Lyon Marathon

LyonAuvergne-Rhône-AlpesFrance

Next race

Sunday, 3 October 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Hilly · 293 m gain

293 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Lyon Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers on an urban road in Lyon, France. The course starts and finishes at Place Bellecour. The route crosses the Rhône and Saône rivers, passing Vieux Lyon and the Confluence district. Mostly flat with short bridge climbs.

Lyon Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 2,000 finishers

Weather: Mild and humid autumn
13–17°C · humidity 70–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:10:14 — Nixon Machichim (2015)Women: 2:43:34 — Jeanne Garreau (2025)

Course & terrain

Lyon Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Lyon Marathon is a city loop that begins and ends at Place Bellecour and crosses the Rhone and Saone while passing Vieux Lyon and the Confluence district. The broad boulevards and river-adjacent sections are easiest, the short bridge climbs and stop-start rhythm through the peninsula are tougher, and spectator support peaks at Place Bellecour, around Vieux Lyon, and on the lively river crossings.

Lyon Marathon route map

Registration

Lyon Marathon entry requirements

The Run in Lyon Marathon uses open registration at runinlyon.com with no ballot or qualifying time. Entry for the May race typically opens the previous autumn with tiered pricing that increases closer to race day. The event is part of a larger running festival weekend and marathon places can fill before shorter-distance categories.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lyon Marathon elevation profile?: The Lyon Marathon has 293 metres of total climbing and 293 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is hilly, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Lyon Marathon route map?: This page includes a Lyon Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Crosses the Rhône and Saône rivers, passing Vieux Lyon and the Confluence district.
How long is the Lyon Marathon?: The Lyon Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Place Bellecour.
What time does the Lyon Marathon start?: The 2027 Lyon Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 3 October 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What does the Run in Lyon Marathon course look like?: The Run in Lyon Marathon winds through the gastronomic capital of France, following the banks of both the Rhône and Saône rivers as they converge in the heart of the city. The course passes through the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district, with its Renaissance traboules (hidden passageways) and medieval architecture, before following riverside paths and broad city boulevards.
When is the Lyon Marathon held?: The Run in Lyon Marathon is typically held on the first Sunday of October each year. October in Lyon is ideal for marathon running — temperatures of 10–16 °C, autumn colour along the riverbanks, and a city in full festival mood ahead of the famous Fête des Lumières season.
Is the Lyon Marathon part of a larger event?: Yes. The marathon is the flagship event of the Run in Lyon festival, which includes a half marathon, 10 km, and other distances over the same weekend. The event attracts runners from across France and Europe, with the marathon drawing participants seeking a city race of genuine cultural and scenic richness.
What is Lyon famous for, and does that influence the race?: Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France — a UNESCO-listed city celebrated for its bouchons (traditional restaurants), silk-weaving heritage, and position between the Alps and Provence. The race reflects this rich culture with local cheering, post-race food celebrations, and a course that showcases the best of the city's riverside and old-town settings.
Is the Lyon Marathon a flat course?: Largely yes, thanks to the riverside sections along the Rhône and Saône, though the course is not entirely flat — Vieux Lyon sits on a small peninsula at the confluence of the two rivers, and some of Lyon's quartiers involve short climbs. Runners should be prepared for gentle undulations but can expect generally fast and runnable terrain.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

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The Lausanne Marathon attracts about 4,500 finishers each October along Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) with views of the French Alps across the water. The course passes the Olympic Museum, the Ouchy waterfront, and the Lavaux vineyard terraces. October autumn light on the lake makes it one of Switzerland's most scenic marathons.

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The Torino City Marathon draws about 5,000 runners each April through Turin's baroque boulevards and the Po River parklands. The course passes the Mole Antonelliana, Piazza Castello, and the Lingotto district with views of the Alps on clear days. April spring weather and flat Po valley terrain make it Piedmont's premier marathon.

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