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Top 10 of the Most Iconic Ekiden Races in France
Collective by essence and demanding by nature, the Ekiden has become one of the most vibrant formats in French running. From Paris to La Rochelle, via Bron and Grenoble, from the national showcase to club-driven gatherings, these races tell a different story about performance: one achieved together. Here’s a look at the ten Ekiden events that truly make the French running scene pulse.
There is the marathon run alone, the quiet inner lane, the battle against yourself. And then there is the Ekiden—the complete opposite. A collective race, fragmented, noisy, strategic, sometimes chaotic, often unforgettable. Six runners, six legs, a sash passed from hand to hand, and one simple truth: nobody wins alone.
Running aficionados know that the Ekiden originated in Japan before finding fertile ground in France. From major metropolitan races to more discreet local events, these competitions bring together clubs, companies, groups of friends, and elite squads with the same shared energy. People come to perform, to race as a team, to feel the buzz. Here are the ten Ekiden races that truly matter across France.
| Maif Ekiden de Paris
It’s hard not to begin with the benchmark. Created in 1993, the MAIF Ekiden de Paris remains the national showcase of the discipline. Every autumn, Saint-Cloud Park on the western edge of Paris turns into a hive of activity. More than 5,000 teams—sometimes even more—take part, with thousands of runners and a constant ballet of baton exchanges.
From a sporting standpoint, the level is remarkably high. The best teams regularly clock times between 2:02:00 and 2:05:00, an average marathon pace well under 3:00 per kilometer. The unofficial course record sits around 2:01:00, set by an elite regional selection from the Paris area. But beyond the clock, the Paris Ekiden stands out for its atmosphere: dense, popular, electric. An ideal introduction to the spirit of Ekiden racing.
| Ekiden du Marathon de La Rochelle Serge Vigot
This year, the Ekiden associated with the La Rochelle Marathon Serge Vigot moves up a level for its third edition, held in the coastal town of Châtelaillon-Plage. Serving as the French National Ekiden Championships, the race leaves the simple event category and enters the institutional stage. The expected level rises accordingly: the best national teams will aim for finishing times around 2:04:00 to 2:06:00, with a depth rarely seen outside Paris. The new status changes everything. Here, the sash isn’t just passed between teammates—it’s passed between contenders for a national title. The race is scheduled for April 19, 2026.
| Ekiden de Bretagne
In Saint-Malo, Brittany offers an Ekiden deeply rooted in regional identity. Strong local club participation and an engaged atmosphere define the event. The clock matters, but the group matters more. Winning teams at the Ekiden de Bretagne typically finish between 2:11:00 and 2:14:00, with victory often decided through collective strategy rather than a standout individual leg. Awarded a Silver Road Label by the French Athletics Federation (FFA), the race perfectly reflects the Breton spirit: solid, loyal, and no-nonsense. After being canceled last year, the event will return in November 2026, much to the delight of runners.
| Ekiden du Stade Français
This one stands apart. Designed by a club, for clubs, the Ekiden du Stade Français emphasizes internal team spirit over large-scale spectacle. Finishing times depend on the quality of the participating teams, but elite squads typically run between 2:05:00 and 2:10:00. The race is read differently here: cohesion, transmission, heritage. In many ways, it’s an almost educational Ekiden.
| Ekiden Bron Lyon Métropole by Decathlon
Bron represents the modern metropolitan Ekiden. Accessible, clear, and well organized. Teams compete in a setting built for performance without unnecessary pageantry. Winning times usually fall between 2:08:00 and 2:12:00, with impressive depth throughout the top ten. An efficient format designed for running fast… together.
| Ekiden de Villeneuve-d’Ascq
In northern France, the crowd energy is unmistakable. The Ekiden de Villeneuve-d’Ascq benefits from a loyal, dense, and vocal audience. Relay exchanges take place in an atmosphere reminiscent of a cycling race, where every second gained becomes a collective victory. On the performance side, top teams flirt with 2:06:00 to 2:09:00 thanks to a flat course often conducive to personal bests. An Ekiden where mental strength matters just as much as leg speed.
| Ekiden de Grenoble
The capital of the French Alps brings a mountain-flavored twist to the format. The scenery changes—and so does the philosophy. Smaller than Paris or Lille in scale, the Grenoble Ekiden appeals through its proximity, its demands, and a course that offers no free relief. Winning times typically hover around 2:12:00 to 2:15:00, with sometimes large gaps depending on team strategy. Here, a failed relay leg is paid for immediately. Team racing in its purest form.
| Ekiden de Marseille
Marseille delivers an Ekiden under tension. The scenery, the climate, the crowd—nothing is neutral in this race organized by OM Athlétisme, the athletics club linked to Olympique de Marseille. The urban course, sometimes exposed to wind and heat, demands genuine adaptation. The best finishing times usually fall between 2:10:00 and 2:13:00, with significant variations depending on how teams manage pace and conditions. Marseille reminds everyone that Ekiden racing is still a race—not a spreadsheet exercise.
| Ekiden de Toulouse
In the “Pink City,” 2026 will mark a unique moment in the local running scene: the first edition of the Ekiden de Toulouse, scheduled for Sunday, April 5, 2026. The race will take place on the spectacular Piste des Géants, between the aviation museum L’Envol des Pionniers and the famous mechanical exhibition hall La Halle de la Machine—two landmarks celebrating Toulouse’s aerospace heritage.
Never before has Toulouse hosted such an ambitious marathon relay: 42.195 km divided into six legs, designed to bring together clubs, companies, enthusiasts, and friends around a shared challenge. Beyond the effort itself, the energy of this historic venue and the team spirit promise to make this inaugural edition a standout moment on the running calendar.
| Ekiden de Nantes by Decathlon Atlantis
The Ekiden de Nantes, first organized last October by Nantes Métropole Athlétisme, is gradually establishing itself as a rising reference in the discipline. The event attracts both recreational teams and highly competitive squads thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and accessible course. Winning teams usually finish between 2:10:00 and 2:13:00, in a context where team cohesion often makes the decisive difference. A race where collective enjoyment remains at the heart of the project.
➔ Discover the full Ekiden calendar in France
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
