Overview
The Montpellier Marathon attracts approximately 2,500 finishers each April through the vibrant university city on France's Mediterranean coast. The course passes the Place de la Comédie, the Antigone district, and the Lez River parklands on flat Languedoc terrain. April's Mediterranean spring and the youthful student-city energy make it southern France's most dynamic marathon.
Montpellier Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Montpellier Marathon 2027 race day
The next Montpellier Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 April 2027 with a 8:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Montpellier Marathon course route
The Montpellier Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at the Place de la Comédie in central Montpellier. The loop passes the Antigone neoclassical district, the Lez River park, and the Port Marianne area. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.
Montpellier Marathon elevation profile
The Montpellier Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Montpellier Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.montpellier-marathon.com/.
Montpellier Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
20 km de Montpellier - Présentation de la course
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Montpellier Marathon elevation profile?
- The Montpellier Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Montpellier Marathon?
- The Montpellier Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Place de la Comédie in central Montpellier.
- What time does the Montpellier Marathon start?
- The 2027 Montpellier Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 25 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.montpellier-marathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Montpellier Marathon start?
- The race starts and finishes at the Place de la Comédie, Montpellier's central square and opera house plaza.
- When is the Montpellier Marathon?
- The Montpellier Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.montpellier-marathon.com/.
- Is the Montpellier Marathon flat?
- Yes. The Languedoc plain course is flat and fast in mild Mediterranean spring weather.
- What is the Antigone district?
- Antigone is Montpellier's striking neoclassical quarter designed by Ricardo Bofill, with grand colonnades and symmetrical plazas along the marathon route.
- What weather should I expect in Montpellier in April?
- April in Montpellier is mild Mediterranean spring, often 14–22 °C (57–72 °F). The nearby coast influences the pleasant racing climate.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Montpellier.
Sainte-Maxime, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France· 225 km away
Marathon du Golfe de Saint-Tropez
The Marathon du Golfe de Saint-Tropez draws approximately 1,800 finishers each March on a scenic coastal road in Sainte-Maxime, France. It links several Riviera towns in one point-to-point marathon and is organized collectively by the twelve communes of the gulf. The route passes Mediterranean shoreline roads, vineyard-backed hills, and multiple resorts around the Golfe de Saint-Tropez. Mediterranean shoreline roads and vineyard-backed hills link twelve Riviera communes on a point-to-point course with repeated resort-town climbs.
Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027
Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France· 227 km away
Grenoble Marathon
The Grenoble Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each April through the Alpine capital at the confluence of the Isère and Drac rivers. The course passes the Bastille fortress cable-car, the Paul Mistral park, and the Olympic legacy venues from the 1968 Winter Games. April's alpine spring and flat valley-floor terrain make it one of France's most mountain-framed city marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France· 250 km away
Lyon Marathon
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.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
Villefranche-sur-Saone, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France· 273 km away
Marathon du Beaujolais
The Marathon du Beaujolais draws approximately 4,000 finishers each November on a wine-country road in Villefranche-sur-Saone, France. It is one of France's most theatrical marathons, famous for costumes, music, and Beaujolais hospitality. The route passes vineyards, Beaujolais villages, chateaux, and festive wine-country aid stations. Vineyards, Beaujolais villages, and festive wine-country aid stations unfold across rollers that match the region's celebrated hillside terroir.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
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