Top 10 of 10 km Races in France for 2025
Are you on the lookout for a fast and challenging 10 km race to test your limits and set a new personal best? Or maybe you want to explore a new city while racing? Or perhaps you just need an excuse to spend an unforgettable weekend with your sporty friends and have some fun? Regardless of your experience level, whether you’re a seasoned 10 km runner or a complete beginner, Marathons.com presents the Top 10 of 10 km Races in France for 2025, an ideal distance for athletes of all levels. Festive, conducive to performance, night races, set in idyllic surroundings, and unique, we’ve gathered some races that are hugely popular among runners.
1. Pool-table smooth, exceptional density, and dreamy setting: Prom’Classic in Nice
This is the densest 10 km in France. Sold out two months before the event, 13,000 participants took off on the famous Promenade des Anglais to start 2025 in style. Along the Mediterranean, beneath palm trees and favorable weather, all the ingredients are present for an incredible race. The course is highly performance-friendly, for those eager to push their limits. The Prom’Classic is an extremely flat out and back. 5 km one way, then 5 km back to the finish line. There’s also a non-timed 10 km option provided for those who might be intimidated by the clock-watchers.
If you’re still undecided for the next year, take a look at the exceptional density of this record-setting race won by Azzedine Habz (27’44) and Sarah Madeleine (31’15): 10 runners finished in under 29 minutes, 52 under 30 minutes, 113 under 31 minutes, 207 under 32 minutes, 305 under 33 minutes, 430 under 34 minutes, 579 under 35 minutes, 729 under 36 minutes, 1100 under 38 minutes, 1564 under 40 minutes, 4419 under 50 minutes, and 7752 under an hour. You’re sure not to run alone and will be inspired to surpass yourself.
Next edition: early January 2026
2. Idyllic setting, mountains, and lake: Aix-les-Bains 10 km by Crédit Mutuel
After the French Riviera in Nice, head to the Riviera of the Alps with the 10 km Aix-les-Bains by Crédit Mutuel. The beautiful route is hosted by the organizing club, Athlétique Sport Aixois, at the foot of towering mountains, under the watchful eye of Mont Revard. The course runs alongside Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, stretching 18 kilometers. It’s a fantastic way to explore the thermal city with your running shoes. The race takes place at the end of the winter season from March 21 to 23, three weeks after the French Cross-Country Championships (Challans, March 2), making it a prime date in the winter competition calendar.
This year, a new course between water expanses and stone giants will be introduced, with almost zero elevation. The event spans three days, featuring a partners’ village located on the lake’s esplanade. A daycare will also be available for children aged 4 to 12, offering a fun athletic course supervised by certified leaders. Additionally, one euro from each 10 km registration will be donated to the Lucioles association, which works to improve the daily lives of hospitalized children.
Next edition: March 21, 22, and 23
3. Night race, committed, city center: 10 km Lamotte in Rennes
10 km at your own pace = 10 trees planted. That’s the ambition behind the 10 km Lamotte in Rennes. For the 2024 edition, no fewer than 237,114 trees were planted in Ethiopia, India, France, Portugal, and Germany with the Yves Rocher Foundation. If running for the environment appeals to you, this event will be a delight.
Moreover, signing up for this night race provides a unique opportunity to explore Rennes, as the entire 10 km takes place through the city center streets. Needless to say, the course is flat (25 meters of positive elevation), fast, and certified with the international Gold Label from FFA. In addition to the 10 km, 5 other events are offered on the same weekend, including the Green Marathon.
Whether you’re aiming to improve your 10 km time or are a newbie, this event ranks among the fastest in France. The proof lies in the race record of 28 minutes (Soufiyan Bouqantar in 2024) or the fact that 12 runners finished in under 30 minutes, 218 under 35 minutes, and 2487 under an hour.
