Marathon de Cheverny & Trail du Pays des Châteaux

Marathon de Cheverny: Running in the heart of the Loire castles

Born in 1995 under the name Marathon de Chambord, this event found its setting in Cheverny in 2002 and has been growing ever since. Today organized by the club Courir à Saint-Gervais, the Marathon de Cheverny & Trail du Pays des Châteaux brings together nearly 7,000 runners from all over France and abroad each spring for an exceptional sporting weekend in the setting of the Loire castles.

Routes between vineyards and castles

The marathon (42.195 km) starts from the park of the Château de Cheverny, amidst a ribbon of 500,000 blooming tulips. The course, consisting of three loops (4.4 km, 16.7 km, and 21.1 km), crosses the AOC Cheverny wine estates, picturesque villages, and shaded roads of the region before returning to the castle. The marathon is offered as a solo or 4-runner relay.

Half-marathon and 10 km

The half-marathon (21.1 km) and the 10 km offer accessible alternatives for all levels, on equally attractive routes along wine roads and country paths. In 2025, over 800 runners participated in the 10 km, a race that is experiencing growing success.

Trail du Pays des Châteaux: From Chambord to Cheverny

The trail component offers three distances: 63 km starting from Maslives, 35 km starting from Vineuil, and 14 km starting from the Château de Beauregard. The trails connect Chambord to Cheverny through forests, vineyards, and about ten Renaissance castles. The 63 km trail crosses more than a dozen castles and includes passages through wine cellars, offering total immersion in the heritage of the Loire Valley.

Children's races and hiking

The weekend is also an opportunity for the youngest to participate in children's races adapted to their age, and for walkers to enjoy a marked trail hike through the landscapes of the château country.

A sporting, popular, and friendly event

The Marathon de Cheverny has established itself as a major sporting event in Loir-et-Cher, supported by the Department and local authorities. The finish village at the Château de Cheverny offers refreshments, entertainment, partner stands, and a festive atmosphere that extends the sporting effort. The event highlights the riches of the territory: architectural heritage, vineyards, gastronomy, and preserved landscapes.