Montpellier run festival

The Montpellier Run Festival includes a full marathon alongside a 5 km, 10 km, half marathon, ekiden relay, and children’s races. This annual event takes place over three days in April in Montpellier, southern France, with the marathon distance remaining central. The marathon, half marathon, and 10 km are scheduled for Sunday, while the 5 km, ekiden, and under-14 race occur on Saturday. This format succeeded the former Montpellier Marathon, aiming to attract more families, beginners, and relay teams, in addition to marathon specialists. Recent events have attracted over 14,000 participants, supported by hundreds of volunteers and considerable spectator presence along the course. Races now commence near Montpellier’s Arc de Triomphe, with the marathon utilizing a 21 km loop completed twice. Initial routes were confined within the city, but the course later extended to include Castelnau-le-Lez, Lattes, Pérols, Mauguio-Carnon, and Palavas-les-Flots, connecting Montpellier with natural areas and the Mediterranean coast. The route features elements like tram lines, palm trees, monuments, and city landmarks such as the Opera. A running village is also provided for bib collection, exhibitors, and pre-race assembly. The event’s marathon history is significant, as Montpellier had a long period without a marathon before its reintroduction, and the inaugural edition featured a relay by participants considered overweight as part of an initiative against sedentary habits and obesity.