Run In Lyon set to fill the city with 33,000 runners

CL
By Clément Laborieux

Published on Thu, September 10, 2026

Updated on Thu, September 10, 2026

Run In Lyon set to fill the city with 33,000 runners
© A.S.O / Bastien Séon

On Sunday, October 5, Lyon will pulse to the rhythm of thousands of footsteps. A major fixture on France’s running calendar, Run In Lyon by Harmonie Mutuelle returns for a record-breaking edition, with 33,000 runners expected on the start line across three distances: the marathon, half marathon and 10K. An impressive human wave will turn the capital of Gaul into a giant playground for running enthusiasts.

Record numbers and an increasingly diverse field

The event attracts more runners every year. In 2025, the field has been slightly expanded, from 31,000 to 33,000 participants. A sign of the times: women now account for 44% of the field, up from just 37% in 2022. Another strong trend is the growing appeal for newcomers: 62% of entrants will be taking part in their first Run In Lyon. That promises an electric atmosphere, blending first-race excitement with the experience of those familiar with Lyon’s roads.

Three distances, one entire city to rediscover

The course is one of the event’s biggest strengths. It is hard to imagine a more appealing setting: the Saône, Parc de la Tête d’Or, the Confluence district, Stade de Gerland, the Rhône riverbanks and the spectacular finish on Place Bellecour.

➜ The marathon will take runners as far as Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or along the Saône before heading back into the heart of the city, passing several of Lyon’s landmarks, including Parc de la Tête d’Or, the Rhône riverbanks, Stade de Gerland and Place Bellecour.

➜ The half marathon follows a more compact but equally urban route, taking in Terreaux, Quai de Serbie and Cours Franklin Roosevelt before also finishing in the heart of Place Bellecour.

The 10K offers a fast, flowing loop through the city centre, ideal for chasing a personal best or lining up for a first race.

One new feature worth noting: the 10K finish will now come via a straight run along Rue de la République, leading to what promises to be a spectacular finish on Place Bellecour.

Place Bellecour Village, the beating heart of the celebrations

The weekend gets underway on Friday with the opening of the Village, the event’s headquarters. It is the essential stop for collecting your race bib, but also a lively meeting place for coaches, experts, athletes, exhibitors and supporters preparing their signs and cheers. The event’s main partner, HOKA, will also be based there, with plenty of activities planned on site. Check the times below to collect your bib or simply explore the Village:

Marathoon’s, passing the running bug on to the next generation

Children will get their own moment in the spotlight on Saturday. Marathoon’s features age-specific races ranging from 400 to 1,600 m, giving youngsters a taste of the unique atmosphere surrounding a major running event. To round things off, a fun workshop will introduce children and adults alike to sport for people with visual impairments, inviting them to try guiding a partner as part of a two-person team.

Influencer Mustapha Salmi chasing his biggest dream

This edition will have a particularly special meaning for a familiar face on social media: Mustapha Salmi, known as Muss. A national-level runner with a 1:04:38 half marathon in 2023 and a popular influencer in France’s running community, he has spent months preparing for his main goal of the year: the Lyon Marathon. His ambitions are clear. Following in his father’s footsteps, after his father won here in 1993 in 2:13:09, he wants to leave his mark on the family history and run the best race possible on Sunday.

Follow the race live

There is also good news for spectators: the Hyundai Live Tracking service will make it possible to follow the marathon and half marathon in real time from a smartphone. As anyone who has used it knows, it adds plenty of emotion and makes it easier to share the race with friends and family.

Lyon will be buzzing this Sunday. Beginners and seasoned marathoners alike, all 33,000 runners will set off with the same goal: to enjoy a unique experience in one of France’s finest cities. For spectators, all it will take is a moment to listen: the footsteps, cheers and collective energy will reverberate throughout the Presqu’île.

Find all the event information here