Nantes · France
Marathon races near Nantes
8 races in 2026
next one in 32 days
Running ▾
Race calendar
Upcoming Marathon races near Nantes
AUG 1
2AUG
Run · road · Marathon
Semi-marathon du pays de saint gilles - Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez · 63 km away
SEP 7
6SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Gaubre'Trail
La Gaubretière · 48 km away
18SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Trail des 3 Provinces à Clisson
Clisson · 25 km away
19SEP
Run · road · Marathon
Marathon 4 Alzheimer - Nantes
Nantes
20SEP
Run · road · Marathon
Semi-marathon de Nesmy
Nesmy · 71 km away
+3 more Marathon racesShow fewer ↓
27SEP
Run · road · Marathon
Semi-Marathon de l'île de Chalonnes
Chalonnes-sur-Loire · 62 km away
27SEP
Run · road · Marathon
Harmonie Mutuelle Marathon, 10 et 20 km de Tours
La Possonnière · 68 km away
27SEP
Run · road · Marathon
Semi-marathon Run'in Varades - Loireauxence
Loireauxence · 44 km away
Nantes · 80 km
8 races mapped
View on map →
Recurring Marathon races near Nantes
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Ekiden de Nantes by Decathlon Atlantis
The Ekiden de Nantes by Decathlon Atlantis is an October marathon relay in Nantes, where teams of six cover the full 42.195 km distance together. It begins at 10:00 AM and is organized by Nantes Métropole Athlétisme. Instead of one runner completing the entire marathon, the team divides it into legs of 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 7.195 km, allowing beginners, regular runners, and faster club athletes to participate in the same lineup.
The course is constructed around a 5 km loop within the city’s sports district, utilizing the area surrounding the Nantes racecourse and Pierre Quinon Stadium. It is officially measured and certified, and the event can qualify teams for the French Ekiden Championships, appealing to both social teams and runners aiming for a specific time. Friends, clubs, students, companies, and workplace teams all participate, with a separate Challenge Entreprise promoting company squads. The race village manages bib pickup and provides a central meeting point for teams and spectators, while registrations also include an optional donation to Ma Parenthèse, an association supporting women affected by breast cancer.
Semi-Marathon & 10Km De Saint Jean De Monts
The Semi-Marathon & 10Km de Saint Jean de Monts is a road race in Saint-Jean-de-Monts, on France's Vendée coast. It offers two distances: a 21.1 km half marathon and a 10 km. The event takes place in October, with registration typically opening in early July. The 10 km is open to runners from the cadet category upwards, and the half marathon is for juniors and older. This allows younger runners to participate in the shorter race.
The race is organized by Club Saint Jean de Monts Vendée Triathlon Athlétisme. Although it is a relatively new event, its planned participation grew rapidly from 1,500 runners in the first edition to 3,000 in the second. Licensed FFA athletes must present their current license. Non-licensed runners need to submit a health certificate (PPS) dated within the last three months. Underage runners in the 10 km also require parental consent.
Raidlight Vendée trail
The Raidlight Vendée Trail takes place in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez on the Vendée coast of western France, typically in early November. This event is a series of trail races, not a single competition, offering multiple distances. Participants can select from a short night run to an ultra-distance course. A common element across all races is the transition from daylight to darkness; runners start in the light and finish after sunset, making headlamps and pacing as crucial as outright speed.
The courses traverse coastal and natural landscapes near Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Distances offered are approximately 10 km, 20 km, 42 km, and 72 km. The longest route features around 730 metres of elevation gain, and the marathon-equivalent race includes about 490 metres of ascent. Certain years also feature shorter day and night races, a combined event, and races for children. Popularity can be high; one 45 km race sold out over a month in advance, was briefly reopened, and ultimately reached its limit of 180 participants.
Marathon Côte d'Amour Amarris
The Marathon Côte d'Amour Amarris begins on the seafront promenade in La Baule, overlooking the bay of Le Pouliguen. Runners embark on the full 42.195 kilometers along France’s Atlantic coast. The event is based in La Baule-Escoublac, Pays de la Loire, and takes place in November. This road marathon features an officially measured FFA course, a limit of 8,000 bibs, and a modest 97 meters of elevation gain, making it suitable for runners aiming for a personal best as well as those drawn by the coastline.
The course travels from La Baule through Le Pouliguen, Guérande, Le Croisic, and Batz-sur-Mer before returning to La Baule. It combines seaside roads, salt air, the rugged Côte d'Amour, and historic towns on the Guérande peninsula. The event weekend also offers a relay, half marathon, 10k, and 5k, attracting marathoners, shorter-distance runners, teams, and many first-time participants. Pace setters will target times from 3 hours to 4 hours 30. Demand is high, so half-marathon places and marathon bibs sell out rapidly.
