© Run and Fest
Run and Fest 2026: When a Marathon Meets the Electro Scene for a Cause
02/03/2026 17:22A parachuting accident, a trek across Corsica’s legendary GR20, and an idea born in the mountains. A few months later, it’s taking shape in eastern France. On May 23–24, 2026, the first edition of Run and Fest promises an unexpected mix: marathon racing, electronic music, and festival vibes. A new way to experience running—somewhere between performance, celebration, and human connection.
Nothing about this story initially pointed toward a running event. And yet. On March 1, 2025, Mathis’ life changed in an instant. An endurance coach with a passion for adrenaline, he fell from 1,500 meters during a parachute jump. The accident was severe. What followed were long months of immobility, hospital stays, treatment, and rehabilitation—a daily battle to regain movement. By his side every step of the way: two close friends, Mathieu and Fabien.
As strength slowly returned, so did the urge to move forward. The trio set off on a bold challenge: completing the GR20, Corsica’s iconic long-distance trail, often considered one of Europe’s toughest. Somewhere between exhaustion and breathtaking landscapes, an idea began to take shape. “What if we created a race? Not just another marathon—something with meaning.” Not just another date on the calendar, but an event that tells a story. A sporting experience driven by purpose. And in today’s running landscape, the timing couldn’t be better.For years, road racing followed a familiar script: bib pickup, pasta party, early wake-up, start line, recovery.
In Mâcon, a town nestled in the vineyards of Burgundy (eastern France), Run and Fest aims to flip that script on its head. Over two days, the event blends marathon racing with a full-scale music festival. A simple idea on paper, yet perfectly aligned with the times: turning competition into a shared experience. Running has evolved—and so have runners. Run and Fest seems to have captured that shift.
| The weekend when running turns into a celebration
Everything kicks off on Saturday, May 23, in the mid-afternoon. The festival village opens, food trucks roll in, partner stands come alive, and the first beats echo from the main stage. In the rolling hills of the Mâconnais wine region, the setting quickly takes on a festival feel.
Concerts begin at 4 p.m., building toward the night’s highlight: a DJ set by French electro icon Kavinsky. At 11 p.m., his signature retro-futuristic sound is set to transform the venue into an open-air dancefloor. On the eve of a marathon, some runners may choose to take it easy. Others will lean into the music. After all, the concept thrives on this unlikely meeting of two worlds that rarely overlap.
| Sunday morning, back to basics
At sunrise, the tone shifts. The heavy bass of the night before gives way to the soft rhythm of footsteps on asphalt. The marathon starts at 8 a.m., followed by the half marathon at 10 a.m. and the 10K at noon—three classic distances designed to welcome both competitive runners and weekend warriors.
The courses wind through the countryside around Mâcon, offering a gently rolling terrain typical of Burgundy. Organizers are thinking big: several thousand runners expected, along with up to 12,000 festival-goers over the weekend. Running returns to its essence—endurance, breathing, and miles ticking by. But with something extra. The finish line doesn’t mark the end of the event. It’s simply the transition back into the celebration.
| Mathis’ extraordinary challenge at the heart of the festival
At the center of the village, another spectacle will unfold over 24 hours. Inside a glass enclosure, Mathis will attempt to break the French 24-hour record… on a treadmill. The challenge begins Saturday at 5 p.m. and ends the following day at the same time, in front of spectators. An extreme, almost surreal physical feat that adds a deeply human layer to the weekend. At its core, Run and Fest reflects a broader shift in running culture. Major city marathons still draw huge crowds, but runners are now looking for more than just a bib number. They want atmosphere, location, and a story to tell.
The growing success of events blending sport and culture highlights this transformation. Running has become a full experience—travel, food, music, and connection. Run and Fest simply pushes the idea a step further. A marathon that ends with an electro concert? Fifteen years ago, it might have sounded far-fetched. In 2026, it feels almost obvious.
| Mâcon, a new stage for festive running
Located between Lyon and Dijon, Mâcon is stepping into the spotlight with Run and Fest. The event is set to showcase the region’s vineyard landscapes while attracting a new generation of runner-festival-goers. On home soil, French football star Antoine Griezmann—who grew up in the area—might even make an appearance. Because the organizers’ ambition is simple: create a unique event that brings together athletes, music lovers, and curious newcomers around a shared moment. In the end, the concept boils down to three words: run, feel, celebrate. And what if the future of running looked a little more like this?
➜ More information and registration for Run and Fest
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
