Top 10 Half Marathons in France in 2025

Looking to enter one or more half marathons this year but not sure which one to choose? Whether you want a lightning-fast course to chase a PB, a challenge to push your limits, or the chance to discover a new city over a race weekend, this selection is for you. Marathons.com brings you the 10 half marathons in France that deserve a place on your 2025 calendar. Festive, fast, scenic, coastal and full of character, these are races whose popularity continues to grow.

1. Popular, vibrant and capital-based: Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris

Looking to take on your first half marathon and make it a race to remember? A benchmark event on the French running scene and a FFA Gold Label race, the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris should be right up your street. “The half marathon for every challenge” attracted no fewer than 48,000 runners in 2024, along with thousands of spectators. Whether you want to experience the distance for the first time, take on a challenge with friends or chase a fast time, this race has all the ingredients for a great day out.

It is a fast course, as shown by Bernard Koech’s winning time of 1:00:45 at the previous edition. Last year, 41% of participants were taking on a 21K for the first time. Open to para athletes, the race can also be run as a pair or as part of a team. You can even go the extra mile with a charity bib.

Whether you are a Paris local or not, you will once again get to admire Boulevard Saint-Germain, the banks of the Seine, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Château de Vincennes, Hôtel de Ville, Rue de Rivoli and Place de la Bastille. Quality aid stations, stocked with Ta Energy electrolytes, are available every 5–6 km, as well as at the finish.

Next edition: March 9, 2025

2. Fast, competitive and deep: Semi-Marathon international de Lille

Looking for a seriously fast, billiard-table-flat half marathon with an exceptional depth of field? Stop scrolling: the Semi-Marathon international de Lille is the race to enter. A FFA Gold Label event, it attracts some of the best runners from France and around the world, including Kenyan and Ugandan athletes.

Places are in huge demand, with the race selling out several weeks before the start. 12,000 participants are expected next March in the capital of Hauts-de-France. A waiting list and an online bib resale platform have been opened.

Running in Lille is also a chance to explore the city after the race, from the cobbled streets of Vieux Lille and the Vieille Bourse to the iconic Metro and the Lille-Flandres and Lille-Europe railway stations.

Next edition: March 16, 2025

3. Côte d’Azur, crowds and sunshine: Semi-Marathon International de Nice

Looking for an enticing spring race on the Côte d’Azur, with palm trees and the Promenade des Anglais? By the sea, the Semi-Marathon International de Nice draws a huge crowd and ranks among France’s five biggest half marathons. Some 11,000 participants lined up last year, including 20% international runners. 16,000 runners are expected for the 2025 edition. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the French Riviera, the spring sunshine and a stunning setting. The course takes in not only the famous Promenade des Anglais, but also the Baie des Anges, Jardin Albert I, Théâtre de Verdure, Port Lympia, Hôtel Negresco and the iconic Place Masséna.

The collector’s T-shirt, made in Europe, is an optional paid extra as part of the race’s environmental commitment, while every runner receives a gift and a medal. Now in its 32nd edition, the event also supports a good cause: €1 from every entry is donated to Banque Alimentaire des Alpes-Maritimes. An individual and team Student Challenge is available too, for those who want to represent their school on their own or as part of a team.

Next edition: April 27, 2025

4. Charitable, distinctive and coastal: Semi-Marathon de la Grande-Motte, Les Pyramides

Running for a cause matters to you? The Semi-Marathon de la Grande Motte, Les Pyramides, is built around that idea. The event is organised by the Lions Club de la Grande-Motte in aid of Courir pour un enfant, which supports sick and disabled children.

You will push yourself between lagoon and Mediterranean shores, green spaces and pine forests, with the resort’s avant-garde pyramid-shaped buildings for company. Designed by Jean Balladur, in case you were wondering, they are the defining feature of La Grande-Motte. The half marathon course is distinctive, with frequent changes of pace and plenty of surprises. Runners pass through parks, over bridges, through residential areas and holiday villages, and along the streets of La Grande-Motte, a town listed as “20th-Century Heritage”, just a few kilometres from Montpellier. Established 31 years ago and FFA-certified, the race suits all runners, from first-timers to seasoned competitors. Inter-company, club, school and university challenges are also available, bringing people together around a humanitarian cause. Large crowds turn out every year to cheer on the brave half marathoners, as well as the 10K and 5K runners.

Next edition: March 1–2, 2025

5. Historic, PB-friendly and unmissable: Semi-Marathon de Boulogne-Billancourt

An emblematic race in Hauts-de-Seine, just outside Paris, the Semi-Marathon de Boulogne-Billancourt (or Boulbi, to regulars) is ideal if you are chasing a PB. With a fast, flowing course and no fewer than 12,000 participants, everything is in place for a memorable race. Spectators and live bands turn out in force to warm up this autumn fixture, which has been running for 27 years.

