Running: a mandatory €5 Health Prevention Pass from 2026

The Health Prevention Pathway (PPS), mandatory since 2024 to enter a race, is being replaced by an entirely new system: the Health Prevention Pass. A longer validity period, an annual cost of €5, new content and a simpler process… The French Athletics Federation (FFA) is changing the rules for the millions of unlicensed runners who line up each year for 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons. Marathons.com takes a closer look at this major change, which will affect every runner from January 1, 2026.

For a long time, everything started with the famous medical certificate, that sometimes frustrating piece of paper which shaped life for runners and race organizers alike. Then the French Athletics Federation (FFA) replaced the lengthy, cumbersome process with the Health Prevention Pathway (PPS). The move allowed two million runners to obtain their certificate free of charge by watching online prevention videos, enabling them to line up for their favorite races.

But from January 2026, the process is changing again: the PPS will make way for the Health Prevention Pass. A new format, a new validity period, an annual fee of €5 and a stated ambition to simplify, secure and, above all, better structure competitive running.

From the PPS to the Health Prevention Pass: what’s changing

➜ A longer validity period: from 3 months to 1 year
The current PPS had to be renewed every three months. Not ideal for runners who rack up race entries. The new Health Prevention Pass will be valid for one year, which should prevent nasty surprises when it’s time to collect a race bib: no more checking every quarter to see whether your certificate is still valid.

➜ An annual fee of €5
This is the biggest change: the Pass will no longer be free. It will cost €5 a year and include integrated third-party liability insurance. The FFA’s stated aim is to provide a safer framework for participation while simplifying registration and adding more health-focused tools for runners.

➜ More health content
The Pass will include “enhanced health coaching content” developed with experts. This will include reminders about best practice, tailored alerts and broader awareness of risks and warning signs. The goal remains the same: reduce incidents linked to poor preparation or a lack of awareness of one’s health status.

➜ Still mandatory for unlicensed runners
The Pass will fully replace the PPS and be mandatory for anyone taking part in a running race in France who is an unlicensed adult, whether it’s a 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon or trail race.

On Sunday, October 5, Lyon will pulse to the rhythm of thousands of runners. A major fixture on the French 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: marathon, half marathon and 10K. An impressive human wave will transform the capital of Gaul into a giant playground for running enthusiasts.

The iconic Provence race returns on October 26 for its 46th edition. 20,000 runners are expected, along with a surprise guest: Jimmy Gressier.

The 2025 Bordeaux Half Marathon is merging with the Quais 10K, offering three race formats this Sunday: half marathon, 10K and 5K.

A new 10K is coming to Paris: the 10K Montmartre AG2R LA MONDIALE on January 18, 2026, promises a lively, competitive urban race in the heart of the 18th arrondissement.

Why make this change now?

It’s hard to miss: since the end of the mandatory medical certificate, competitive running has been booming. In 2024, 11,334 races were held across France, attracting 2.95 million finishers. With races multiplying and entries selling out faster than ever at the biggest events, the market is still on an upward trajectory and calls for effective oversight.

Against this backdrop, the FFA is updating its procedures for several reasons:

✔ A stronger focus on safety
With more than two million PPS certificates completed in under two years, the federation is stressing the need for monitoring that is more effective, simpler, more consistent and more sustainable.

✔ Making life easier for race organizers
Checking tens of thousands of certificates every weekend was no small task. The new Pass should enable automated verification built into registration platforms.

✔ Building a stronger federation-backed running structure
Running now accounts for 35% of FFA license holders. The Pass is one step in a broader strategy to make it a central pillar of the federation.

“Our ambition is collective. It relies on the commitment of our clubs, volunteers, coaches and organizers. Together, let’s make competitive running a space for community, health and performance for everyone.”
Dominique Carlac’h, spokesperson for the French Athletics Federation executive committee

What this means for runners in practice

➜ If you hold an FFA license: nothing changes, you’re already covered.

➜ If you are unlicensed: you will need to create a Health Prevention Pass (€5 a year). It will be valid for all your races, with no limit on the number of entries, and you’ll simply need to attach it when registering.

If you race frequently throughout the year, the new system is designed to avoid repeated renewals and streamline the process.

More changes on the way

The Health Prevention Pass is just one part of a broader set of initiatives approved at the FFA executive committee meeting on November 12.

➜ DataRunning: the platform designed to track your progress
DataRunning will launch in 2026, giving runners a way to track their performances, compare their times with those of similar profiles and see how they progress over the years. It is designed for recreational runners and self-coached competitors alike.

➜ Resources for clubs and coaches
The FFA wants to make running clubs more attractive with shared health coaching content, new digital management tools and standardized national training for coaches.

➜ Modernized services for organizers
Race organizers will benefit from a revamped Calorg, the FFA-Organizers platform, an automated Pass verification system and better support for certified races. The main goal is to lighten the administrative burden and eliminate manual checks.

The federation also wants to increase its presence at major events and improve the organization of its French national championships.

The move from the PPS to the Health Prevention Pass marks an important turning point because it affects the entire running community in France: from beginners to experienced marathoners, and from clubs to organizers. One thing is certain: from January 2026, anyone starting a race in France will need a valid Health Prevention Pass. With this change, the FFA says it intends to further structure the sport, make race access simpler and strengthen prevention. Running is constantly evolving, and its entire ecosystem is evolving with it to better support the millions of runners who take to the roads and trails across France every year.

✔ Find all the information on the official French Athletics Federation website