Nice Marathon

Nice Marathon course route

The Nice Marathon is a point-to-point French Riviera course from Nice toward Cannes, following the Promenade des Anglais and the corniche roads with uninterrupted Mediterranean views before finishing on the Croisette. The smoother coastal sections are the easiest because they stay mostly level, while the corniche climbs and exposed headlands are the tougher stretches; spectators gather along the Promenade des Anglais, in the coastal towns, and at the Croisette finish.

Nice Marathon elevation profile

The Nice Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 156 metres of climbing and 156 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Nice Marathon uses open registration at marathon06.com with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the November race along the Promenade des Anglais typically opens in autumn. The Mediterranean setting draws international runners and early registration is advisable for preferred start-wave placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nice Marathon elevation profile?

The Nice Marathon has 156 metres of total climbing and 156 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 Nice Marathon?

The Nice Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course from Nice to Cannes — point-to-point along the French Riviera.

Is the Nice Marathon flat?

Yes. The Nice Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations with 156 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

What time does the Nice Marathon start?

The 2026 Nice Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.marathon06.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Does the Nice Marathon run along the Promenade des Anglais?

Yes. The Promenade des Anglais — Nice's legendary 7-kilometre seafront boulevard along the Côte d'Azur — is the centrepiece of the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice–Cannes course. Runners experience the iconic palm-lined promenade with the deep blue Mediterranean on one side, a highlight shared by both the marathon and its companion half marathon event.

What is the full name of the Nice Marathon?

The official name is the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice–Cannes, reflecting the race's spectacular route along the French Riviera between Nice and Cannes. The course follows the coastal road along the Alpes-Maritimes department, ending in Cannes.

When is the Nice Marathon held?

The Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes is typically held on the second Sunday of November each year. November on the French Riviera is mild and sunny — temperatures of 13–18 °C make for comfortable racing on the Mediterranean coast. See www.marathon06.com for confirmed dates.

Is the Nice Marathon a point-to-point course?

Yes. The race starts in Nice and finishes in Cannes — a linear point-to-point route of 42.2 km tracing the Côte d'Azur coastline. This means runners need to plan transport back to Nice after the race, but the finish in Cannes — famous for its film festival — is a memorable destination in itself.

What is the scenery like on the Nice Marathon?

Few marathons anywhere offer comparable scenery. The course runs through a string of famous Riviera towns — Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Èze-sur-Mer, Monaco border, Cap-d'Ail, Antibes — with the Mediterranean always in view and the Maritime Alps rising dramatically to the north.