Nantes Marathon

The Nantes Marathon: In the Heart of the City of the Dukes

With its unique course and strong ecological commitment, the Nantes Marathon has established itself as one of the most popular races in France. Every April, this event attracts thousands of runners, both amateurs and seasoned, who come to explore the city from a unique perspective while running in an eco-friendly manner. The race kicks off in front of Les Machines de l’Île, a spectacular location where gigantic mechanical animals designed by François Delaroziere and Pierre Orefice come to life. These machines, inspired by the imaginary worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, and Nantes’ rich industrial past, perfectly set the stage for a marathon that blends sport, culture, and ecology.

Established in 1981 by a group of enthusiasts, the Nantes Marathon was initially aimed at placing Nantes among the select circle of French cities hosting urban races. At that time, few cities in Western France held marathons. From its first edition, the course paid tribute to the city’s iconic sites, already skirting the banks of the Loire and the Erdre. Despite limited technical resources, the race attracted many local runners eager to tackle this challenge right from the start. It was in the early 2000s that the marathon truly began to grow, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and support from the municipality. The arrival of new sponsors, both local and national, further helped make it a major event for both the city and the Greater West.

The marathon course runs through iconic Nantes sites, including the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and Parc de Procé. The latter employs an innovative approach to eco-grazing, with sheep replacing lawn mowers for green space maintenance, further emphasizing the event’s ecological character. As runners follow the Loire and then veer towards the Erdre up to the finish line, they encounter a series of landscapes and parks typical of the region, appealing to nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts alike.