Paris Marathon 2026: More Women and First-Timers Run

This year's Paris Marathon had 33% women runners, a big jump from 25% in 2022. Almost half of all runners were new to the marathon.
By Newsroom | Sports, France |

Paris, France – May 27, 2026 – The city of Paris, a canvas for athletic endurance, is abuzz with details surrounding its celebrated marathon. This year's event, the Marathon de Paris, saw an impressive 58,853 participants, a figure that underscores its growing global appeal. Notably, 33% of these runners were women, a significant increase from 25% in 2022, signaling a shifting demographic in the endurance sport.

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The Marathon de Paris has solidified its status as a major international event, drawing 126 nationalities to its streets in 2026. Nearly half of all participants, 49%, were first-time marathoners, suggesting the event’s draw extends beyond seasoned athletes. The race itself produced notable athletic achievements, with a men's record of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 21 seconds and a women's record of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 48 seconds set.

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The event’s scale was amplified by an estimated 250,000 spectators lining the course, which traversed seven of the city's arrondissements. Organizers also highlighted environmental efforts, reporting zero single-use containers distributed and providing over 6 tonnes of fruit, such as apples and pears, to runners. Participants could expect between 25,000 and 50,000 strides to complete the demanding 42.195-kilometer race. Finishers were awarded a special commemorative medal.

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Beyond the main marathon, shorter races are available, including a 4km event on Saturdays. The course itself is designed to showcase Parisian landmarks, guiding runners through the heart of the Île-de-France region before concluding near the iconic Place de l'Étoile. The race infrastructure aims to facilitate a welcoming atmosphere, with organizers mentioning the potential for participants to "make lots of new friends." Preparations for future events, including the Marathon de Paris 2027, are already being considered, focusing on the established routes and participant experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people ran in the 2026 Paris Marathon?
A total of 58,853 people participated in the 2026 Paris Marathon. This included runners from 126 different countries.
Q: Were there more women running the Paris Marathon in 2026?
Yes, 33% of the runners in 2026 were women, which is a rise from 25% in 2022. This shows more women are joining the sport.
Q: How many new runners joined the 2026 Paris Marathon?
Nearly half of the runners, 49%, were running their first marathon. This means the race is popular with people new to running long distances.
Q: What were the winning times for the 2026 Paris Marathon?
The fastest time for men was 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 21 seconds. For women, the fastest time was 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 48 seconds.
Q: What environmental actions were taken at the 2026 Paris Marathon?
Organizers made sure no single-use plastic bottles were given out. They also provided 6 tonnes of fruit, like apples and pears, for the runners.