Lyon · France
Marathon races near Lyon
11 races in 2026
next one in 2 days
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Race calendar
Upcoming Marathon races near Lyon
This week 2
3JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
L'Ultra Trail des 2 roches - Davayé
Davayé · 61 km away
4JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
Ultra Trail des 2 Roches
Davayé · 61 km away
JUL 1
19JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
La Bel'montaise
Belmont-de-la-Loire · 59 km away
SEP 8
20SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Courir pour des pommes
Saint-Martin-la-Plaine · 30 km away
20SEP
Run · road · Marathon
La Saint So Course
Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey · 44 km away
+6 more Marathon racesShow fewer ↓
26SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Ultra Trail Grand Colombier
Culoz · 74 km away
26SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Ultra Beaujolais Villages Trail
Le Perréon · 38 km away
27SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
La Saint So Course - 42 km 2026
St Sorlin En Bugey · 44 km away
27SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Ultra Beaujolais villages trail - Le Perréon
Le Perréon · 38 km away
27SEP
Run · road · Marathon
Courir pour des pommes - Saint-Romain
Saint-Romain · 57 km away
27SEP
Run · road · Marathon
Courir pour des pommes - Saint-Martin-la-Plaine
Saint-Martin-la-Plaine · 30 km away
Lyon · 80 km
11 races mapped
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Recurring Marathon races near Lyon
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Run In Lyon
Run In Lyon offers four race distances through central Lyon: a 5 km solidarity run, 10 km, half marathon, and marathon. Held in October, it carries an FFA Label Argent, placing it within the official French road-racing system. Demand is high for the short and middle distances, with the 10 km and half marathon often selling out, while the marathon presents the longest challenge.
The routes are urban, with spectators lining the roads. Lyon’s history, old streets, and culinary identity are integral to the race setting. Marathon runners should anticipate some climbing, with 293 meters of elevation gain. Practical race-day support includes bag drops, aid stations, and toilets at 5 km intervals and the finish, along with pacers for those aiming for a specific time. The Run In Lyon Village manages bib pickup and offers coaching, product testing, and photography, while charity bibs allow participants to race for a cause.
Marathon relais de la plaine de L'Ain - Saint-Vulbas
Ultra Trail du Beaujolais Vert
Ultra Trail du Beaujolais Vert is a trail-running series held annually in October in Cublize, within the Beaujolais Vert region of France. The event features three mountain-style races: one approximately 83 km with 3,839 m of elevation gain, one approximately 43 km with 1,916 m of elevation gain, and one approximately 23 km with 921 m of elevation gain.
The courses traverse the roads and paths of Beaujolais Vert, focusing on hills, countryside, and extended natural trails rather than urban environments. Participants range from seasoned competitors to less experienced runners, with organizers prioritizing camaraderie among trail runners and the preservation of the local natural surroundings. Approaching its ninth edition, the series holds a well-established position on the French regional trail running schedule.
Trail de l'Aqueduc de Sainte Foy-lès-Lyon
The Trail de l'Aqueduc de Sainte Foy-lès-Lyon is an autumn trail event held in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, near Lyon in France's Rhône department. It features a far-west theme and offers a varied program: short races for children and juniors spanning 800 m, 1.6 km, and 3 km, alongside adult distances of 11 km, 22 km, and 42.2 km.
The courses traverse a landscape described as both urban and natural, with Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon noted as a green area close to Lyon. The 11 km race is named “ruée vers l’or,” the 22 km race is “l’Aqueduc,” and the 42.2 km distance is intended for experienced runners. The event accommodates beginners with an 11 km walking option, some non-timed races, duo entries, and shorter courses for younger participants.
Marathon de la Plaine de l'Ain 2026
Six runners participate in the Marathon de la Plaine de l’Ain, a relay marathon held at the Centre International de rencontres in Saint-Vulbas. This afternoon team race begins at 1:30 PM, with bib pickup available from late morning. Each participant runs 6 km, after which the entire team reunites for the concluding loop.
Trail de l'Aqueduc - La conquête de l'Ouest - Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon
Trail du Haut Pilat
The Trail du Haut Pilat is an October trail-running event held in Saint-Genest-Malifaux, located in France’s Loire department within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Organized by La Foulée du Haut Pilat for over two decades, it features four nature-focused races, ranging from a 7 km option to the 42 km MaraTrail, alongside four children’s races. The event benefits from cool autumn weather, appealing to a wide audience from local families to runners seeking rigorous training on the longer courses.
The courses traverse the Haut Pilat area, with updated routes passing St Romain-les-Atheux, the Cotatay dams, Ondenon, and offering views towards Auvergne. The 42 km MaraTrail includes 1,130 m of elevation gain and single-track segments, serving as effective preparation for events like Sainté-Lyon or Sainté Trail Urbain. The 25 km course offers 650 m of climbing, additional single track, and passes the Pilat springs above 1,000 m. The 14 km race provides a moderate distance through Pilat forests, concluding near the green zone by the Plats dam. A local tradition, the “Chocolat des Princes” element, adds a unique touch to the race day beyond the running activities.
Semi-Marathon Hermitage Saint-Joseph
The Semi-Marathon Hermitage Saint-Joseph begins in Tain-l'Hermitage, a village on the Rhône in the Drôme department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This 21.097 km half marathon takes place in October and is open to solo runners, pairs, and relay teams.
The course combines town streets with bridges, viaducts, and sections alongside lakes and ponds. Following the race, participants might explore Rhône Valley cellars for tastings, visit the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives, or wander through the hill village of Mirmande.
