Why Paris Marathon 2025 Still Captivates Runners Around the World

The marathon is a legendary distance that inspires as much as it tests the legs. Every year, thousands of runners from across the globe converge on the Paris Marathon, an unmissable event for passionate runners and lovers of the road. The City of Light now hosts one of the world’s most iconic marathons. Here’s why Paris has become a dream race for so many runners.

1. The marathon: a legendary distance

Whether in Tokyo, London, New York or Paris, the marathon is first and foremost a legendary distance that countless runners dream of completing. The 42.195 km carry a history that goes back centuries. Not to an era of carbon-plated shoes, but to the time when the Greek army defeated the Persians in the famous Battle of Marathon. The legend built around the 42.195 km only adds to the mystique. An Athenian messenger is said to have run nearly 40 kilometres to Athens to announce the victory. Drained of all strength, he collapsed on arrival after murmuring “Nikē” (victory in Ancient Greek). The marathon has become a kind of Holy Grail for lovers of running. Today, there are thousands around the world.

2. A one-of-a-kind tour through the capital

The Paris Marathon’s prestige comes above all from its course. The start on the world’s most beautiful avenue, the Champs-Élysées, sets the tone. That alone makes the Paris Marathon unlike any other. The entire route is an open-air museum. Carried along by the euphoria of the start, the roughly 50,000 runners head towards Place de la Concorde before making their way up to the Paris Opera. The Louvre, Hôtel de Ville, Bastille and Bois de Vincennes give a boost to those brave enough to have set off that morning. After halfway, runners can take in Notre-Dame de Paris, the Grand Palais, the Trocadéro and the unmistakable Eiffel Tower. Porte d’Auteuil and Bois de Vincennes bring the sightseeing tour to a close before runners unleash their stride along the final straight to the finish on Avenue Foch.

Why Paris Marathon 2025 Still Captivates Runners Around the World

3. An electric atmosphere across Paris

To get through the Paris Marathon’s 42.195 km, you can count on a roaring crowd and an atmosphere that never lets up. Listen to runners talk about the race and one thing comes up again and again: the public support is there all along the course, and it makes a difference. It will probably take you several kilometres to recover from the electric atmosphere on the Champs-Élysées. Live bands, passionate supporters, family and friends: the Paris Marathon is a truly collective experience. Even if the temperatures are typical for the season, expect plenty of chills.

4. The Paris experience beyond the race

The Paris Marathon organisers have thought of everything, and they have done it brilliantly. Get ready for a full weekend of experience. Arriving in Paris and heading out for a few easy miles around the City of Light on the eve of the race ease you into the atmosphere. Then it’s off to Porte de Versailles to collect your race number and explore the exceptional running expo. You can feel the energy building, and the atmosphere is infectious. You’ll be able to try out the latest technological innovations, attend talks or even join a short run with top athletes. After the race, the hardest part may be choosing between the dozens of great places to eat. If you’re extending your stay in the capital, exhibitions, museums and walks can easily be added to the itinerary.

5. One of the world’s biggest marathons

In 2024, the 47th edition of the Paris Marathon set a new participation record. A total of 55,992 runners started, with 54,175 finishers in a record-breaking edition. With such a high concentration of runners, the City of Light hosts the world’s biggest marathon by participant numbers. Although the Paris event is not part of the 7 World Marathon Majors, it remains one of the most prestigious. In 2024, the Olympic Games effect undoubtedly encouraged even more runners to take on the Paris experience.

The Paris Marathon is known for its international diversity. In 2018, it welcomed participants from 145 different nationalities. In 2024, around 18% of international participants represented 110 different countries. These figures reflect the event’s global appeal.

If the Paris Marathon is a runner’s dream for you too, take the leap and discover this unique sporting adventure. Whether you’re chasing a personal challenge or looking for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the capital, the Paris Marathon is a race not to be missed.