Toulouse Métropole Run Experience 2025: 37,000 runners, sunshine and a festival atmosphere in the Pink City marathon

On Sunday, November 2, the Pink City came alive to the rhythm of thousands of runners. In its second edition, the Toulouse Métropole Run Experience confirmed that it is much more than a race: it is a true public celebration. Nearly 37,000 participants took to the streets of Toulouse across several formats: 10K, half marathon and marathon. On the flagship distance, Salomé Lecoq (2:54:31) and Adrien Latestère (2:24:42) stood out. Marathons.com takes a closer look at a race that is establishing itself as a major fixture on France’s running calendar.

An atmosphere with a distinctly southern feel

Toulouse and the marathon have a real love story. After a four-year absence, the event made its comeback last year, much to the delight of runners across Occitanie. This year, the setting was unchanged and the festive atmosphere was just as strong. Along the Garonne, on the boulevards and through the historic city center, thousands of spectators cheered, bands turned up the volume, and residents came out in force to support the runners. This local passion, in France’s third-largest city, is also part of what makes the Toulouse Métropole Run Experience so special: a blend of performance and conviviality, competition and enjoyment.

The 2025 Toulouse Marathon brought nearly 37,000 runners together in an exceptional atmosphere. Adrien Letestère and Salomé Lecoq triumphed on the flagship distance as the Pink City came alive to the rhythm of the runners.

The 2025 Toulouse Métropole Run Experience brought nearly 37,000 runners together in an exceptional atmosphere in the Pink City.

The Marathon des Géants: Adrien Latestère and Salomé Lecoq take the wins

On the flagship distance, Adrien Latestère (Blagnac Sporting Club) came out on top after a closely fought race, covering the 42.195 km in 2:24:42. He finished ahead of Eliott Lumet (2:24:55, Satuc Toulouse Athle) and triathlete Thomas Teofili (2:29:04).
In the women’s race, Salomé Lecoq (Muret Athlétisme Club) dominated in 2:53:41, securing a clear victory ahead of Tiffanie Bou (2:59:52) and Luce Vergneaux (3:05:21, ASPTT Toulouse).

A marathon with an Indian summer feel, between the Garonne and Toulouse’s pink brick, where ideal weather allowed the runners to produce strong performances while enjoying the scenery. This year’s winners join the race’s roll of honour after following in the footsteps of a prestigious duo: Nicolas Navarro and Floriane Hot, the 2024 champions. Last year, the couple completed the flagship distance in 2:22:08 and 2:44:15 respectively.

Half marathon: Aurel Bonnin and Françoise Parage take first place

The half marathon was every bit as close as it was spectacular. Aurel Bonnin (Grand Toulouse Athlétisme) won in 1:07:33, just ahead of triathlete Thibault Colard (1:07:45) and Florian Ciliberti (1:07:46).
In the women’s race, Françoise Parage (Athlétisme Six Fours) took the win in 1:17:43, followed by Estelle Olivier (1:21:47, Entente Savoie Athle) and Stade Français triathlete Anne Coulondre (1:22:09). A strong podium and solid times on a course that remains as fast as ever.

10K du Capitole: Saber Hara and Carla Allix at full speed

Speedsters gathered on Saturday morning for the 10K du Capitole, with a spectacular finish in front of the city hall. In the men’s race, Saber Hara (Satuc Toulouse Athlé) dominated in 31:20, just ahead of Gabriel Nermond Desvalois (31:31, Saint Astier Triathlon) and Allan Piton (31:33). In the women’s race, Carla Allix (Satuc Toulouse Athlé) won in 36:20, followed by Khadija Boudjellouli (37:04) and Lisa El Fakhar (37:20, Grand Toulouse Athletisme). A deep field, a charged atmosphere and a standard that keeps rising year after year.

Relay marathon: more than 650 teams on the starting line

Because running is also about sharing the experience, the Relay Marathon was once again a hit, selling out with more than 650 teams. This year, the trophy went to Les Jardiniers Turbo-Brouette, winners in 2:26:33, ahead of CTT Team 2 (2:44:01) and TARES (2:45:32). For some, it is a convivial way to run; for others, the focus is firmly on the clock. Either way, it is an ideal way to discover the legendary distance as a team.

A committed and responsible race

The Toulouse Métropole Run Experience also reaffirmed its environmental commitment. Like the Lyon Marathon and the upcoming Paris Marathon, the organizer introduced a range of measures to make the event greener: no plastic bottles at aid stations, replaced by cups and Toulouse tap water; local products on the menu; wooden medals made from sustainably managed French forests; and waste sorting throughout the course, made possible by the volunteers. A practical demonstration that a major event can also set an example.

For some residents, the celebration was not quite so enjoyable

Behind the sporting enthusiasm, another reality became clear on Sunday: an entire neighbourhood brought to a standstill during the event. Gridlocked boulevards, the city center split in two, pedestrians stranded and frustrated motorists. The event’s popular success also exposed some logistical limitations. The finish line, set up on Boulevard d’Arcole near one of the city’s busiest markets, turned the area into a bottleneck. With runners streaming through and roads closed, some residents took nearly an hour to cover a single kilometer.

Reactions on social media were mixed: on one side, runners won over by the organization and atmosphere; on the other, Toulouse residents exasperated at being unable to follow their usual routes. For the organizer, the event was a success. But with growth on this scale, the real challenge will now be to keep the marathon at the heart of the city without bringing residents’ daily lives to a standstill.

With 37,000 participants, beautiful courses, an electric atmosphere and flawless organization from Playground, the Toulouse Métropole Run Experience has established itself as a safe bet on France’s running calendar. Combining performance, conviviality and the spirit of southwest France, the Pink City has once again shown that it intends to become a lasting fixture on the French running scene. The date is already set for 2026.

✔ Find all the results from the 2025 Toulouse Métropole Run Experience