Paris Marathon 2026 in numbers: a record-breaking, people-powered edition

Year after year, the Paris Marathon confirms its status as a global marathon and ranks among the biggest races in the world. For its 49th edition, the capital came alive to the sound of 57,464 finishers taking on the 42.195 km challenge. With world-class performances, a new course record, a growing share of women in the field and an electric atmosphere, the 2026 edition left its mark once again. The Marathons.com editorial team takes a closer look at the key figures that capture the scale of this marathon.

57,464 finishers, a human tide through the streets of Paris

There were 58,853 runners at the start, and 57,464 crossed the finish line on Avenue Foch. An impressive figure that once again places Paris among the world’s biggest marathons, just behind New York and London. From the first finisher to the last, every runner lived their own story in the streets of the capital. Whether chasing a performance, taking on a personal challenge or discovering the marathon distance, runners in Paris are carried along by the emotion of the occasion.

Paris Marathon 2026: 57,464 finishers, 49% first-time marathoners and a women’s course record. All the key figures from a spectacular edition in the heart of the capital.

49% first-time marathoners, Paris more accessible than ever

This is one of the edition’s most striking figures: nearly one runner in two was lining up for their first marathon. It is a trend that has continued to gain momentum in recent years. The Paris Marathon has established itself as the ideal event for discovering the marathon distance, with an iconic course and meticulous organisation. And runners do not come to Paris solely to chase a time. They also come to share a powerful experience with friends and enjoy everything the City of Light has to offer, from tourism and culture to straightforward logistics.

33% women, and the field continues to evolve

Women’s representation in the field continues to grow, with 33% of starters in 2026, compared with 31% in 2025 and 28% in 2024. The steady rise reflects the broader evolution of running in recent years. Women are taking up more and more space in the field, and that is excellent news. You can feel it in the atmosphere and in the stories unfolding along the course. Kathrine Switzer and Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb can be proud of how far the sport has come.

29% international runners, a marathon beyond borders

The Paris Marathon is more international than ever. Twenty-nine percent of the field came from abroad, with 143 nationalities represented. After France, with 41,290 finishers, the leading nations included:
➜ United Kingdom: 4,641
➜ United States: 1,857
➜ Germany: 1,040

In Paris, languages mingle and cultures intersect. For one weekend, the city becomes the world capital of running.

4:13:24, the average finish time at the Paris Marathon

This year, the average marathon finish time was 4:13:24.
➜ Men: 4:04:41
➜ Women: 4:32:09

The figure has risen in recent years, for an easy-to-understand reason: with more and more first-timers on the start line, the marathon is primarily a quest for adventure and personal experience. In France, runners chasing a fast time tend to head to Spain instead, where the courses are exceptionally fast. Paris is not the fastest marathon in the world, but it is clearly one of the most inclusive.

4.17% under three hours, the ultimate goal remains as coveted as ever

A total of 2,396 runners broke three hours, representing 4.17% of the field. The figure shows just how much sub-3 remains the ultimate benchmark for amateur runners. But the reality for most of the field lies elsewhere: the majority finish between 3:30 and 5:00.

2:18:34, a new women’s course record

The elite race delivered the goods.
➜ Shure Demise made history in 2:18:34, setting a new course record at an average pace of 3:17/km.
➜ Yeman Crippa won in 2:05:18 after an impressive finish. Over the final two kilometres, he ran at a blistering 2:44/km pace to make the difference.

Two women have broken 2:20 in Paris history

With her personal-best 2:18:34, Shure Demise became only the second woman in history to break 2:20 in Paris, following Judith Jeptum Korir in 2022. It is a symbolic milestone that confirms the rapid rise of women’s marathon running.

€8.5 million raised for charities

The Paris Marathon is also a shared human and charitable endeavour. The 8,500 runners raising money for charities helped collect €8.5 million, a record total. Behind every medal, there may be a cause, a story or a commitment. That too is part of the beauty of the marathon.

200,000 spectators on the streets

As Ernest Hemingway so aptly wrote, Paris is a moveable feast. Here, every kilometre becomes a celebration. With music, shouts, signs and encouragement, it is hard not to be swept up in the city’s energy, especially when the weather plays along. Nearly 200,000 spectators lined the course, while the organisers set up 40 entertainment zones.

38, the average age of the finishers

The profile of the runners is changing too. The field is getting younger, with Gen Z joining in. At an average age of 38, the marathon now appeals to a broad population, from curious newcomers to experienced athletes. More and more people are taking up the sport in search of a challenge.

92 years old, the oldest runner in this edition

An exceptional runner: at 92, Japan’s Koichi Kitabatake completed his seventh Paris Marathon in 7:21:37. He was the oldest runner in the field. He proves that a passion for sport has no age limit, and that running can help keep you healthy. Immense respect, sir.

The 2026 edition confirmed one thing: the Paris Marathon has a unique magic and the power to bring together world-class elites and thousands of amateurs chasing a personal breakthrough. It is a shared experience, a singular challenge and a huge public celebration. In recent years, Paris has become a major fixture on the international running calendar. What stands out most from this edition is Shure Demise’s astonishing course record, the surge in first-time marathoners and the growing representation of women in the field. Paris continues to grow, attract and inspire. Judging by the enthusiasm and passion surrounding this edition, one thing is certain: you will have to get up very early to secure a bib for the next Paris Marathon.

✔ See all the results from the 2026 Paris Marathon