Marathon Côte de Lumière

The Marathon Côte de Lumière invites runners to lace up for an unforgettable journey along the Atlantic coast. Nestled between Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, this race meanders through Vendée’s picturesque Côte de Lumière in early autumn when tourists have departed and the beaches are yours alone.
The event begins at Saint-G Gilles-Croix-de-Vie's bustling harbor, where salty sea breezes mingle with pine scents to invigorate your lungs. The route then takes you along the quayside past fishing boats under a canopy of maritime pines that offer respite from early kilometers' heat. As you move inland, the trail becomes rugged and wild as it hugs Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez’s rocky cliffs near Devil's Hole and Cinq Pineaux rocks.
The race offers three distances: 42.195 km marathon, a challenging half marathon of 21 km, and a scenic 10K run along the corniche. Each route showcases the region’s stunning coastline and marshland scenery, culminating in a cheering crowd near the finish line at Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
Post-race recovery is uniquely local here. Indulge in fresh sardines from Saint-G Gilles-Croix-de-Vie with a warm préfou—a garlic-studded Vendée bread—and toast your achievement with a craft beer, all while the ocean breeze whispers through pine trees nearby.
With its blend of natural beauty and coastal charm, this October event is perfect for runners seeking an end-of-season highlight or personal best.