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marathontrailpaysdeschateaux.com

Marathon du Pays des Châteaux

location_on

calendar_today 26 Apr, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

sell €45.00 – €160.00

About the Event

The Marathon de Cheverny & Trail du Pays des Châteaux 2026 is one of the most prestigious heritage running events in France, scheduled for the weekend of April 25–26, 2026. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Loire Valley's Renaissance architecture, the event attracted nearly 7,000 participants in 2025. It is celebrated for its "gourmet" approach to racing, blending intense physical challenges with wine tastings, local terroir snacks at aid stations, and a festive atmosphere that begins with a large-scale Pasta Party on Saturday evening.

Race Category Distances Key Landmark Format
Marathon de Cheverny 42.195 km Château de Cheverny Solo or Relay
Trail du Pays des Châteaux 14 km, 35 km, 63 km Chambord to Cheverny Nature & Forest Trail
Road Races 10 km, Half-Marathon Sologne Vineyards Flat & Fast
Children's Races Various Château Park Youth Discovery

Race Logistics and Unique Experience

The 2026 edition offers seven distinct courses designed to suit every level of runner. The flagship marathon takes place in front of the Château de Cheverny—famously known as the inspiration for Captain Haddock's Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin comics. For those seeking a wilder experience, the 63 km Ultra Trail ralliess the monumental Château de Chambord to Cheverny, crossing through the deep forests of Sologne. The event is famous for its "Gourmet Aid Stations," where runners can sample local specialties and regional wines, emphasizing that this race is as much a culinary journey as it is an athletic one.

Regional and Heritage Context

The Loir-et-Cher department serves as the ultimate playground for this event, characterized by the dense woodlands of Sologne and the rolling vineyards of the Val de Loire. The race course provides exclusive access to the private estates of several Renaissance monuments, including Cheverny, Chambord, and Beauregard. This region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its exceptional cultural landscape and the harmony between its historic architecture and the surrounding natural environment.

The local culture is deeply tied to the "Art de Vivre" of the French Renaissance, where history, gastronomy, and nature intersect. The Marathon de Cheverny captures this spirit perfectly, inviting runners to "bite into the terroir" while testing their endurance. The event is a major economic and social driver for the region, involving hundreds of local volunteers who ensure the safety and hospitality of the 7,000 athletes. By participating, runners contribute to the preservation of these historic paths and experience firsthand the timeless beauty of the French kings' favorite hunting grounds and retreats.

Races Offered

21,1 km

Apr 26, 2026

straighten

Distance — 21.1K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:15

sell

€45.00

Marathon

Apr 26, 2026

straighten

Distance — 42.2K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:15

sell

€68.00

Relais marathon

Apr 26, 2026

straighten

Distance — 42.2K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:15

sell

€160.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Cheverny.

Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
thermostat 6.8° / 16.2°
wb_sunny 3.6° / 12.8°
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
air 12.7 /
water_drop 75.0%

About Cheverny

Learn more about the host city, Cheverny.

Scenic view of

Cheverny is a commune in the French department of Loir-et-Cher, administrative region of Centre-Val de Loire.

Read more launch

Hotels & Places to Stay

Video

Watch highlights and course previews from previous years.

Nearby Races

Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.

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