Nestled in the heart of Pays de la Loire during the vibrant month of May, Saumur hosts the annual Loire Marathon, an event that showcases the region's natural beauty and rich history. The mild spring weather creates ideal conditions for runners to tackle either a full marathon or half-marathon along the picturesque banks of the Loire River. For those seeking something truly unique, the combined canoe and running event offers a thrilling twist on traditional races. Teams of two paddle 12 kilometers down the river before transitioning seamlessly into a 17-kilometer run through scenic landscapes. This challenging yet rewarding experience highlights both technical skill and teamwork, making it a standout feature of the Loire Marathon. Last year's race saw over 6,000 participants take on the full marathon distance while nearly 4,500 tackled the half-marathon route. The event is sanctioned by the FFA National Label, qualifying runners for the prestigious French championships and drawing athletes from across France to compete in this historic setting. The city of Saumur itself serves as a fitting backdrop with its UNESCO-listed heritage sites and stunning château that dates back centuries. Runners will wind through charming villages like Saint-Lambert-des-Levées, Gennes, and Les-Rosiers-sur-Loire, each offering unique landscapes from wooded areas to rolling countryside. One of the standout features is the minimal elevation gain throughout the course, making it an ideal setting for runners aiming to achieve personal bests. Alongside this flat terrain, a series of entertainment points are strategically placed every kilometer on the marathon route, ensuring that participants enjoy live music and DJ sets from local artists as they make their way through. Upon crossing the finish line, athletes will be greeted with celebratory glasses of Loire crémant, symbolizing both recognition for their hard work and an appreciation for regional traditions. Prizes such as commemorative jackets add to the allure, encouraging runners to push themselves while enjoying every step along this unforgettable course. Life is indeed a long, calm river at the Loire Marathon—whether it's 21 kilometers of half-marathon bliss or the full marathon journey, each mile promises an immersive experience in one of France’s most captivating settings.
Races Offered
5km Matmut – #NÉSPOURBOUGER
May 15, 2027
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
18:30
sell
€0.00
10 km
May 15, 2027
straighten
Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
20:00
sell
€0.00
Semi-Marathon
May 16, 2027
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
€52.00
Marathon
May 16, 2027
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
€78.00
Épreuve combinée en duo - Canoë + course à pied
May 16, 2027
straighten
Distance —
Canoe 12K 17K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:00
sell
€180.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Saumur.
thermostatTemperature
10.7° / 20.0°
wb_sunnyFeels like
8.5° / 17.3°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 42m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.2 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
12.7 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.2)
humidity_mid
Humidity
72.5%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:23
nightlight
Sunset
21:30
About Saumur
Learn more about the host city, Saumur.
Saumur is a small historical town in the French region of Pays de la Loire, site of a dramatically situated château and the heart of its own world-renowned wine district. It is also the birthplace of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.
