Semi-Marathon de la Légion Etrangère 2026

The Semi-Marathon de la Légion Étrangère takes place in Castelnaudary, Occitanie, southern France, with the Foreign Legion central to its identity. Participants can select the half marathon (21.0975 km) or a 9.6 km race; some listings also mention a 42.2 km option. The event typically occurs in early October and is also known as the Semi-Marathon du 4e Régiment Étranger, linking it to the 4th Foreign Regiment stationed in the city. The course begins in Castelnaudary, offering a run through local Occitan history and culture, not just a typical town race. For a local, military-affiliated event, participation is significant: one edition saw approximately 1,000 runners in the half marathon and 300 in the shorter race. The participants often include Foreign Legion regimental commanders, gendarmes at the start, veterans, families of Legion members, local runners, and visiting amateurs. Organized by the Federation of Societies of Veterans of the Foreign Legion, a local report described it as “a true legionnaire race,” reflecting the blend of road running, military presence, and Castelnaudary’s Legion heritage.