Tours Marathon 2026
Between its castles, vineyards, and the UNESCO-listed banks of the Loire River, Tours offers one of the most beautiful settings in France for its traditional marathon.
Each year, it brings together more than 10,000 runners and is one of the most popular races in Indre-et-Loire.
The 2026 edition returns on September 27th, with a brand-new course!
Here's everything you need to know to prepare for this race!
For this 2026 edition, the organizers are taking things to the next level with a completely redesigned route.
The new course will start at Quai Paul Bert and finish at Place Anatole France, in the heart of the city.
Along the route, you'll discover Rochecorbon, Vouvray, and Vernou-sur-Brenne.
The marathon will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. The start will be at Quai Paul Bert, passing by the Château de Jallanges, Vernou-sur-Brenne, and Vouvray.
The 42.195 km loop can be run solo or as a pair.
For those who want to take it a step further without committing to the marathon distance, the 20 km is the ideal compromise.
The race starts on September 27 at 9:00 a.m. from Quai Paul Bert, for a 20 km loop.
The course follows the quays to Rochecorbon before turning around to rejoin the Loire River for 5 km.
The second half of the race takes place right in the city center, offering the chance to admire the monuments and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Accessible to runners of all levels, the 10km is the perfect race for those who want to fully experience the atmosphere of the Tours Marathon without tackling a long distance.
The race starts at 11:10 am from Quai Paul Bert.
The course initially follows the quays to Quai de Marmoutier, before crossing the Pont Mirabeau to continue along the Loire River and reach the Vieux-Tours district.
800 walkers also participate in the 10km Nordic walking event.
The 2026 Tours Marathon also demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity with a race dedicated to athletes with disabilities.
The 13km wheelchair race starts from Quai Paul Bert at 7:45 a.m., kicking off the day's events.
The course follows the same route as the 10km race, with a variation through the city center.
On Saturday, September 26, a Youth Race will be held at Parc de la Gloriette for children aged 6-15, with distances adapted to each age group, ranging from 750 meters to 2.25 km.
The weekend also comes alive with the Loire Valley Running Show, held at the Palais des Congrès in Tours on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26.
📍Start, bibs, and logistics: The race starts at 7:30 a.m. from Quai Paul Bert.
Bib collection will take place at the Loire Valley Running Show, at the Palais des Congrès, on Friday, September 25th from 3 pm to 8 pm and on Saturday, September 26th from 10 am to 7 pm. No collection will be possible on race day.
To fully enjoy the Tours Marathon without any logistical hassles, book a hotel in the heart of Tours.
The Artist Hotel **** boasts an ideal location just 300 meters from the train station and a few minutes' walk from the marathon's start and finish lines.
Discover our air-conditioned rooms with queen-size beds, accommodating up to 4 people.
The hotel also offers:
Plan your stay in Tours now and take advantage of our best offers!
Each year, it brings together more than 10,000 runners and is one of the most popular races in Indre-et-Loire.
The 2026 edition returns on September 27th, with a brand-new course!
Here's everything you need to know to prepare for this race!
The Tours Marathon 2026, a major running event in the Loire Valley
For this 2026 edition, the organizers are taking things to the next level with a completely redesigned route.
The new course will start at Quai Paul Bert and finish at Place Anatole France, in the heart of the city.
Along the route, you'll discover Rochecorbon, Vouvray, and Vernou-sur-Brenne.
The Tours Marathon Races
🏃♀️The Marathon, the Flagship Race
The marathon will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. The start will be at Quai Paul Bert, passing by the Château de Jallanges, Vernou-sur-Brenne, and Vouvray.
The 42.195 km loop can be run solo or as a pair.
🏃♀️The 20 km, a Race Along the Loire
For those who want to take it a step further without committing to the marathon distance, the 20 km is the ideal compromise.
The race starts on September 27 at 9:00 a.m. from Quai Paul Bert, for a 20 km loop.
The course follows the quays to Rochecorbon before turning around to rejoin the Loire River for 5 km.
The second half of the race takes place right in the city center, offering the chance to admire the monuments and soak up the festive atmosphere.
🏃The 10km, the perfect distance to discover the heritage
Accessible to runners of all levels, the 10km is the perfect race for those who want to fully experience the atmosphere of the Tours Marathon without tackling a long distance.
The race starts at 11:10 am from Quai Paul Bert.
The course initially follows the quays to Quai de Marmoutier, before crossing the Pont Mirabeau to continue along the Loire River and reach the Vieux-Tours district.
800 walkers also participate in the 10km Nordic walking event.
♿The 13km wheelchair race
The 2026 Tours Marathon also demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity with a race dedicated to athletes with disabilities.
The 13km wheelchair race starts from Quai Paul Bert at 7:45 a.m., kicking off the day's events.
The course follows the same route as the 10km race, with a variation through the city center.
🧒The Youth Race
On Saturday, September 26, a Youth Race will be held at Parc de la Gloriette for children aged 6-15, with distances adapted to each age group, ranging from 750 meters to 2.25 km.
The weekend also comes alive with the Loire Valley Running Show, held at the Palais des Congrès in Tours on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26.
Practical Information
📍Start, bibs, and logistics: The race starts at 7:30 a.m. from Quai Paul Bert.
Bib collection will take place at the Loire Valley Running Show, at the Palais des Congrès, on Friday, September 25th from 3 pm to 8 pm and on Saturday, September 26th from 10 am to 7 pm. No collection will be possible on race day.
Where to stay for the 2026 Tours Marathon?
To fully enjoy the Tours Marathon without any logistical hassles, book a hotel in the heart of Tours.
The Artist Hotel **** boasts an ideal location just 300 meters from the train station and a few minutes' walk from the marathon's start and finish lines.
Discover our air-conditioned rooms with queen-size beds, accommodating up to 4 people.
The hotel also offers:
- A fitness room;
- A lounge bar open until 2 am;
- A 24-hour reception;
- A buffet breakfast served from 6:30 am;
- Room service;
- A garage.
Plan your stay in Tours now and take advantage of our best offers!
