located Place de la République in Saumur.
The race bib transfer is free and does not entitle you to a refund. However, if you resell your bib on the resale platform, a refund is possible according to the indicated conditions.
You can check the race rules here
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