56,950 RUNNERS TROTTING DOWN THE STREETS OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY IN THE WORLD SET A NEW PARTICIPATION RECORD
Key points:
- 51% were first-time marathoners, 31% women and 33% international entrants, with an average age of 37 years and 4 months
- No-one was faster than the Kenyan Benard Biwott (2:05:25) and the Ethiopian Bedatu Hirpa (2:20:45)
- Nearly €5 million raised by 6,000 runners supporting almost 300 charities —a record for charity bibs
- 40 activity zones and an amazing atmosphere!
- The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris will return on Sunday, 12 April 2026, with entries opening on the timeto platform on 22 April (early bird entries) and 24 April (general public)
From the Champs-Élysées to Avenue Foch, zipping past the most beautiful monuments in Paris, a record-breaking 56,950 runners from around the world flooded the streets of the most beautiful city in the world for the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, making memories that will stay with them forever.
Throughout the day, far behind the champions Benard Biwott and Bedatu Hirpa, runners crossed the finish line in dribs and drabs. Whatever their times, all will cherish indelible memories of this experience that had begun 3 hours, 4 hours or even 6 hours earlier on the Champs-Élysées, to the strains of the Chariots of Fire theme. A sense of release and a tidal wave of emotions swept through seasoned marathoners and first-timers alike tackling the crown jewel of road running. The journey continued through the streets of the most beautiful city in the world, visiting Place de la Concorde, Place Vendôme, Opéra Garnier, City Hall, Bastille and Place de la Nation (for the first time). After emerging from the Bois de Vincennes, runners began their second half, propelled forward by thousands of supporters lining the riverbanks and bands of musicians scattered along the course. The Eiffel Tower stood tall like a lighthouse guiding them home. Then came the final kilometres through the Bois de Boulogne and the elegant avenues of western Paris. One last right turn and there it was —the finish line. At last!
At the finish line, some shout while others keep their emotions inside. Tears flow in abundance. "We did it", "I'm finally a marathoner". Emotion cuts across language barriers. The finisher's medal takes on even greater significance for many who had never earned one before. On Sunday morning, easily identified by their golden race bibs, 51% of entrants tackled their first full marathon, also a record! Antonin Faye ran alongside his sister Philippine dressed as an aubergine, which made him a big hit with the crowds. He was completely won over: "I advise everyone to come and experience this once in their lifetime. It's tough, but you just need to look at the smiles at the finish to understand what it gives you".
Never before had so many women been part of the field of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris. This time round, they were 31% of participants (up from 26% in 2023 and 28% in 2024). "I'm over the moon", sighs Romane Le Scour, from Rennes, who crossed the line in 3:18. "For my first marathon, I wanted a legendary course. Your mind picks up the slack from km 35 onwards. There's so much noise and atmosphere. Finally, the sections through the woods offer a bit of calm. It's a fantastic experience. I'd already done the half marathon, but today's joy is twice as great."
Runners from the four corners of the world
People flock to the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris from around the world, with 33% of international entrants. Josh came from Sydney, Australia. At the finish line, his smile radiates pride and joy. "It's odd. I'm knackered, but finishing has given me this incredible energy. I've always wanted to run in Paris. Many of my mates came four years ago and told me the race was fantastic. I couldn't agree more. The atmosphere in the last two kilometres was mental, absolutely unreal. It pushes you to run even faster. I felt like I was flying." Cameron flew in from Canada. "I just can't stop crying. It's so emotional. Everyone was smiling throughout the entire race. It was a crazy day. I did it!"
Running for a good cause
Nearly 6,000 charity runners, identifiable by the small heart on their race bibs, ran for good causes in the 2025 edition, raising a record-breaking sum of almost €5 million. Nearly 14 million euros have been raised for these charities since 2012 (Gustave Roussy, Ligue Contre le Cancer, Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque,...). Many of these runners came from Britain, where charity running is a long-standing tradition. Charles Jackson was one of them. "It was tough, but it was important to raise money for a charity back in England. I managed to raise over 800 euros, so I'm really pleased. This was my first marathon and I was determined to do it in Paris, such a stunning city. I came with my whole family and we've had a brilliant weekend." Stanislas de Beaufort, 20, ran for Bleuet de France, a charity supporting those who have fought for France. "It was really important for me to run for this cause. It gave me even more motivation. I'm really proud to have finished my first marathon in 3:23. The atmosphere was crazy. There was music throughout the entire course, and the volunteers were brilliant, always with smiles on their faces." Already a marathoner at 20! He was far from the only one, though. The average age of participants is decreasing year after year, with more and more runners under 25 taking part. This demographic now makes up over 10% of the field of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, up from 5% five years ago.
Mauresmo, Dandois, … champions under the spell
Amélie Mauresmo has experienced great emotions throughout her career, but those from the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris hold a special place. "This is my ninth marathon and third in Paris. It was awesome! It's always such a cool experience with an incredible atmosphere. The finish is simply out of this world. The organisation is perfect. It's always a wonderful event." Matthias Dandois, a ten-time BMX freestyle world champion, broke the 3-hour barrier, finishing in 2:58:16: "Nothing but positives! This was my fourth marathon and the one that went best. I also set a new personal best. I felt great throughout the race. I kept waiting for the wall to hit, but it never came. The organisation was ridiculously good, with refreshment stations everywhere. It's incredible."
Celebrities Arnaud Tsamère and François Régis-Gaudry join the adventure too
François-Régis Gaudry, a journalist on France Inter, set himself this challenge for his 50th birthday. "This was my first marathon", he revealed. "I prepared well and it paid off [3:48:38]. I was just a Sunday warrior. I'd never even pinned on a bib before, so I'd never experienced the atmosphere of a marathon. It lifts you up and pushes you further. It's about the collective effort. It's not about competing against each other, but running with each other. And, ultimately, against yourself." The France TV host Jean-Baptiste Marteau was unable to hold back tears as he crossed the line with a time of 3:47:14 for his second marathon. The former Koh Lanta contestant Alix Noblat, now working as a fitness coach, also claimed her medal in just under 5 hours.
The comedian Arnaud Tsamère was equally delighted with his morning, finishing in 3:18:30. "I was on stage Saturday in Orléans, got home at 1 am and slept just 4 hours to make it to the start on time", he explains. "I was fortunate to do the Marathon pour Tous at Paris 2024 as my first marathon. Obviously, all others will seem easier now. I've corrected my mistakes, but I'm getting there bit by bit. And the atmosphere was insane."
Many will return on 12 April 2026 for the next edition of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris. Entries for the 2026 edition will open on 22 April (early bird entries) and 24 April (general public) on the timeto platform.
