Saint-Nazaire, Pays de la Loire, France
The Marathon de la Côte d'Amour runs along the Atlantic coast of Saint-Nazaire and the Loire estuary, drawing about 2,800 finishers each November. The course follows the 'Love Coast' beaches and passes the Saint-Nazaire shipyards and seaside resorts of western France. November Atlantic weather and coastal rolling terrain characterise this Breton-Loire marathon.
Marathon de la Côte d'Amour is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Marathon de la Côte d'Amour is scheduled for Sunday, 22 November 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with coastal undulations layout.
The Marathon de la Côte d'Amour is a coastal loop starting and finishing in Saint-Nazaire on the Loire estuary, following the beaches through Pornichet and La Baule with Atlantic views throughout. The flatter beachfront miles are the easiest to settle into, while the rolling coastal undulations make the tougher sections; crowd support is strongest in Saint-Nazaire, along the La Baule seafront, and at viewing points in Pornichet.
The Marathon de la Côte d'Amour course is rolling with coastal undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
The Marathon de la Côte d'Amour uses open registration at marathon-cote-amour.com with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the April race on France's Atlantic coast typically opens early in the year. The scenic coastal course draws regional participation and places usually remain available until closer to race day.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Saint-Nazaire.
The Marathon de Nantes attracts about 5,000 finishers each November through western France's largest city. The course passes the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Loire River, and the Île de Nantes district on flat Atlantic-coast terrain. November crisp weather and a historic city-centre route make it the Loire-Atlantique's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026
The Marathon de La Rochelle follows the Atlantic coast of Charente-Maritime, drawing about 3,500 runners each November through the historic harbour city. The course passes the Vieux Port, the Les Minimes marina, and the flat coastal roads of the Rochefort peninsula approach. November mild Atlantic weather and sea views make it a popular western France marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 22 November 2026
The Saumur Marathon de la Loire follows the Loire Valley through the famous wine town of Saumur, drawing about 3,000 runners each May. The course passes the Château de Saumur, the Loire River, and the troglodyte cliff dwellings of the valley. May spring weather in the 'Garden of France' creates a scenic château-country marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027
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