Open to para athletes as well, the race starts on Avenue Victor Hugo, follows the banks of the Seine, passes near Jardin Albert Kahn, cuts through Bois de Boulogne and then runs alongside Longchamp racecourse. It is the perfect blend of nature, Parisian streets and iconic landmarks.

The Boulogne half marathon is also committed to sustainability, with measures including using the city’s water network to eliminate single-use plastic, prioritising fresh, local and seasonal food at aid stations, and implementing a plan to sort and process waste.

Next edition: November 2025

6. Autumnal, breathtaking and rugged: Semi-Marathon des Sources du Lac d’Annecy

Love running in spectacular surroundings, beside lakes and mountains? The Semi-Marathon des Sources du Lac d’Annecy is a real gem, taking place on the shores of one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes, amid picturesque villages and the Semnoz and Tournette mountains. The course starts in Doussard before following the southern section of the lake, the “Petit Lac”, a little-known area that locals consider the most beautiful and wildest part of the waterway.

You will pass near the Grand Lac north of Duingt and the Parc Naturel Régional du Massif des Bauges, follow one of France’s oldest greenways and run through the village of Saint-Jorioz. Most importantly, the race takes place in autumn, when golden light and the amber and ochre colours of the maples, beeches and firs transform the landscape. Nature lovers will be in their element in Savoie.

The half marathon also has very little elevation gain, with just 100 m of climbing, making it a good option for anyone chasing a personal best. Every participant receives a free finisher photo at the finish. Now in its fourth year, the race is capped at 1,200 runners, ideal if crowded starts are not your thing. The race is part of the Trophée Léman Running and can be run as a relay. A 10K and children’s races are also on the programme.

Next edition: October 5, 2025

7. Historic route, ocean views and breathtaking scenery: Semi-Marathon de La Rochelle

Prefer the ocean to lakes? The Semi-Marathon de la Rochelle Hyundai has you covered. Now in its 44th edition, this popular sporting event welcomes everyone from recreational runners to elite athletes. Its fully paved, urban and fast course finishes on the tartan track at Stade Bouffénie, giving you a taste of Olympic glory. The event regularly sells out, with nearly 3,000 participants. Vieux Port, Parc Charruyer, Parc Franck Delmas, Allées du Mail and Baie du Port Neuf make this a seaside sightseeing tour in running shoes.

The half marathon can also be run as a duo, and a 5K has been added to the programme. Every participant receives a prize.

Next edition: March 16, 2025

8. Brittany, atmosphere and tradition: Tout Rennes Court

Races in Brittany are known for their friendly, popular atmosphere. The half marathon at Tout Rennes Court is no exception, and has been since 1982. A true celebration of grassroots running, this free, now unmissable event is all about inclusion. According to the organisers, “no one is left out: schoolchildren, young people, adults, seniors, men and women, beginner and experienced runners, elite athletes and people with disabilities accompanied by support runners.” Their aim? To encourage as many people as possible to take part, whatever their level, promote sport and work with schools.

The straightforward course crosses Rennes’ neighbourhoods and historic centre, with its charming half-timbered houses, before following the banks of the Saint-Martin Canal. The atmosphere is a major highlight, with brass bands, musicians and bagpipe groups keeping the energy high. 8,000 spectators line the course to cheer on the 3,000 runners.

The programme also includes a 5K, 10K, an interclub 10K match, a 2K walk in aid of breast cancer charities, youth races and school races held during the week.

Next edition: October 11–12, 2025

9. Coastline, postcard scenery and sunshine: Semi-Marathon des Olonnes

The Semi-Marathon des Olonnes has been held on the Vendée coast, beside the Atlantic Ocean, since 1992. A FFA Gold Label race, it features two out-and-back loops with uninterrupted sea views, moving between urban roads and more natural surroundings.

The fast road course takes in the Remblai des Sables d’Olonne and its seafront, as well as the town’s iconic green lighthouse, instantly recognisable from its distinctive lean. The landmark also marks the start of the Vendée Globe every year. From there, runners head towards Lac de Tanchet, Place Schwabach, Stade de la Rudelière and the cliffs of Puits de l’Enfer, a renowned surf spot. More than 4,500 participants lined up in 2024 in the Pays de la Loire.

A 10K, a mile and children’s races are also on the programme.

Next edition: June 8, 2025

10. Forest, city and Paris: Semi-Marathon de Rambouillet

You probably know the famous Rambouillet Forest in the Yvelines, but perhaps not the Semi-Marathon de Rambouillet. This city-and-forest race crosses the town centre before heading onto the roads and cycle paths of the ancient forest. Capped at 3,000 runners, this race south-west of Paris has been a fixture on the capital’s running calendar for almost 40 years.

What makes it special? Three-quarters of this regional-label course take place within Rambouillet’s 30,000 hectares of lush woodland, dotted with waterways, and around the Château park. The race consists of a single loop and is also open to athletes with disabilities.

Next edition: March 16, 2025

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