Lyon Marathon

Lyon Marathon course route

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 elevation profile

The Lyon Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 293 metres of climbing and 293 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

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.

Lyon Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Run in Lyon 2024 marathon - souvenir de course.

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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.

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 2026 Lyon Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.runinlyon.com/en/races/marathon 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. See www.runinlyon.com for exact dates.

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.