Niou Maraisthon 2026

The Niou Maraisthon is a June running series held in the Marais Poitevin Natural Park, a wetland area known as Green Venice. Located between Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Pays de la Loire, the course runs from the outskirts of Niort towards the Atlantic. This race is closely connected to one of France’s largest wetland landscapes, not a city circuit. Organized since 2010, the event provides two race choices starting from Sansais-La-Garette in the Deux-Sèvres department. The Marais Poitevin defines the race: wet marsh channels, drained marsh farmland, and maritime marsh near the bay are all part of this extensive region. Organizers prioritize ecology, establishing an ethical charter before the inaugural edition and earning national Sport Responsable and regional Eco Manifestation labels. This environmental focus is substantive; the race was presented as France's first running event to establish and document a comprehensive sustainability strategy.