Next edition: October 25 and 26, 2025
4. Garonne, conviviality, and high attendance: the 10 km des Quais de Bordeaux
Want to get familiar with the Gironde capital and its quays overlooking the Garonne? The 10 km des Quais de Bordeaux allows you to run alongside and even cross the river amidst thousands of runners, just steps from a city center known for its heritage and architecture. The atmosphere is guaranteed with a large crowd of spectators. In 2024, for the 20th anniversary of the event, no fewer than 6,000 participants signed up more than three months before the race day. You can also choose to run this event in pairs, as a relay.
In this renowned wine region also famous for its canelés, you’ll discover a unique loop, relatively flat, drawn between the Pierre and Chaban-Delmas bridges, offering a chance to cross the Garonne twice. The finish line is set at the famous Bordeaux Water Mirror. You’ll have the quays much adored by running enthusiasts all to yourself. So, are you motivated to book your weekend in Nouvelle Aquitaine?
Next edition: early November 2025
5. Course à records, Rhône, éco-responsable : le 10 km des Foulées de Villeurbanne
In the heart of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, there’s a 10 km where runners have been breaking records since 1991. It’s the 10 km des Foulées de Villeurbanne, near Lyon, the Parc de la Tête d’Or, and Fourvière Hill. The main goal of this event? To encourage physical activity and raise awareness of its health benefits. Every year, nearly 9,000 people converge to the city for the 10 km, half-marathon, or 5 km.
Are you passionate about participating in an eco-friendly running event? This race will meet your expectations, as it aims to be not only green (water ramps, dry toilets, textile gifts made from recycled materials, ecological transition animations, soft mode accessibility…), but also socially, locally, and solidarily focused. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Rhône Secours Populaire to help those in need.
With a course conducive to high performance, many athletes have chosen this event as an unmissable race. And for those who appreciate races near Lyon, the 10 km of Vénissieux in November also offers incredible density (dossards sold out several months before the 2024 event) and a course where top performances are achieved.
Next edition: March 2026
6. North, land of records, great enthusiasm: the 10 km of Lille’s Semi-marathon
In the family of record-setting races, after the Foulées de Villeurbanne, we present the 10 km of Lille’s Semi-marathon. Need proof? How about two. First, in March 2024, Boulogne-born Jimmy Gressier claimed the top spot with a European record of 27’07 in the Flanders capital.
That was until young Bordeaux native Étienne Daguinos seized the continental mark with a 27’04 on a similar course. The athlete made his mark on Lille’s almost twin race, the 10 km of the Lille Urban Trail.
The Lille locals seem to have all the necessary ingredients for exceptional 10 km races. The 10 km of Lille’s Semi-marathon, free for licensed FFA members from the Hauts-de-France League, attracted a full house months before the race date. The enthusiasm for this fast, paved center-city course, and around the Citadel Park, is undeniable. It’s an ideal event to push yourself amid a crowd of running enthusiasts.
Next edition: March 16, 2025
7. Paradise for road runners, athletic stars, fun costumes galore: 10 km of Houilles Corrida
With an elite athlete lineup that would make many race organizers envious, the legendary Houilles Corrida is a year-end date not to miss in the 10 km calendar, running since 1972. In the road runners’ paradise category, Houilles stands out, both in terms of the course and impressive density.
In 2018, Franco-Swiss Julien Wanders made waves by setting an exceptional time of 27’25 (former European record). France’s fastest road runners love to gather annually in Houilles for this race, which is among the fastest and most prestigious in France.
The Parisian event isn’t just about fast times. Spectators rush to cheer on the speedsters but also the regular runners. Hours before the 10 km des As, the popular 10 km offers a true spectacle, as runners compete with humorous ideas, showcasing the most quirky and offbeat running outfits.
