Marathon du Cognac 2026

Marathon du Cognac begins in Jarnac, along the Charente river, transforming a race weekend into three days and three nights of running, village support, and cognac-country hospitality. The primary event is the full 42.195 km marathon, with half marathon, 10.5 km, and 5 km alternatives, allowing runners to select from a short riverside run to the full distance. It takes place in November in Charente, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, when the weather may be cold with a real possibility of rain. The marathon course follows the path between the river and the cognac vineyards, while the shorter courses maintain the local character through different routes. The half marathon is a quick course, partly on the Flow Velo path, and includes a passage through a distillery. The 10.5 km route crosses the countryside, vineyards, a chai, and runs alongside the Charente. The 5 km route remains largely by the river. Visits to chais and tastings are integrated into the race-day activities. The event is managed by a small core team, supported by hundreds of volunteers and residents from nearby villages. The term locals and runners consistently use to describe it is conviviality, reflecting a race that emphasizes shared meals and cellar stops as much as finishing times.