Semi-Marathon de la Noix
The Semi-Marathon de la Noix is a road race in Tullins, Isère, France, scheduled for mid-October. Participants can select the half marathon (21.0975 km) or a shorter 10-11 km race. Children's and junior courses are also part of the event. CMI, Coureurs du Monde en Isère, organizes the race, which welcomes licensed and non-licensed runners from the Junior category upwards.
The route is flat, measured to FFA standards, and winds through a natural setting instead of a city. Its FFA label means the half marathon is classified and can qualify runners for the French championships. This makes it suitable for club runners aiming for a standard and for local participants seeking a measured autumn race. The Semi de la Noix is considered a local comeback in Tullins, following a previously announced cancellation. The event provides essential race-day amenities, including aid stations and changing rooms.
le Trail du lac de Villerest
The Trail du Lac de Villerest begins at the Lac de Villerest beach, leading runners near the Gorges de la Loire under headlamps. This night trail event in Villerest offers race distances from short, beginner-friendly options to a 42 km loop, accommodating first-timers, pairs, club runners, and experienced trail runners within the same evening.
The primary event, Le Tour du Lac, covers 42 km with 1,250 m of elevation gain, circumnavigating the lake with sunset views before transitioning to a night course. Le Grand-Duc is 26 km with 600 m of climbing, featuring technical sections, forest paths, and lake vistas. L'Échappée Nocturne is 14 km with 330 m of climbing on wooded and runnable trails. La Run Night is an 8 km, 160 m climb option with a more festive atmosphere. The welcome and finish area is located at Salle La Papeterie by the lake. The event is organized by Agence Week&sport in conjunction with US Villerest and the commune of Villerest.
Marathon International du Beaujolais
The Marathon International du Beaujolais takes place in November in Villefranche-sur-Saône, a town in France’s Rhône department known for Beaujolais wine. The primary event is a 42.195 km marathon. The weekend also features a half marathon, the 13 km du Rhône, trail races, and solidarity walks, attracting participants beyond just marathon specialists.
The marathon route winds through the Beaujolais hills on roads and vineyard paths, passing wine-growing villages, vineyards, and châteaux. The event emphasizes its local food-and-wine character, described in its own materials as “The Magic Charity Running Festival.” Race coverage notes it as a venue for both tasting and athletic challenge. It is one of France’s larger marathons, known for being a spirited, somewhat unconventional race rather than a purely time-focused road marathon.
Marathon International du Beaujolais 2026
The Marathon International du Beaujolais begins in Villefranche-sur-Saône, located in France’s Rhône department, sending participants into the Beaujolais region each November. While the primary event is a full 42.195 km road marathon, the weekend also features a half marathon, a 13 km race, trail running choices, and charity walks, functioning more as a running festival than a singular competition.
The event deeply incorporates Beaujolais culture, with descriptions such as “Magic Charity Running Festival,” “tasting delight,” and “completely crazy.” It is one of France’s larger marathons, having completed over twenty editions. It attracts individuals seeking a festive road race that combines food, a wine-country setting, and a personal challenge.
Looking for something else near Lyon?
Other races in the next 90 days
JUL 376 km away
cycling
Elevation Vercors - L'Albenc
JUL 376 km away
other
Elevation Vercors
JUL 377 km away
other
Chalmatrail - Chalmazel
JUL 463 km away
cycling
Randonnée Des Balcons Foréziens - Sainte-agathe-la-bouteresse
JUL 657 km away
other
La foulée des pompiers - Le Cergne
JUL 1331 km away
other
La Villardoise - Villars-les-dombes
JUL 1562 km away
other
Sortie Senior Inter Clubs - Charnay-les-macon
JUL 2641 km away
cycling
Matinée Cycliste En Terre Des Brouilly - Saint-lager
About Marathon races in Lyon
Lyon Training Notes
Lyon hosts 39 Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Locals run the Rhône and Saône banks for easy Z2, intervals, and city views without leaving the centre. Parc de la Tête d'Or gives runners a clean loop feel, with Jardin botanique de Lyon right there and Parc de Gerland better for south-side miles. Courir à Lyon has an urban trail every Tuesday, and that run covers about 9km with 250m of climbing. Lyon Running Crew has a social run every Wednesday with three speed groups. Founders Running Club meets weekly at Quatorze on Saturdays at 10:00 AM CEST. SaintéLyon, Lyon urban trail by night, and Course des Lumières Lyon work as anchor races.
Locals ride the banks first, because the city sits cleanly between the Rhône, the Saône, and the Presqu'île. Place Bellecour sends riders toward Confluence, the ViaRhôna, and longer base miles up to Parc de Miribel-Jonage and Miribel lake. The essentials itinerary covers 14km in about 50 minutes, and it keeps a moderate slope. The Contemporary and Renaissance Lyon itinerary runs 14km from Confluence to Vieux-Lyon. CTLYON has been around since 1925 and brings road, VTT, Gravel, and BMX Freestyle riders together. La Croix-Rousse holds the north climbs, Fourvière holds the west climbs, and Audax 200 Zig-Zag is the anchor raid.
Summer suits Lyon best when you want shaded river banks and long rides with some coolness still in the legs. The banks of the Rhône feel very pleasant in summer, and locals keep using Parc de la Tête d'Or when the pace needs to stay easy. Riders can stretch toward Miribel lake, and the Lyon-to-Miribel day adds 51m up and 51m down. Winter months are the driest, so runners still get consistent city miles and trail nights. CTLYON keeps the bike calendar alive with Randonnées d’hiver in February, while ASICS SaintéLyon gives runners the late-year target.