Next edition: mid-December 2025
8. Brittany, growing attendance, early in the year: the 10 km of Métropolitaines Blot in Saint-Grégoire
Looking to kick off 2025 with a great race? The 10 km of Métropolitaines Blot in Saint-Grégoire, north of Rennes, should delight you, no matter your level. Accessible to everyone with its three races on the program (10 km international label, 7.5 km all-female, 4 km non-timed family run), you can enjoy the friendly Breton atmosphere. In 2024, 5,000 participants, including 3,300 in the 10 km, were eager to register for this event, marking a record attendance.
300 athletes broke the 35-minute barrier last year, 100 finished in under 32 minutes, and 10 women in under 34 minutes. Saint-Grégoire will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. The organizers plan a memorable celebration with surprises, additional gifts, animations, raffles, and a dining area. So, don’t hesitate anymore.
“To each their own victory,” the slogan of Métropolitaines Blot perfectly captures the sporting and friendly atmosphere of this sports fest. An artistic workshop on the theme of sports is also planned for children aged 4 and up. Not to mention that all registration fees are donated to the Haroz association, which helps hospitalized children.
Next edition: January 19, 2025
9. Sun, Promenade, seaside: the 10 km Prom’Hyères
Fed up with the winter gloom? Grab your race bib for a few sunny days in the Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, at the Prom’Hyères. Set in a stunning location between palm trees, the seaside, and a quaint Provencal town, you’ll run a flat 10 km (or a 5 km) along the Promenade overlooking the Mediterranean. In this setting of typical colorful houses, beaches, lively markets, and the famous Porquerolles island, you’ll be so captivated that you won’t know where to look during your post-race touristic visit.
Having earned the FFA Bronze Label in 2022, the race also offers unique events such as the Longe Côte, where participants take on loops traced on the sand, with sections where they get into and out of the water.
4,000 participants pushed themselves near Hyères Port for the 2024 edition. Even if you’re not aiming for the podium, a personalized Hyères Running Days gift awaits all participants. By participating, you’re supporting a different charity each year. So, are you convinced?
Note that a half-marathon, a 10 km, and a 5 km will all take place at the same location on March 16, 2025.
Next edition: December 2025
10. Eiffel Tower, capital, History (member of the Paris Masters Circuit alongside the 10 km des Champs-Élysées, 10 km of the Eiffel Tower, 10 km of the Trocadéro, and 10 km of the Panthéon)
Does the Paris Masters Circuit ring a bell? This event, debuting in 2025, will thrill sport-challenge enthusiasts. The concept? Run four 10 km races in the heart of Paris’s iconic locations, between February and December. Four races, four different courses, sometimes technical or fast, with a ranking based on your combined times across the events. The goal is to attract as many participants as possible and offer a unique, original cultural tour of Paris. 100,000 participants are expected.
You can participate in one 10 km, two, three, or all four. For those most eager not to miss any event, a special frame will be offered for you to showcase your four medals, along with numerous prizes.
The circuit begins on February 2, 2025, with the 10 km des Champs-Élysées, where you’ll run along the world’s most famous avenue and iconic locations of the 8th arrondissement, forming the “Golden Triangle” of Paris. Then, on May 11, 2025, it’s time to line up for the 10 km of the Panthéon, amidst the renowned streets of the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement. Next, you can follow up with the 10 km of the Trocadéro on September 21, 2025, which also includes a passage through the Rolland Garros stadium in the 16th arrondissement’s Haussmann-style settings.
Finally, the circuit will conclude with the Sonic 10 km of the Eiffel Tower on December 7, 2025. Runners will discover the beautiful avenues around the Iron Lady in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, privatized for participants. The course also takes you along the left bank, with the Quai d’Orsay, Boulevard des Invalides, and Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg on a fast-paced route.
Next edition: December 2025
Save the dates! Whether you’re seeking the perfect course to smash your personal record, looking to run for a good cause, or simply eager to (re)discover a new city, this top 10 list of 10 km races in France should spark some ideas for your next sporting adventure. Lace up your shoes, grab your race bibs without delay, and think of all the memories you’ll build mile after mile on the pavement.
