RUNNING: Marathon du Golfe de Saint-Tropez 2026 (FRA)

Sainte-Maxime to Cavalaire-sur-Mer 29 MARS 2026

Source: https://www.marathondugolfedesainttropez.com/2026/uk/

6ÈME ÉDITION
Parcours d’exception sur la Côte d’Azur

The 6th edition of the Marathon International du Golfe de Saint-Tropez is scheduled for the weekend of March 27–29, 2026. This event is famous for its scenic route along the French Riviera, winding through vineyards and coastal paths from Sainte-Maxime to Cavalaire-sur-Mer.

Here is the program and key details for the 2026 race weekend:

Race Schedule: Sunday, March 29, 2026

Most major events take place on Sunday morning. Please note that France usually switches to Daylight Saving Time on this night (clocks go forward), so plan your sleep accordingly!

Village & Bib Collection

The “Village Marathon” is typically located in Sainte-Maxime (Promenade Simon-Lorière). You must collect your race number (bib) during the following hours, as no bibs are sent by mail:

• Friday, March 27: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, March 28: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday, March 29: No bib collection on race morning for the main marathon.

Key Race Details

• Course Style: 100% paved road, but with some rolling hills (approx. 340m elevation gain).
• Time Limit: 6 hours for the full marathon.
• Atmosphere: The event is known for being festive; many runners participate in fancy dress (costumes), and there are several “gastronomic” refreshment points featuring local specialties (though water and energy drinks are provided too!).
• Shuttles: The organizers typically provide shuttle buses to take runners from the finish line in Cavalaire-sur-Mer back to the start in Sainte-Maxime.

The Marathon International du Golfe de Saint-Tropez is a relatively young race that quickly established itself as a “bucket list” event due to its glamorous setting and festive spirit.

Here is the history and evolution of the race:

1. The Inaugural Race (2018)

The first edition took place on March 25, 2018. It was created to provide a spring alternative to the famous Nice-Cannes Marathon (held in autumn) and to showcase the diverse landscapes of the Gulf—moving beyond the “glitz and glam” of the port to show the vineyards and hills.

• First Winners: The inaugural male winner was David Kiprono with a time of 2:16:23, while the first female winner was Sheila Chebet.
• Unique Identity: From day one, the race distinguished itself by being “festive.” Unlike serious qualifying marathons, it encouraged costumes and featured refreshment stands offering local rosé wine and Tarte Tropézienne (a famous local cream-filled brioche).

2. Rapid Growth and Challenges

The race was an instant success, attracting thousands of runners from over 40 countries. However, like many global events, its momentum was interrupted:

• 2020 & 2021: The race faced cancellations and disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Comeback: It returned with full force in 2022, solidifying its place as the premier spring running event on the French Riviera.

3. Key Milestones

• AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group Qualifier: The marathon is now a qualifying race for the World Marathon Majors age group world rankings. This elevated the event’s status, attracting high-level amateur athletes alongside the “fun runners.”
• Expansion of Distances: What started as a primary marathon soon expanded to include the Transgolfe (18–19 km) and the 10 km races, making the weekend accessible to all fitness levels.
• Eco-Responsibility: In recent years, the organizers (Azur Sport Organisation) have shifted toward “Green Goals,” eliminating single-use plastics at refreshment points and encouraging carbon-offsetting for participants.

4. The “Legendary” Route

The history of the race is tied to the mythos of the towns it passes through. The route was specifically designed to hit three iconic vistas:

1. The Start: The sun rising over the Gulf at Sainte-Maxime.
2. The Midpoint: The famous Place des Lices and the port of Saint-Tropez (where the marathon relay usually changes over).
3. The Finish: The panoramic descent into Cavalaire-sur-Mer, overlooking the Mediterranean.