Nantes Marathon

The Nantes Marathon: at the heart of the City of the Dukes

With its unique course and strong environmental commitment, the Nantes Marathon has established itself as one of the most popular races in France. Every month of April, this event attracts thousands of runners, beginners and seasoned alike, who come to discover the city from an original angle while running in an eco-responsible way. The race starts in front of the Machines of the Isle, a spectacular site where immense mechanical animals designed by François Delaroziere and Pierre Orefice come to life. Inspired by the imaginary worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, and Nantes’ rich industrial past, these machines are the perfect introduction to a marathon that blends sport, culture, and ecology.

Created in 1981 by a group of enthusiasts, the Nantes Marathon aimed to bring Nantes into the then very limited circle of French cities hosting urban races. At the time, few cities in the Greater West welcomed marathons. From its very first edition, the route paid tribute to the city’s iconic sites, already running along the banks of the Loire and the Erdre. Despite limited technical resources, the race attracted many local runners from the outset, eager to take on the challenge. It was in the early 2000s that the marathon truly took off, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the support of the municipality. The arrival of new sponsors, both local and national, then helped make it a major event for the city and for the Greater West.

The marathon course crosses iconic Nantes landmarks, including the Château of the Dukes of Brittany, the Île de Versailles and the Cité des Congrès. Following the Loire and then turning toward the Erdre as far as the finish line, runners discover a succession of regional landscapes and parks that appeal to nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts alike.

Over the years, the Nantes Marathon has grown in renown, attracting up to 18,000 participants, including a growing number of international runners drawn by the city’s authenticity. The “City of the Dukes,” which has reinvented and modernized itself, is now one of France’s most dynamic and attractive cities. With a strong focus on protecting the environment, organizers have implemented concrete measures such as recyclable bibs and replacing plastic bottles with water fountains at aid stations. Nantes itself stands out for eco-responsible initiatives, such as its urban farm—an experimental project aimed at reconnecting residents with healthier consumption habits and promoting local agriculture.