Marathon races near Francheville

Marathon Metz Mirabelle is a 42.195 km road race held in Metz, Moselle, France, typically in October. Also known as the Euro Marathon Metz, the event includes more than the solo marathon, offering Duo and Quatuor relay formats, a 10 km Haganis race, and children's races. The course features moderate rolling terrain, not a flat profile, with approximately 155 m of elevation gain and 157 m of loss over the marathon distance. Both amateurs and professionals compete, with recent participation numbering in the several thousands. This modern race succeeded the Marathon de Lorraine, which was also based in Metz until its discontinuation in the 1990s, thus continuing a local marathon tradition.

Ekiden de Toul'Etangs is a team marathon held at the Etangs de Toul, located on rue de la Baignade des Chevaux. Six runners divide the full marathon distance. Three legs cover 5 km, two legs are 10 km, and the final leg measures 7.195 km. The relay sequence is set: 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, followed by 7.195 km. This requires teams to have both fast runners for shorter segments and endurance runners for the longer parts. The event is centered around the ponds, with additional race formats offered alongside the main ekiden. Village teams can participate in a Village Challenge. Companies, public bodies, and associations are eligible for an Enterprise Challenge, recognizing the top three teams from a single organization. This Enterprise race utilizes a 4 x 5 km relay format. Additionally, a Duo Relay covers 2 x 5 km, designed to identify the quickest pair around the ponds.

The Semi-Marathon de la Métropole du Grand Nancy is a 21.1 km road race in and around Nancy, northeastern France. It begins at Place Stanislas, the city’s UNESCO-listed central square, leading participants from the historic core toward the metropolitan area’s greener outskirts. The event attracts a large local field, with over 5,000 participants in a strong edition. The course winds between Nancy’s old center and the surrounding countryside, following the green banks of the Meurthe river for a section. It includes about 180 meters of total elevation gain, with a gradual incline around kilometer 12 that can prove challenging. Aid stations might offer local specialties, adding a Lorraine touch beyond standard hydration and energy supplements.

The Festival de la Légende du Graoully is a French trail race based on the Graoully dragon legend, with participants selecting their own "chapter" within the woods near Woippy, Moselle, close to Metz. It takes place in April, featuring natural forest terrain instead of a road course. The primary distances offered are 13 km, 19 km, 27 km, and 42 km, complemented by children’s and junior races, making the event suitable for families and adult trail runners alike. Each distance is uniquely named: L’Appel du Graoully for 13 km, Les terres oubliées for 19 km, Le Royaume du Graoully for 27 km, and L’Ordalie du Graoully for the 42 km. The shorter race is presented as a recreational run through the area, while the longer distances present a more demanding trail challenge. The prior event attracted over 400 runners. Following the race, attendees can easily visit Metz to see Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the Centre Pompidou-Metz, or stroll along the Plan d’Eau de Metz.