The 2025 Paris Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, April 13, 2025, and it promises to be an exhilarating event for both participants and spectators alike. Tens of thousands of runners are expected to take on the iconic 42.195 km route through the heart of France's capital, showcasing some of the city's most famous landmarks along the way.
This year marks the 48th edition of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, and anticipation is building as over 55,000 participants prepare to line up at the starting point on the Champs-Élysées. The race will culminate at Avenue Foch, just steps from the historic Arc de Triomphe, adding to the grandeur of this prestigious marathon.
As the elite runners prepare to kick off the race at around 8 a.m., many are eager to watch their favorites compete for glory. Among the top contenders is Hassan Chahdi, a prominent French marathoner who has his sights set on victory after finishing 20th at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Chahdi's dedication to training has made him a strong candidate to break the long-standing drought of French victories in the marathon, which last occurred in 2002 with Benoit Zwierzchiewski.
Chahdi's personal best is 2:09:21, which he achieved in 2021, and he aims to improve upon that time this Sunday. Alongside him, other notable French runners include Yohan Durand, Jason Pointeau, and Florian Caro, all of whom are expected to put up a fierce fight against the elite international field.
The men's course record of 2:04:21, set by Kenyan Elisha Rotich in 2021, and the women's record of 2:19:48, held by Judith Jeptum Korir since 2022, will be on the minds of many as they race through the streets of Paris. Both Rotich and Korir are returning to defend their titles, and the excitement surrounding their potential performances adds to the atmosphere of the event.
"The course is not the fastest in the world due to its elevation changes, but it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful," said Dominique Chauvelier, a four-time French marathon champion. He emphasized the importance of pacing and psychological preparation as runners tackle the challenging route that includes scenic views of landmarks such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Bois de Boulogne.
In addition to the competition, the marathon is also a celebration of personal achievement for many participants. Runners will be motivated by various reasons: some are chasing personal bests, others are raising funds for charities, and many are simply looking to conquer the marathon distance for the first time. The enthusiasm for running in France has surged, with around 12 million people now participating in the sport, leading to the rapid sell-out of race entries.
As part of the festivities, marathon organizers have introduced a new incentive for finishers. Participants will be rewarded with a complimentary energy cookie called The Athletic, designed to aid recovery post-race. Made from dates, peanut butter, and vegetable proteins, this vegan and gluten-free treat is a perfect way to celebrate completing the grueling course.
On race day, the atmosphere will be electric, with supporters lining the streets to cheer on their favorite runners. The marathon will also be broadcast live on France 3 and france.tv from 7:50 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., ensuring that fans at home can join in on the excitement. Commentators Alexandre Boyon and Stéphane Diagana will provide live coverage, while Laura Cadeau and Lukas Nikot will capture the atmosphere at the finish line, interviewing participants and sharing their experiences.
Moreover, the marathon will feature a new route that includes a passage through Place de la Nation and Lake Daumesnil, making the course even more captivating for both runners and spectators. The course elevation, with a D+ of 292 m and D- of 289 m, adds an extra layer of challenge, but the stunning views are worth every step.
As the countdown to the marathon continues, runners are advised to focus on their nutrition and hydration strategies leading up to the event. Chauvelier recommends a carbohydrate-rich diet in the days preceding the race and emphasizes the importance of proper sleep to ensure optimal performance.
As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on the Champs-Élysées this Sunday. Will Chahdi break the French drought? Can Rotich and Korir defend their titles? The answers will unfold as the runners embark on their journey through one of the most iconic marathons in the world. With a mix of elite competition and personal triumphs, the 2025 Paris Marathon is sure to be a memorable event for all involved.
