Semi-marathon de la Rochelle

The Semi-marathon de la Rochelle begins near Place Saint Maurice, guiding runners through a port city on France's Atlantic coast. This event is part of the La Rochelle race weekend held in late November, featuring a 5 km race and a half marathon that can be completed individually or as a two-person relay. Approximately 4,000 runners participate in the semi-marathon. The race provides starting corrals, pacemakers, bag drop services, and aid stations. The half marathon adheres to French road-race regulations and may serve as a qualifier for the French Championship. The course winds through the city center, Charruyer Park, Franck Delmas Park, the Baie du Port Neuf, the quays of the Vieux Port, and the tree-lined alleys of the mail. The Marathon de La Rochelle - Serge Vigot originated from La Rochelle's initial marathon and was later named after its founder, Serge Vigot. While most marathon participants are French, the elite competitions also attract athletes from East Africa and other European countries. The full marathon route crosses central streets and historic port areas, featuring a flat, double-loop figure-8 design conducive to fast times.