Liberty Marathon

The Marathon de la Liberté – 39th edition – takes place from June 4 to 7, 2026, in Normandy, France. This historic running event features a full marathon (42.195km) from Courseulles-sur-Mer to Caen, a marathon relay (4-person team), the Semi-Marathon Pegasus (21.1km) starting from Pegasus Bridge, a 10km in Caen, La Rochambelle (women's race), and Les Foulées D-Day. Over 30,000 participants from 70 nationalities run through 17 historic towns, including Juno and Sword Beaches, Ouistreham Casino, and Pegasus Bridge, paying tribute to the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. All main distances are sold out (bib exchange available).

Event Features and Details:

• Marathon (42.195km): Start Courseulles-sur-Mer at 9:10. Finish Stade Hélitas, Caen. Time limit: 5h30. 5,000 participants. Bronze FFA label. Qualifying for Abbott World Marathon Majors age categories. Passes Juno Beach, Sword Beach, Ouistreham Casino, Pegasus Bridge.
• Relais Marathon (42.195km relay): 4-person team. Same route, same start. Stages: 13.4km, 11.2km, 7.8km, 9.8km. 250 teams max. Free shuttle for first runner. Roadbook provided.
• Semi-Marathon Pegasus (21.1km): Start Pegasus Bridge, Bénouville at 8:55. Finish Stade Hélitas, Caen. Time limit: 2h45. 5,000 participants. Bronze FFA label. Qualifying for French Championship. 104m D+. Passes Juno and Sword beaches, Ouistreham Casino.
• 10km Crédit Agricole Normandie (10km): Start Caen city center at 8:40. Finish Stade Hélitas, Caen. Time limit: 1h30. 5,000 participants. 100% urban course through Caen's heritage sites. 26m D+. Bronze FFA label. Nearly 60% female participation.
• La Rochambelle: Women's solidarity race honoring nurses of General Leclerc's 2nd Armored Division. Festive atmosphere. Created 2002.
• Les Foulées D-Day: Children's race (formerly Relais de la Paix, created 1993). Free entry.
• Finisher benefits: Finisher t-shirt or collector medal. Norman buffet (Saveurs de Normandie) at finish.
• Recovery area: Physiotherapists and podiatrists available. Massage services.
• Support services: Free shuttles, pacemakers, live tracking for spectators, bag check, changing rooms, showers, music zones with live bands.
• Volunteers: 1,600+ volunteers. Open for registration.
• Statistics: 30,000 participants, 70 nationalities, 17 historic towns, 60,000 spectators, 26 fan-zones.
• History: Created 1988. 39th edition in 2026. Celebrates 80th anniversary of D-Day in 2024.

Route and Atmosphere:

• Historical route: Traces of heroes – runs through D-Day landing beaches (Juno, Sword), Ouistreham Casino, Pegasus Bridge, and 17 historic towns.
• One of France's most beautiful courses: Often called the "Marathon of the Landing Beaches."
• Unique DNA: Mixes history, sport, peace, and liberty. A powerful homage to those who fought for freedom.
• International: 70 nationalities united. Unites heroes of yesterday and today.
• Top 5 largest running events in France. 60,000 spectators along the course. 26 fan-zones with music and animations.
• Family-friendly: Children's races and women's solidarity race.
• Spectator experience: Accompanying itineraries and live tracking available. Finish area at Stade Hélitas, Caen with Norman buffet and recovery services.

The Marathon de la Liberté 2026 – 39th edition from June 4-7 in Normandy, France – features marathon, relay marathon, semi-marathon, 10km, women's race, and children's run across the historic D-Day beaches. 30,000 participants from 70 nationalities. One of France's largest running events. Main distances sold out (bib exchange available).