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The Paris Half Marathon offers runners a chance to experience the French capital from a unique perspective. Known officially as the HOKA Semi de Paris, this race draws over 48,000 participants annually who come to test themselves on a relatively flat, fast course that winds through eastern Paris. The half marathon Paris event has built a reputation as one of Europe’s premier spring races, combining competitive running with the opportunity to discover a city that needs little introduction.
Paris Half Marathon 2026 Date
The Paris Half Marathon 2026 date is set for Sunday, March 8, 2026. This early-season timing makes the semi marathon Paris an ideal choice for runners looking to kick off their spring racing calendar or set a benchmark time before tackling longer distances later in the year.
The race typically starts at 9:00 AM near Place de la Bastille, giving runners favorable morning temperatures that average 5-10°C (41-50°F) in early March. The generous time limit of 3 hours ensures that both competitive athletes and recreational runners can complete the course without pressure.
Paris Half Marathon 2026 Registration
Paris Half Marathon 2026 registration opens shortly after the previous year’s race concludes, typically in late March or early April. Entry costs approximately €70-85 depending on when you register, with prices increasing as the race date approaches.
Registration Options
Standard Entry: Register directly through the official HOKA Semi de Paris website. Early bird rates offer the best value.
Charity Bibs: Pay a reduced registration fee of €49 and commit to raising €210 for partner organizations. This option remains available even after standard registration closes.
Tour Operator Packages: Companies like Marathon Tours & Travel offer guaranteed entry bundled with accommodation near the start line, making logistics simpler for international visitors.
Medical Certificate Requirement
French law requires runners to complete the Health Prevention Pathway (PPS) or provide a valid FFA license. The PPS costs €5, remains valid for one year, and involves an online health questionnaire addressing risk factors and precautions. You’ll receive a number to enter during registration that confirms your eligibility to race.
Paris Half Marathon Route
The Paris Half Marathon route starts on Boulevard Saint-Germain near Pont de Sully and finishes at Place de la Bastille, taking runners on a 21.1km journey through eastern Paris. The course showcases a mix of historic architecture, green spaces, and waterfront views that make running in the French capital special.
Kilometers 1-5: The race begins with a loop through the Latin Quarter before heading east along Rue de Rivoli past Hôtel de Ville. Runners then follow the Seine’s Right Bank, passing the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand.
Kilometers 5-15: The course enters Bois de Vincennes, Paris’s largest public park. This 10km stretch provides welcome greenery and shade, with tree-lined paths and views of Château de Vincennes, a medieval fortress that once served as a royal residence.
Kilometers 15-21: Exiting the park, runners return along the Seine’s Left Bank through the 13th arrondissement. The final kilometers follow Quai de la Rapée before turning inland for the finish at Bastille, where crowds gather to cheer finishers across the line.
The predominantly flat profile makes this an excellent course for achieving personal records, with minimal elevation gain outside of a few gentle bridges. Water stations appear every 5km, with additional refreshment points providing energy gels and bananas.
Race Weekend Schedule
| Day | Activity | Details |
| Friday, March 6 | Expo Opens | Grande Halle de La Villette, 3:00-8:00 PM |
| Saturday, March 7 | Expo & Bib Collection | 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, bib pickup mandatory |
| Sunday, March 8 | Race Day | 9:00 AM start, 3-hour time limit |
Planning Your Paris Half Marathon Trip
A Paris Half Marathon trip offers the perfect excuse to explore the city beyond typical tourist itineraries. Most visitors arrive Friday afternoon to collect bibs at the expo, race Sunday morning, and spend additional days sightseeing once the run is complete.
Where to Stay
Hotels in the 11th and 12th arrondissements place you within walking distance of the start/finish area at Bastille. Options like Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon and Ibis Paris Bastille Opéra offer convenience without premium pricing. Expect €120-200/night for mid-range properties during race weekend.
Alternatively, staying in central neighborhoods like the Marais (4th) or Latin Quarter (5th) requires a short metro ride but provides better access to restaurants and attractions for post-race exploration.
Getting Around
Paris’s comprehensive metro system makes navigation straightforward. Line 1 (Bastille station) and Line 5 (Quai de la Rapée) serve the race area. Purchase a Paris Visite travel pass for unlimited rides over 2-5 days, covering metro, buses, and RER trains.
For airport transfers, the RER B connects Charles de Gaulle directly to central Paris in 30-40 minutes (€11.40). Taxis cost €50-60 to the city center but offer door-to-door convenience after a long flight.
Disneyland Paris Half Marathon 2026
For families combining running with theme park fun, the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon 2026 takes place January 29-February 1, 2026, as part of runDisney’s celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. This separate event features a 13.1-mile course running through both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park before heading into surrounding countryside.
The Disney race attracts a different crowd than the HOKA Semi de Paris. Runners often dress in costumes, Disney characters appear along the route, and the atmosphere emphasizes fun over competition. Registration occurs through runDisney’s website rather than through Paris Half Marathon organizers, with spots typically selling out within days of opening.
Training and Preparation
The HOKA Semi de Paris website offers free training plans for runners at different experience levels. First-time half marathoners should allow 12-16 weeks to build endurance safely, while experienced runners can use shorter 8-10 week programs focused on speed work.
Pre-race week: Taper your training with shorter, easier runs. Avoid trying new foods or shoes. Stay hydrated and get adequate sleep, especially if traveling from different time zones.
Race morning: Eat a familiar breakfast 2-3 hours before the start. Arrive at Bastille by 8:00 AM to allow time for bag check and finding your assigned starting corral. The race uses a wave start system based on estimated finish times.
Post-race recovery: Take advantage of the finish line food and drinks. Don’t rush to leave the area. Walk around to prevent muscles from stiffening, then enjoy a well-earned meal celebrating your accomplishment.
Luggage Storage for Race Weekend
Traveling to Paris with luggage creates challenges during race weekend. Early morning starts mean leaving hotels before checkout, while late departures might require storage after rooms are vacated. Radical Storage offers secure locations throughout Paris, including near Bastille, Gare de Lyon, and major metro stations.
Drop bags for €5 per day with €3,000 insurance coverage per item. Book through their mobile app to find locations open extended hours during race weekend. This lets you explore Paris hands-free after crossing the finish line, whether visiting museums, dining, or simply wandering neighborhoods before catching evening flights or trains.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the race does not offer day-of registration. You must register in advance and collect your bib at the expo on Friday or Saturday.
Yes, the flat terrain and wide roads accommodate handcyclists and wheelchair racers. Contact organizers in advance for specific starting arrangements.
Standard entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. Optional cancellation insurance is available during registration to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Yes, secure bag check is available near the start area. Items are transported to the finish for collection after you complete the race.
Final Thoughts
The Paris Half Marathon 2026 combines athletic challenge with cultural immersion in ways few races can match. Running through streets that have witnessed centuries of history, along waterways that inspired countless artists, and finishing where revolutionaries once stormed the Bastille creates memories that extend far beyond finishing times.
Whether you’re chasing a personal record on the fast, flat course or simply want to experience Paris from a runner’s perspective, the HOKA Semi de Paris delivers. With early registration, proper training, and smart trip planning, you’ll join the tens of thousands who return home with medals, photos, and stories about running through one of the world’s most beautiful cities.