Marathon de la Côte d'amour - Guérande
The Marathon de la Côte d'Amour is a 42.195 km road marathon on the Guérande Peninsula in Loire-Atlantique. Runners start from the seafront embankment in La Baule. This marathon is the main event of its weekend, attracting around 7,000 starters, giving it the feel of a large international event. Conditions can be favorable for fast times when the Atlantic weather is cooperative, with reports of sun, light wind, and cool temperatures between 10 and 16 degrees Celsius.
The route is a loop with minimal elevation gain, designed for fast running. It begins and ends in La Baule, passing through Le Pouliguen, Batz-sur-Mer, and Le Croisic. The course then crosses the salt marshes before returning to La Baule. Organizers openly discuss fast winning times; event director Julien Gaborieau mentioned aiming for a winner around 2:05 or 2:06, indicating the course is a serious venue for competitive running, not just scenic coastal mileage.
Des Marais et des Bosses
Des Marais et des Bosses begins at La Carrière in Saint-Herblain, near Nantes, sending participants on a 10.5 km loop through marshland and a quarry. This mid-November event is for teams, with pairs and fours working together in a progressive relay. Shorter courses for children and juniors are also offered, alongside listed distances of 1.5 km, 5 km, 21 km, and 42 km.
The main relay features a unique format: the first runner begins solo, and teammates join sequentially at the start of each new loop, ensuring the entire team finishes together. For the four-person relay, runner one completes 42 km, runner two 31.5 km, runner three 21 km, and runner four 10.5 km. In the two-person version, the distances are 21 km and 10.5 km. Outdoor Club Herblinois organizes the race, which appeals to friends, families, colleagues, beginners, and more experienced runners seeking a shared experience over individual achievement.
Gaubre'trail - La Gaubretière
Gaubre’Trail is a trail-running series held in La Gaubretière, Vendée, western France. Its winter race takes place at night, offering two adult distances: 10 km with 150 m of elevation gain and 20 km with 300 m of elevation gain. Participants must be 18 or older; non-licensed runners require a medical certificate prior to the event.
The summer edition begins in the park of the Château de la Landebaudière and attracts a larger field, with over 1,300 participants across its various races. Its past offerings included 7 km, 14 km, 21 km, and 42 km options, alongside children’s races for ages 3 to 15 on courses ranging from 500 m to 1.5 km. The event has seen rapid growth, with participation increasing from approximately 980 runners to over 1,300. The château park provides a natural setting, distinguishing it from a typical town-center road race.
Semi-Marathon d'Orvault
The Semi-Marathon d'Orvault takes place in Orvault, a town in Loire-Atlantique near Nantes, during the early days of March as winter concludes. The primary event is the half marathon, complemented by a 10 km race that begins at the same morning time. This setup accommodates runners aiming for 21.1 km and those preferring a shorter, more accessible distance.
The course begins with an extended straight section through the town before venturing into the nearby countryside. Participants will encounter city streets, roads bordered by forests, and park paths, deviating from a purely urban circuit. The half marathon is described as a flat course conducive to achieving personal bests, despite featuring approximately 192 meters of elevation gain; the 10 km course includes about 112 meters. Annually, close to 2,000 runners participate in this event, which boasts a history spanning roughly forty years. Following the race, Parc du Bois Saint-Louis offers a tranquil setting to recover.
Semi-marathon de la ville d'Orvault
The Semi-marathon de la ville d'Orvault is a road race held in early March in Orvault, a town in France's Loire-Atlantique department, within the Pays de la Loire region. Participants can select either a 10 km race or a half marathon covering 21.0975 km. This setup accommodates beginners, those with some running experience, and individuals aiming for a fast half marathon during the cool late-winter weather.
The half marathon begins with an extended straight section before transitioning from town streets to rural roads, forest peripheries, and broad park paths. Sections of both the 10 km and half marathon routes overlap. The course features local points of interest such as the Grand Calvaire d'Orvault and the Chateau de la Tour. While the half marathon is relatively fast, it includes 192 meters of elevation gain; the 10 km course has 112 meters. Local residents and volunteers support the participants along the route, contributing to a welcoming, community atmosphere. Parc du Bois Saint-Louis offers a place to relax post-race.
Semi-Marathon de Brière
The Semi-Marathon de Brière is a 21.1 km road race held at Espace du Marais in Saint-André-des-Eaux, Loire-Atlantique. It takes place in March through the Brière marshes, a classified natural park, and has a Bronze Road label, with a runner limit of 2,300. Alongside the main half marathon, there are 5 km and 10 km races, a duo option, Nordic walking, and children’s and junior courses, catering to various participants.
