In the month of <a href="kavval://pages/0ce6ec69-cf17-4c7f-bb17-34130ef3e1f4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">May</a> 🌸, when the springtime warmth is at its peak 🌞, the city of <a href="kavval://cities/58621b6b-ef49-4f09-9a0a-4d689884173a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saumur</a> in the <a href="kavval://level1AdminAreas/ef434e6b-4462-49bf-9cab-b1e44747350e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Loire Valley</a> hosts the Marathon de la Loire. Under a bright sun and perfect temperatures 😌 for racking up the miles, the <a href="kavval://level2AdminAreas/128675a8-95a2-4fe1-be68-464ff466705b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maine-et-Loire</a> department sets the stage for one of the most beautiful races in France 🇫🇷. There are three different events to choose from: a <a href="kavval://pages/f9799583-4e76-432a-82cb-bc2a785346fd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">marathon</a> (53 m elevation gain), a <a href="kavval://pages/c76e4f02-011f-4dc6-852b-32f02ccb5e50" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">half-marathon</a>, and a combined event (tandem canoe 🛶 &amp; running 👟) for those who love both land 🪴 and water 💧. Original? That's the idea! 😏 Another great news: the 21 km and 42 km races are open to <a href="kavval://tags/parasports" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">athletes with disabilities</a> ♿️. Here's more on the Marathon de la Loire ⬇️.As you might have guessed, if the 42 kilometers of the <a href="kavval://pages/390ac20f-6103-4b2e-930e-b570ed852fb1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">marathon</a> sound a bit much for you, don't worry 👐. You can split the difference 🍐 with the <a href="kavval://pages/baaef010-e9a4-4bab-9564-803d2d9d4f29" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">half-marathon</a>. Or, if you want something even more varied, you can choose the combined canoe and running event! 🏃‍♀️ This event, carried out in partnership 🖇️ (it's more practical and definitely more fun 😜), is a rare and challenging nature race that promises participants a rich emotional experience 🫶. The concept is simple: 12 km on the Loire in a tandem canoe followed by 17 km of running. It's undoubtedly the highlight of the competition as it requires as much technique, teamwork, and mental strength with your partner 👫.However, don't make the mistake of thinking it's the most beautiful or even the most legendary! 🙅‍♀️ The reputation of the Marathon de la Loire is well established. Last year, 3,000 runners (😯) gathered to start the 42 km and 2,500 for the 21 km. The FFA Regional Label has even made the marathon a qualifying event ✔️ for the French championships 🇫🇷. These races, as beautiful as they are demanding, promise you stunning scenery 😍 and a vibrant atmosphere ⚡. Indeed, the historic town 📚 of <a href="https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/arts-et-histoire/villes-et-villages/saumur/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saumur</a>, a UNESCO World Heritage site 🌎, hosts the event near its famous <a href="https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/fiches/chateau-de-saumur-5261718/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">castle</a> 🏰. The setting couldn't be better! Between wooded and countryside landscapes 🌳, you'll admire the picturesque houses lining the royal river 👑, as the quaint town's banks become your playground 🛝 throughout the races... except when you're in the water for the canoe event! 😂 Naturally, the castle, listed as a historic monument since 1862, will always be in the background of this fantastic scenery 💫.But there's more to the fame of the Marathon de Saumur ✋. A major perk ➕ for athletes is the flat course 📏. That's right, if you're stepping away from trail running, it might feel strange! 😅 On the other hand, if you're chasing your best <a href="kavval://tags/record" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">time</a> ⌚, it’s perfect! The race closely follows the banks of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Loire</a> 🌊, taking you through villages like <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Lambert-des-Lev%C3%A9es" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saint-Lambert-des-Levées</a>, <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Martin-de-la-Place" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saint-Martin-de-la-Place</a>, <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Cl%C3%A9ment-des-Lev%C3%A9es" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saint-Clément-des-Levées</a>, <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gennes_(Maine-et-Loire)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gennes</a>, <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Rosiers-sur-Loire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Les-Rosiers-sur-Loire</a>, and <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent</a>... Lots of small towns that add a certain charm to the event! 💛Don't think it'll be a walk in the park though! Know that the Marathon de la Loire also features a superb atmosphere all along the course, with local music bands 🎷🎹 and even DJs at key spots to accompany your strides 🎛️. In total, there are 42 entertainment spots on the marathon. Yes, you read that right, one for every km! 👏 The crowd will be large at the finish line! 📣 After running all those kilometers, you'll have definitely earned a little drink 🍷 of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anjou_wine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anjou wine</a> as your reward! Actually, there will be celebratory sparkling wine 🫧 to welcome you 🍾. Speaking of which, the rewards are quite motivating: a nice jacket 🧥 and a bottle of Crémant de Loire for marathoners 🎁.Life is a long, serene river of 21.0975 km, 42.195 km, or filled with canoeing adventures!

Marathon de la Loire

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Loire Marathon results

Last event : 2024

Marathon

Épreuve combinée en duo - Canoë + course à pied

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