Paris Marathon: Everything you need to know about the 2026 edition

Thomas Siniecki, Media365: published on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 9:02 PM

Find all the information you need to know about the 2024 Paris Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, April 12.

What is the program and route?

This year, there will be over 60,000 registered participants for the 49th edition of the Paris Marathon on Sunday, April 12, starting at 8 am and continuing until noon (gradually and by level). As tradition dictates, the 42.195 kilometers of the capital will allow participants to enjoy a luxurious route starting from the Champs-Elysées and ending at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe but through a different branch of the Etoile, specifically Avenue Foch after leaving the Bois de Boulogne. Make sure to visit Place de la Concorde, Place Vendôme, the Opera, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Bastille, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower of course, the Grand Palais, the Auteuil racetrack, and the Bois de Vincennes.

Who are the favorites?

The 2026 lineup seems to be one of the most competitive in the history of the Paris Marathon. Among the men, all eyes are on Ethiopian Kinde Atanaw, 32 years old, with the best time at the start with his personal record of 2h03’51” (set in Valencia in 2019), and Kenyan Hillary Kipkoech. For the women, a compatriot of the latter, Magdalyne Masai, is widely expected to be the favorite. Another Kenyan, Sharon Chelimo, could be her number one contender.

What practical information is available?

Race bibs can be collected at the Porte de Versailles, Hall 1 of the Parc des Expositions, in the three days leading up to the race (Thursday to Saturday). There will be baggage storage facilities at the finish line for personal belongings, and then all that’s left is to be guided – if needed – by the pace setters each carrying large feathers in the colors of each starting group. Traffic will be impacted, with the first reopening scheduled for 1:30 PM for Concorde and Rue de Rivoli, 3 PM for Champs-Elysées, or 7:30 PM for Avenue Foch. Finally, RATP has introduced a 42 km metro line that allows you to travel the entire marathon route… whether as a tourist or supporter.

Which broadcaster will air the event?

This 49th edition of the Paris Marathon will be broadcast live on France 3 and Eurosport starting at 7:50 AM.