Marathon de la Liberté 2025: Caen runs through history

From Pegasus Bridge to the streets of Caen, every stride at the Marathon de la Liberté carries a sense of remembrance. The 2025 edition celebrates the event’s 38th running in a unique mix of collective memory, sporting ambition and popular support. With 30,000 runners expected from June 12 to 15, the Marathon de la Liberté has become one of France’s five biggest running events.

A running festival steeped in history

It is impossible to think about Normandy and the city of Caen without thinking about history. The beaches of Normandy were the scene of fierce fighting in June 1944. The D-Day landings left an indelible mark on French history. The Marathon de la Liberté was created in 1988 to pay tribute to the heroes of D-Day. By passing through key sites linked to the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy, including Juno and Sword beaches, the Ouistreham casino and Pegasus Bridge, runners take part in a race like no other. This marathon, steeped in history, brings together runners from nearly 65 different countries. Over the years, the organizers have developed several race formats, from 3 km to the marathon, to make the event accessible to as many people as possible. With more than 30,000 runners expected for its 38th edition, the Marathon de la Liberté ranks as France’s fourth-largest running event by participation. In 2025, the event will coincide with an even larger celebration: the Millennium of the city of Caen. Founded around 1025, during the time of William the Conqueror, the Norman city will celebrate a thousand years of history in 2025. This exceptional setting adds another cultural and heritage dimension to the event.

Marathon de la Liberté 2025: Caen runs through history

A well-oiled operation with national appeal

For four days, Caen will be buzzing with popular enthusiasm, history, solidarity and running. If Normandy’s flagship running event has become such a success, there is no doubt that the quality of the organization is a major reason why. The destination is ideal for anyone looking to run or take on the marathon distance. Easily accessible by train and not far from the capital, Caen attracts runners from across France and around the world at every edition. A mark of its rigor and reliability, the Marathon de la Liberté’s main races carry the FFA label, recognizing the event’s high organizational standards. The organizers have made the runner experience a priority. Live tracking, free shuttles, regular, high-quality aid stations, live music and a Normandy buffet: running enthusiasts will be able to make the most of the event. Every year, 1,600 volunteers work behind the scenes to give runners an outstanding Marathon de la Liberté experience. 40,000 spectators are expected along the course, which passes through no fewer than 17 different towns over the full marathon distance. With 26 fan zones, participants will be lifted by the support all the way to the finish line at Caen’s Hélitas Stadium.

A deeply rooted commitment to solidarity

Watch out for the surge! La Rochambelle will bring Saturday evening to life. A wave of pink will sweep through Caen in support of the fight against cancer. Open to women only, this 5 to 6 km charity run and walk attracts nearly 10,000 participants every year, making it one of France’s largest women-only races. Since its creation, La Rochambelle has helped raise more than €1.5 million for local charities working in cancer screening, treatment and support for women living with the disease. Its name pays tribute to the women ambulance drivers of General Leclerc’s 2nd Armored Division, who took part in the liberation of France in 1944. The Foulées de la Liberté, the second race of the weekend, embodies accessibility, inclusion and commitment, kicking off the festivities on Thursday. This symbolic event is reserved for pupils from schools in the Caen area. Four thousand children will take part in a sporting event driven by solidarity. In 2025, the children will support Les Fées Papillons, a regional organization that supports sick children and their families while raising awareness of bone marrow, blood and platelet donation.

Who will shine in Caen in 2025?

The various start lines will feature plenty of ambitious runners hoping to raise their arms at Caen’s Hélitas Stadium. In the headline event, defending champion Florian Caro will be back. In 2024, the Stade Brestois Athlétisme runner won the marathon in a dominant 2:13:42. This year, he will be eager to defend his title. The women’s race looks wide open, with several contenders separated by very little. The fastest runner on the start list is Moroccan athlete Fatimza Ezzahra El Idrissi . The course records belong to Sorri Abdisa, with 2:12:37 (2012), and Elisabeth Chemweno, with 2:35:23 (2008). The shorter distances should deliver just as much excitement, with the 40,000 spectators expected lining the course ready to cheer the runners on.

The full 2025 Marathon de la Liberté schedule

Join us from June 12 to 15 2025 for the 38th edition of the Marathon de la Liberté

➜ THURSDAY, JUNE 12:

2:30 p.m.: Les Foulées de la Liberté

➜ SATURDAY, JUNE 14:

7:00 p.m.: La Rochambelle

➜ SUNDAY, JUNE 15:

8:40 a.m.: 10K start, Crédit Agricole Normandie
8:55 a.m.: Pegasus Half Marathon start
9:10 a.m.: Marathon de la Liberté and Marathon Relay start

✔ Full details are available on the official race website.