Semi-Marathon Marvejols-Mende

The legendary race since 1973

The Semi-Marathon Marvejols-Mende is one of the most iconic races in France. Created in July 1973 by Jean-Claude Moulin and the Boudet brothers, this town-to-town event was revolutionary for its time: it was open to women and non-licensed runners, at a time when women were forbidden to run distances over 5 km by the Athletics Federation.

A mythical course

The 22.4 km course connects the esplanade of Marvejols (634 m altitude) to the Foirail of Mende, following a hilly route through the landscapes of Margeride and Lozère. With 692 meters of positive elevation gain and 597 meters of descent, the course crosses the mythical Col de Goudard (1,023 m) and the hamlet of Chabrits (960 m), offering exceptional panoramas of the Lozère mountains.

A demanding sporting challenge

Runners describe the course with three adjectives: "difficult, delicate, and beautiful". The succession of climbs and descents on country roads makes Marvejols-Mende a much more demanding challenge than a classic half-marathon, attracting both elite runners and passionate amateurs from France and abroad.

A weekend of races

The half-marathon

The main event starts on Sunday at 9:00 AM from Marvejols, individually or in relay (start at 9:15 AM). Each runner receives a personalized bib and benefits from adapted refreshments throughout the course.

The walking race

A 22.4 km Nordic walking and hiking event, not timed, starts at 8:00 AM from Marvejols, allowing walkers to enjoy the course at their own pace.

Children's races

The Baby Marathon (approx. 1 km) and the Mini Marathon (approx. 3 km) allow the youngest participants to experience the Marvejols-Mende event in a safe and festive setting.

Challenge Roda Nature

New for 2026, the Challenge Roda Nature completes the event program.

A solidarity and eco-responsible commitment

One euro per registration is donated to the association Les Mamans du Ciel, which supports children victims of femicide and violence. The race is also committed to an eco-responsible approach, significantly reducing the use of plastic bottles during the event.

A historical heritage

The audacity of Jean-Claude Moulin, suspended for a year by the Federation for opening his race to women, helped change mindsets. In 1979, the Ministry of Youth and Sports officially recognized road racing as a full-fledged discipline, partly thanks to the influence of Marvejols-Mende.