Overview
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.
Saumur Marathon de la Loire is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Saumur Marathon de la Loire 2027 race day
The next Saumur Marathon de la Loire is scheduled for Sunday, 9 May 2027 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.
Saumur Marathon de la Loire course route
The Saumur Marathon de la Loire is a Loire valley loop starting and finishing near the Chateau de Saumur, following the river through vineyard country past the cavalry school and troglodyte cliff villages. The riverside flats are the easiest because they stay smooth and scenic, while the gentle vineyard rolls and narrow village roads are tougher because they keep interrupting rhythm. Spectator support is strongest around the chateau, in Saumur itself, and at organised points in the riverside villages.
Saumur Marathon de la Loire elevation profile
The Saumur Marathon de la Loire 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 Saumur Marathon de la Loire uses open registration at saumurmarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the May race in the Loire Valley wine region typically opens early in the year. The modest field draws French club runners through the same online portal.
Saumur Marathon de la Loire course videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Saumur Marathon de la Loire : 6 600 participants, un succès populaire et sportif
Saumur : Marathon de la Loire 2019, le combiné canoé + course
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Saumur Marathon de la Loire elevation profile?
- The Saumur Marathon de la Loire 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 Saumur Marathon de la Loire?
- The Saumur Marathon de la Loire is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Riverside scenic road starts and finishes near the Château de Saumur overlooking the Loire.
- What time does the Saumur Marathon de la Loire start?
- The 2027 Saumur Marathon de la Loire starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 9 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.saumurmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Saumur Marathon pass the château?
- Yes. The Château de Saumur overlooking the Loire is a centrepiece of the course.
- Is the Saumur Marathon flat?
- Largely yes along the Loire valley floor.
- What is special about the Saumur Marathon?
- The Loire Valley château scenery and Saumur's sparkling wine country make it one of France's most picturesque regional marathons.
- What is Saumur weather in May?
- May mornings are mild, typically 10–18 °C (50–64 °F), with pleasant Loire Valley spring conditions.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
