Marathon races near Châteauneuf-sur-Loire

The Semi-marathon de Montargis is a 21.097 km road race held in Montargis, within the Loiret department of central France. It takes place in early spring, winding through the countryside. Starting and finishing at Champfleuri stadium, a significant portion of the route crosses the Montargis forest, lending it a more wooded and rural character compared to an urban setting. The event also offers a 5 km race, providing a shorter alternative to the half marathon. The course has its rolling terrain, considered fast enough for personal-best attempts, with pacing services available for participants aiming for a specific time. The finish occurs on an athletics track, offering a traditional stadium conclusion. The 5 km route consists of two laps on a measured, qualifying course. Organized by USM Montargis, the event holds a regional FFA label and is part of the Challenge du Gatinais. It is an established fixture on the local running calendar, known for its good turnout and lively race-day atmosphere.

The Semi-marathon des Hauts de Bruyères is a half marathon held in Chaumont-sur-Tharonne, within the Center Parcs domain. Though a relatively new event, it attracts several hundred participants; its second edition saw 298 finishers. The leading runners are fast for a local half marathon, with the men's winning time at 1:12:35 and the women's at 1:27:16 from the same edition. The race's development has largely followed a pattern of rapid growth. Alexis Touchard won the inaugural event in 1:19, then returned to run faster in 1:17:15, yet finished third. Cédric Montigny bested him, and Julien Brasseur was further ahead after breaking away from the start; Brasseur described his strategy simply: "I went off right away."