Overview
The Marathon de Tours draws approximately 1,800 finishers each September on an urban road in Tours, France. It offers classic French city scenery without the scale of Paris or Bordeaux. The route passes Loire-side roads, historic center streets, and elegant avenues in the Loire Valley city. Loire-side roads, historic center streets, and elegant avenues in the Loire Valley city offer classic French scenery without the scale of Paris or Bordeaux.
Marathon de Tours is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Marathon de Tours 2026 race day
The next Marathon de Tours is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Marathon de Tours course route
Starts and finishes in Tours. The route passes Loire-side roads, historic center streets, and elegant avenues in the Loire Valley city. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Marathon de Tours elevation profile
The Marathon de Tours course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Marathon de Tours uses open online registration at harmonie-mutuelle.marathon1020ktours.com with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the September race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Marathon de Tours elevation profile?
- The Marathon de Tours has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Marathon de Tours?
- The Marathon de Tours is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Tours.
- Is the Marathon de Tours course flat?
- Yes. Marathon de Tours is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Marathon de Tours pass?
- The route passes Loire-side roads, historic center streets, and elegant avenues in the Loire Valley city.
- What weather should runners expect at Marathon de Tours?
- Usually mild with soft early-autumn warmth.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
