Paris Marathon

The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris is one of the world's most prestigious marathons, drawing over 50,000 runners through the most recognizable streets and landmarks on earth. Running through the heart of Paris, past the Eiffel Tower, along the Seine, and through royal forests, this race is an extraordinary celebration of running and the City of Light.

Why Run the Paris Marathon?

• World-Famous Route: Run past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Champs-Élysées
• Massive Scale: One of the world's largest marathons with over 50,000 participants
• Spring in Paris: April racing through Paris at its most beautiful
• Royal Parks: Run through both the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne
• Legendary Finish: Cross the finish line on the Avenue Foch, near the Arc de Triomphe

Course Highlights

The Paris Marathon course is a grand tour of the French capital, showcasing the city's most iconic monuments, neighborhoods, and green spaces.

Key Landmarks Along the Route

• Start: Champs-Élysées — the world's most famous avenue
• Place de la Concorde: One of Europe's grandest squares
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: The iconic Gothic masterpiece on the Île de la Cité
• Eiffel Tower: France's most recognized landmark comes into view around km 10
• Bois de Vincennes: A tranquil royal forest in the east of Paris
• Bois de Boulogne: The vast western park providing a scenic final stretch
• Finish: Avenue Foch, just off the Arc de Triomphe

Course Profile

The Paris Marathon features more elevation change than many city marathons, with an elevation gain of approximately 220 meters. The course includes notable hills, particularly through the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne. This makes Paris a rewarding but challenging race that rewards good pacing.

Race Day Experience

The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris is a spectacular event that transforms the city:

• Mass Start: A thrilling wave-start system on the Champs-Élysées
• Crowd Support: Over a million spectators line the route
• Entertainment: Music and street performers throughout the course
• International Atmosphere: Runners from over 140 countries compete side by side
• Iconic Medal: A finisher's medal that captures the spirit of Paris

Training Tips

To make the most of your Paris Marathon:

1. Hill training: Prepare for the rolling terrain in the forests and hills of the course
2. Spring weather: April in Paris can be warm, cold, or rainy — be ready for anything
3. Pacing strategy: The second half hills catch many runners off guard — start conservatively
4. Soak it in: Don't forget to look up and appreciate the extraordinary scenery

After Your Race

Paris needs no introduction as a post-race destination. Celebrate your achievement at a Parisian café, enjoy a crêpe along the Seine, or simply take a quiet stroll through the city that inspired your race.

Commemorate Your Achievement

Create a stunning custom map poster of your Paris Marathon route with makemap. Simply:

1. Download your GPS data from your running watch or Strava
2. Upload it to makemap's editor
3. Customize your poster with your finish time, date, and personal message
4. Choose from various styles and sizes

Transform your Paris Marathon memory into a beautiful piece of art for your home or office.

Getting There

Paris is one of the world's most connected cities:

• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): A major international hub
• Paris Orly Airport (ORY): A secondary option for European flights
• Eurostar & TGV: Fast rail connections from London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Lyon, and beyond
• Métro: Paris's comprehensive metro system makes race logistics easy

Registration

Registration for the Paris Marathon is highly competitive and typically opens in the autumn. The event offers:

• Ballot system: Random selection due to overwhelming demand
• Charity places: Run for a cause to secure your entry
• International registration: Dedicated programs for non-French residents

Weather

The Paris Marathon takes place in early April, offering varied spring conditions:

• Temperature: Typically 8–18°C on race day
• Weather: Paris in April can bring sunshine, clouds, or showers — all on the same day
• Spring Charm: Paris in bloom is one of the world's great sights, making the run even more memorable

Start planning your Paris Marathon journey today, and when you cross that finish line on Avenue Foch with the Arc de Triomphe in sight, make sure you're ready to turn your achievement into art with makemap!