Next race
Sunday, 22 November 2026
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Scenic coastal road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Approximately 2,800 finishers
Course & terrain
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 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.
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 12 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
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.
Getting there
Nantes (NTE)
Nantes Atlantique Airport
48 km / 30 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
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
The Marathon Royan Cote de Beaute draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May on a scenic coastal road in Royan, France. It blends resort-town scenery with a largely runnable profile. The route passes estuary views, beaches, and low coastal roads on the Charente coast. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