The course follows roads and paths around Brière, offering marshland scenery instead of a city setting. Pacers are available for 1:30, 1:45, and 2:00 finish times. Aid stations are positioned at 5 km, 10 km, 14 km, 18 km, and the finish, providing water and solid food. Organized by ESCO Saint-André-des-Eaux, the event includes a technical race-logo shirt for participants, trophies for the top male and female finishers, and uses the slogan “Pas de la petite bière !”
Marathon d'Avrillé Omnes quidem currunt
The Marathon d'Avrillé is a road running event held in Avrillé, located in the Maine-et-Loire department of western France. It is scheduled for March, with the specific date yet to be confirmed. The event features three race distances: a full marathon covering 42.195 km, a half marathon of 21.0975 km, and a 10 km race.
The race day schedule is organized by distance. The marathon begins at 09:00, followed by the half marathon at 11:00, and the 10 km race at 12:00. The entry fee for the marathon bib is 20 EUR, and participants can register via Miles Republic.
Semi-Marathon du Massif Forestier de Nuaillé
The Semi-Marathon du Massif Forestier de Nuaillé begins in Nuaillé, located in Maine-et-Loire within France’s Pays de la Loire region. This road race, held in late March, centers on the forest bordering the town. The primary event is a 21.0975 km half marathon, complemented by an 8.2 km nature run and events for children and juniors. Handisport athletes are included, making the day more inclusive than a single competitive field. The event originated in 1985 and typically attracts over 3,000 participants across all its races.
The course crosses roads through forest, town, and natural landscapes, featuring local plant and animal life. It is suitable for runners aiming for a personal best and those testing their endurance over the half-marathon distance. The race holds an Athlé Label Route OR certification, and organizers provide pacemakers to assist runners in maintaining target speeds. A time limit at kilometer 17 imposes a pacing requirement for the latter part of the half marathon.
Looking for something else near Nantes?
Other races in the next 90 days
JUL 475 km away
triathlon
IronMan 70.3 des Sables d'Olonne - L'Île-d'Olonne
JUL 576 km away
other
La Gacelinette - La Gacilly
JUL 540 km away
other
Le Mont Rebel - Montrevault-sur-evre
JUL 551 km away
cycling
10h VTT Les Déraillés - Beaupréau-en-Mauges
JUL 560 km away
other
Entre plages et chemins creux de Pornichet
JUL 1458 km away
other
La forestière - Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre
JUL 1957 km away
other
Course des ridins - La Barre-de-Monts
JUL 1963 km away
cycling
Randonnee Des Plantes Medicinales - Chemille-en-anjou
About Marathon races in Nantes
Nantes Training Notes
Nantes hosts 23 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 Erdre when they want clean base miles without thinking too hard. The Erdre riverbanks give you a 6-kilometer course between Pont de la Tortière and Pont de la Jonelière, and the longer banks of the Erdre route runs 10 to 15 km from Château des Ducs de Bretagne to Parc de la Chantrerie or Port-Gachet. Bras de la Madeleine gives you a 4-kilometer out-and-back along the Hangar à Bananes. Parc de Procé suits hill reps, and Butte Sainte-Anne brings 121 steps when you want explosiveness. Abalone marathon de Nantes, Les foulées du tram, La Duchesse, and Trail de Nantes à Montaigu anchor the calendar.
Locals ride Nantes because the city makes daily Z2 easy and longer days simple. Nantes sits on La Vélodyssée, La Loire à Vélo, La Régalante, La Vélidéale, and Traversée Bretonne, with 822 km of bike paths and more than 30,000 bike parking spots. UCNA, founded on June 17, 1909, covers road racing, track, cyclocross, gravel, mountain biking, BMX, tandem, and handisport tandem. The Erdre river trail runs 74 km, and Grand-Lieu lake gives you a 73 km loop. The climbs sit around Parc de Procé, Butte Sainte-Anne, and the Cens valley.
Nantes works best from April to September, when the guinguettes open and rides can finish by the river. Summer stays warm at about 20°C, so locals stack base miles early, then use the Erdre, Île de Nantes, or Jardin des Plantes for shorter intervals when the day gets busy. Rain stays part of the deal all year, but the city centre still works for steady runs and practical bike days. Winter drops to about 7°C, and locals shift toward wet Z2, park loops, stairs on Butte Sainte-Anne, and shorter rides on known lines. Snow stays rare, so training rarely stops.