Marathon de la Mer
Marathon, half-marathon and 10 km along the Opal Coast in Boulogne-sur-Mer
About Marathon de la Mer
The Marathon de la Mer: running facing the ocean
The Marathon de la Mer offers a unique experience for runners: to race through the magnificent landscapes of the Côte d'Opale at their own pace. Starting from Boulogne-sur-Mer, the course follows the coastline, between chalk cliffs, vast sandy beaches, wild dunes, and charming seaside villages. This marathon is one of the few in France to offer such a maritime environment throughout the event.
Four races for all levels
The Marathon de la Mer offers four race formats to allow everyone to participate, regardless of their level:
- Marathon (42.195 km): the premier event for seasoned runners
- Half-marathon (21.1 km): a challenge accessible to regular runners
- 10 km: an ideal distance for occasional runners and beginners
- Children's race: adapted races for the youngest
An exceptional course
The Marathon de la Mer course runs through Boulogne-sur-Mer and the surrounding towns, offering a remarkable diversity of landscapes. Runners will pass through the historic center of Boulogne with its medieval ramparts, the seafront, the beaches of Le Portel and Équihen, and the cliffs overlooking the Strait of Dover. An unforgettable course that combines athletic effort and contemplation.
A festive weekend
The Marathon de la Mer is more than just a race: it's a true festive event. Picking up race bibs the day before offers an opportunity for a friendly Pasta Party bringing together runners and their companions. After the effort, a closing ceremony celebrates performances and the sporting spirit in a festive and warm atmosphere.
Boulogne-sur-Mer, the starting city
Boulogne-sur-Mer, France's leading fishing port and a city with a rich historical heritage, provides an ideal setting for this sporting event. The fortified upper town, the Nausicaá National Sea Centre, and the lively seafront offer an exceptional environment to welcome runners and their families.
Growing success
Created recently, the Marathon de la Mer has enjoyed immediate success, attracting 6,000 participants from its very first editions. This success highlights runners' attraction to maritime courses and the quality of the organization. The event contributes to the sporting and tourist influence of Boulogne-sur-Mer and the Côte d'Opale.
Marathon de la Mer — edition 2026
The 2nd edition of the Marathon de la Mer took place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Boulogne-sur-Mer, with start and finish at the Palais des Sports Damrémont. The program included: marathon (8:30 AM), half-marathon (10:30 AM) and 10 km (11:15 AM) along the Côte d'Opale, preceded by a Pasta Party on Friday, May 1 at Volfoni Saint-Martin-Boulogne and a marathon village (exhibitors + gourmet) at the Palais des Sports.
A 2nd edition in the heart of the Côte d'Opale
The 2026 edition of the Marathon de la Mer took place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France's leading fishing port, with start and finish at the Palais des Sports Damrémont. For this second edition, the event confirmed its roots in the sporting landscape of Pas-de-Calais with three timed events and a children's race, along the coastline between cliffs, beaches and the seafront.
Three timed races + a children's race
- Marathon (42.195 km, 306 m positive elevation gain) — start at 8:30 AM, the first marathon in Pas-de-Calais
- Half-marathon (21.1 km, 158 m positive elevation gain) — start at 10:30 AM, a route alternating urban crossings and coastal passages
- 10 km (40 m positive elevation gain) — start at 11:15 AM, a distance accessible to all
- Children's race — a program adapted for the youngest participants
A route facing the English Channel
The three events run along the coasts of Boulogne-sur-Mer and the Côte d'Opale, crossing the emblematic landscapes of the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park: Boulogne's fortified historic center, seafront, beaches, dunes and chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel. No cups are provided at aid stations — each runner brings their own container.
A festive weekend centered around the race
Friday, May 1, 2026 — Race Eve
- 10 AM-8 PM: bib collection at Palais des Sports Damrémont (upon presentation of ID + registration confirmation)
- 10 AM-8 PM: Exhibitors' Village at the Palais des Sports — equipment, innovations, entertainment, tastings related to the sea
- 10 AM-10 PM: Gourmet Village in the outdoor car park — local specialties, craft beers, wines, concerts and DJ sets
- 7 PM: Pasta Party at Volfoni restaurant in Saint-Martin-Boulogne (by reservation)
Saturday, May 2, 2026 — Race Day
- From 7 AM: bib collection and baggage drop-off at Palais des Sports Damrémont
- 8:30 AM: Marathon start
- 10:30 AM: Half-marathon start
- 11:15 AM: 10 km start
- 10 AM-7 PM: Gourmet Village open
- 7:30 PM: festive closing party
A Corporate Challenge
The organization also offers a Corporate Challenge for collective cohesion, allowing teams to take on a sporting challenge together — a format adapted for groups formed through professional structures.
Programme Marathon de la Mer 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026 — Race Eve
- 10:00 AM–8:00 PM — Bib collection · Palais des Sports Damrémont
- 10:00 AM–8:00 PM — Exhibitors' Village open · Palais des Sports Damrémont
- 10:00 AM–10:00 PM — Gourmet Village open · Palais des Sports outdoor car park
- 7:00 PM — Pasta Party · Volfoni Restaurant, Saint-Martin-Boulogne (by reservation)
Saturday, May 2, 2026 — Race Day
- 7:00 AM — Bib collection + baggage drop-off opens · Palais des Sports Damrémont
- 8:30 AM — Marathon start (42.195 km)
- 10:30 AM — Half-marathon start (21.1 km)
- 11:15 AM — 10 km start
- 10:00 AM–7:00 PM — Gourmet Village open
- 7:30 PM — Festive closing party
Highlights Marathon de la Mer 2026
- First marathon in Pas-de-Calais, running along the Côte d'Opale and the English Channel
- 3 timed distances (10 km, half, marathon) + children's race
- Start and finish at Palais des Sports Damrémont, Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Gourmet aid stations featuring local products (seafood, craft beers)
- Souvenir T-shirt, medal (except 10 km) and beer at the finish for each finisher
- Pasta Party the day before at Volfoni Saint-Martin-Boulogne
- Exhibitors' village + gourmet village with concerts and DJ sets over 2 days
- Festive closing party on Saturday evening
- "Zero cup" race: each participant brings their own container
Prices Marathon de la Mer 2026
Practical information — Marathon de la Mer
Access
By car: Boulogne-sur-Mer is accessible via the A16 motorway. Parking is available in the city center and near the race start.
By train: Boulogne-Ville station is served by TER Hauts-de-France and TGV trains from Paris-Nord (approx. 2h30).
Registration and bib collection
Registration is open on the official Marathon de la Mer website. Registration closes: April 1st, subject to availability.
Bib collection: the day before the race, from 10 am to 8 pm. Pasta Party the day before at 7 pm (reservation required).
Prices
Marathon, half-marathon, and 10 km: decreasing prices depending on the registration date. Children's race is free. Consult the official website for current prices.
Contact
Marathon de la Mer
Website: www.marathondelamer.com
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Where does it take place — Marathon de la Mer
Palais des Sports Damrémont, Boulogne-sur-Mer
Boulogne-sur-Mer, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer