Royan U Côte de Beauté Marathon Turns 10

Also known as the eight-beach marathon, the Marathon de Royan U Côte de Beauté is a spring race whose course is a major part of its appeal. After 10 years, the Royan event has earned a prime spot on the department’s racing calendar. Just 1,200 athletes took part across all races in 2016. In 2026, that figure will reach 8,400. “When I joined the 17 Soupape association, the president, who was a friend, handed me his position. I came from the football world. I agreed to take over on the condition that we create a marathon here in Royan. I liked a challenge, and there was nothing else besides La Rochelle,” says race director Jean-Pierre Dumont.

Two loops from Vaux-sur-Mer to Saint-Georges-de-Didonne

An anniversary edition means bigger fields: 1,700 places for the marathon, up from 1,500; 4,000 for the half marathon, up from 3,000; and 2,700 for the 10K, up from 2,100.

The flagship race will get underway in the cool of the morning. Ready to tackle two loops through Vaux-sur-Mer and Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, runners will line up from 7:30 a.m. on Royan’s main Charles de Gaulle square. As the miles tick by and legs grow heavier, they can take in the changing beauty of the scenery. “Eighty-five percent of the course offers sea views. It’s so beautiful that it has barely changed in 10 years,” the organizers say.

Freddy Guimard the one to watch

Last year, Alès Athlétisme runner Freddy Guimard was unable to start the race, which he won in 2024 in 2:23:02, a course record, for medical reasons. He returns in 2026 as the clear favorite, armed with a marathon personal best of 2:13:53. The course has a few surprises and is not known for being especially fast, but the Bordeaux-based runner will be looking to get as close as possible to 2:20.

On the women’s side, the Royan record is under three hours: 2:56:56, set by Spain’s Rebecca Ruiz-Diez in 2023. The half marathon covers the loop just once and also finishes on Royan’s Grande Conche beach. Didier Volino, who won the half marathon in 2025 in 1:10:36, will be back for the 10th anniversary.

✓ Full details on the Marathon de Royan U Côte de Beauté.

On May 24, more than 8,000 athletes will set off along Royan’s seafront for a marathon that hugs the ocean, with a few stretches running over sand.

Also known as the eight-beach marathon, the Marathon de Royan U Côte de Beauté is a spring race whose course is a major part of its appeal. After 10 years, the Royan event has earned a prime spot on the department’s racing calendar. Just 1,200 athletes took part across all races in 2016. In 2026, that figure will reach 8,400. “When I joined the 17 Soupape association, the president, who was a friend, handed me his position. I came from the football world. I agreed to take over on the condition that we create a marathon here in Royan. I liked a challenge, and there was nothing else besides La Rochelle,” says race director Jean-Pierre Dumont.

Two loops from Vaux-sur-Mer to Saint-Georges-de-Didonne

An anniversary edition means bigger fields: 1,700 places for the marathon, up from 1,500; 4,000 for the half marathon, up from 3,000; and 2,700 for the 10K, up from 2,100.

The flagship race will get underway in the cool of the morning. Ready to tackle two loops through Vaux-sur-Mer and Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, runners will line up from 7:30 a.m. on Royan’s main Charles de Gaulle square. As the miles tick by and legs grow heavier, they can take in the changing beauty of the scenery. “Eighty-five percent of the course offers sea views. It’s so beautiful that it has barely changed in 10 years,” the organizers say.

Freddy Guimard the one to watch

Last year, Alès Athlétisme runner Freddy Guimard was unable to start the race, which he won in 2024 in 2:23:02, a course record, for medical reasons. He returns in 2026 as the clear favorite, armed with a marathon personal best of 2:13:53. The course has a few surprises and is not known for being especially fast, but the Bordeaux-based runner will be looking to get as close as possible to 2:20.

On the women’s side, the Royan record is under three hours: 2:56:56, set by Spain’s Rebecca Ruiz-Diez in 2023. The half marathon covers the loop just once and also finishes on Royan’s Grande Conche beach. Didier Volino, who won the half marathon in 2025 in 1:10:36, will be back for the 10th anniversary.

✓ Full details on the Marathon de Royan U Côte de Beauté.