Marvejols-Mende 2026

Lozère, its gentle way of life, its rugged paths: that's a prime spot to run in the month of July in Occitanie! 🌞 The Marvejols-Mende race is a classic of French running due to its unique course and the landscapes you pass through 🤩.

Marvejols-Mende is a magnificent city-to-city race spanning a distance of 22.4 km. It's often called the Marvejols-Mende Half-Marathon, but you'll need to push a bit more than your usual halves! 😅 This legendary event offers a significant elevation change for this type of race, with numerous deceptively tough inclines 💪. You got it: this is not where you'll set your record 😬. However, if you want to test your limits and surpass yourself, the event is perfectly suited 😎. Its 650m elevation gain will show no mercy for your calves! 😂 If you fear long distances, this challenge is doable in relay. And that's not all! The children also have their moment of glory with 2 races: the "Baby marathon" and the "Mini marathon" 👶. A little extra this year, by participating in this race, you also take part in the Roda Nature Challenge! 🎊 Next, all you need to do is participate in the Nature MarathonMan to have a chance to win this challenge 🏅.

Before tackling the description of the (big) challenge that awaits you, let us add an important detail ⭐️. Because in addition to being iconic, this race is also generous! 🎁 This year, for the 20th anniversary of the association "Les Foulées de l’Espoir", for every bib sold, €1 will be donated to them 🙌. The entire proceeds will later be given to the association "Les Mamans du Ciel". This organization supports children whose mothers have been victims of feminicides or whose parents have been victims of attacks 💗.

Back to the race, after this emotional moment 🥹. The start line is set at Marvejols, a former royal city in Gévaudan 🤴, in the Colagne valley ⛰️. Its three fortified gates (Soubeyran, Théron, and Coco Chanelles) have helped it to be ranked among the most beautiful detours in France 🥖. You'll start your race by crossing the Squirrel Bridge 🐿️. Then, the serious part begins with the climb to the Col de Goudard (1,023 m altitude) offering you breathtaking views of Lozère. After the descent, you can regain your strength with the applause of spectators who are waiting for you... 👏 Before seeing you set off for a new climb towards the hamlet of Chabrits at 960 m altitude 📈. After this, you'll be almost through, as the arrival in Mende is preceded by a downward false flat 🏎️, preparing you for the last effort of the race. Once you've let your legs run the road on their own, the last 4 kilometers are on a wide avenue, this time in an upward false flat! 🔥

At the gates of the Cévennes National Park, Mende is surrounded by mountains and its cobblestone streets bordered by old authentic houses 🏘️ make the Lozère prefecture a picturesque stop in a medieval city ⚔️ known for its Notre-Dame Bridge and its Cathedral ⛪. After all your efforts 🥵, it's the perfect place to bite into a almond and hazelnut croquant 🤤, the major local specialty 📍, before heading to the Gorges du Tarn or the Dargilan Cave for a moment of relaxation 💆‍♂️ and escape in the least populated department of France! 🌳

So? Ready for the big challenge of the summer? 👀