Paris Marathon

First held in 1896, the Paris Marathon is one of the oldest continuously held marathons in the world. Over more than a century of racing, it has survived world wars, economic crises, and pandemics — a testament to the enduring spirit of the running community in Paris.

The course record of 02:05:45, set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2014, speaks to what the Paris Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.

Runners come to the Paris Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Paris has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.

Getting into the Paris Marathon is a race before the race. The entry lottery draws far more applicants than available spots, and the notification email — accepted or rejected — has become an annual ritual that defines the running calendars of thousands.

With over 52,000 finishers, race day transforms Paris into a celebration of human endurance. The streets fill with runners, spectators, and the electric hum of a city united by the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other. It's less a sporting event than a civic holiday.