An exciting run through the ancient city of Nantes! Nantes Marathon Overview
The Nantes Marathon, held every April in Nantes, France, unfolds in a beautiful cityscape where history and modernity coexist in harmony.
The starting point is under the Nef des Machines de l’Ile, where unique mechanical animals await. The course passes through famous sites such as Parc de la Prossé, Place Graslin, and Place Royale, and runs along the Erdre River and the banks of the Loire, allowing you to enjoy not only the running but also the tourist experience.
This is an attractive urban marathon, with runners encouraged by historical buildings and warm support from the roadside. In addition to the sense of accomplishment you will feel after finishing the race, you will also be able to enjoy the culture and fine cuisine of Nantes.
Nantes Marathon: A beautiful city run filled with history and art
Course Overview
Starting Point
The Nantes Marathon starts under the Nef des Machines de l’Ile, famous for its giant moving elephant, in the heart of the Île de Nantes, an island where art and industry come together. This place, where industrial heritage and futuristic art intersect, is a fitting stage for the start of the runner’s adventure. At the moment of the start, the mechanical elephant towering behind the runner slowly moves, as if to see the runner off.
Highlights of the Course
This course, packed with the charms of Nantes, is a special experience where you can feel the story of the city, where history, culture and nature come together, with your legs.
・2km point：Parc de la Prosse has a vast lawn and a well-maintained promenade. In spring, flowers bloom in full bloom, creating a tranquil landscape with the cheers of the spectators.
・6km point：Place Graslin is the cultural center of Nantes, where the classical theater stands. Run through the cobblestones and run through the echoes of applause and cheers.
・8km point：Place Royale is an impressive square with a beautiful fountain. It is a spot that symbolizes the essence of Nantes, where you can run while feeling the heartbeat of the city.
・10km point：Around Versailles Island and the Erdre River, the Japanese garden and the tranquil waterside scenery are soothing. Some runners take a breather and get their rhythm in order here.
・15km point：Around Nantes Cathedral and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany are magnificent stone buildings from the Middle Ages. Many runners are moved by the moment they run through the history of Nantes.
・Last 3km：The promenade along the banks of the Loire is a beautiful waterfront path that leads to the finish line. The sunlight reflects off the surface of the river, creating a view that will make you forget your fatigue.
Finish point
Return to Nef des Machines, where the city and nature blend together. The course is a loop that returns to the starting point. The joy of completing the race can be experienced at the same Nef des Machines as the starting point. Along with the medals of the finishers, you will be greeted by enthusiastic cheers, smiling faces, and the blue sky of Nantes.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The flat design with very little difference makes it easy for beginners to veterans to run. It is a great course for aiming for your personal best.
・Climate：The average temperature is 10-15℃, a refreshing spring climate. You can run comfortably without being bothered by the harsh heat or cold.
Participant comments
・”From the start to the finish, it felt like I was running through a museum!” – (France, 50s, full marathon)
・”The support from the sidelines was very warm, and it felt good to run between the historic buildings” – (Germany, 30s, half marathon)
・”The course along the Loire River was really beautiful, and it was a soul-cleansing experience” – (Japan, 40s, relay marathon)
Strategy
The key to conquering the Nantes Marathon is to get into rhythm with the lively support in the city center, and then get through the tough sections along the river with the amazing views. Use the cheers of the crowds on the final streets to get energy, and prepare for the final hills before the finish line. It’s especially important to pace yourself carefully, taking into account the gentle inclines and the city’s unique charm. The weather is often suitable for running, so you’ll be able to perform to the best of your ability.
The Nantes Marathon is a 42.195km journey that will thrill all your senses. Run through a city filled with enthusiastic cheers with runners from all over the world, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life.
2025 Nantes Marathon Summary
・Date and time: April 27, 2024
・Number of finishers: 4,532
・Average finisher time: –
MEN
1: Romain LECAPLAIN: 2:25:59
2: Titouan GILANTON: 2:26:17
3: Tura KUMBI BECHERE: 2:26:36
4: Julien COUGNAUD: 2:27:26
5: Pierre-antoine RUEL: 2:27:36
6: Pierre-yves BRIAND: 2:28:09
7: Arnold JEANNESSON: 2:28:53
8: Alex JARNOT: 2:30:03
9: Mathieu NOBLET: 2:31:35
10: Damien ECHASSERIEAU: 2:32:10
WOMEN
1: Camille CHAIGNEAU: 2:43:29
2: Adèle THOMASSIAN: 2:49:23
3: Julie LERAT: 2:51:26
4: Coraline PERAUDEAU: 2:51:54
5: Marion PELÉ: 2:56:05
6: Anne-cécile TOULEMONDE: 3:01:38
7: Camille BOURRIOT: 3:12:12
8: Ophélie BOURGEAIS: 3:12:52
9: Clotilde LEFEVRE: 3:13:42
10: Adele AUDONNET: 3:14:43
2026 Nantes Marathon
Calling all runners out there, this 42.195km race is a thrilling experience for you. Join fellow runners from around the world as you run through the streets of Nantes, breaking your personal best and experiencing something unforgettable.
・Location: Start at Les Machines de l’Île
・Date and time: April 26, 2026
・Start time: 9:15am
Nantes: a creative city where history and contemporary art come together
Nantes, located on the banks of the Loire River, is a city with a history that once flourished as the capital of the Duchy of Brittany. Magnificent buildings that retain the appearance of the Middle Ages, such as the Château des Duc de Brittany and the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, tell the history of the city to the present day.
But Nantes’s charm is not only its history. In recent years, it has been breathed new life into a creative city that combines art and culture. The complex cultural facility “Rieu Unic”, which reused a former biscuit factory, and “Les Machines de l’Ile”, where giant mechanical animals come to life, are unique to Nantes and attract many people as art spots.
In the center of the city, there is the beautiful 19th century arcade “Passage Pommeraye”, where you can enjoy shopping and cafe hopping. There are also plenty of restaurants where you can taste fresh seafood unique to the Loire region and locally produced wine.
Nantes is a charming city where historical buildings, modern art, fine cuisine, and abundant nature come together in harmony. When you walk through the town, you will surely be captivated by its unique atmosphere.
