Métropole du Grand Nancy, France 29.03.2026
Source: https://nam.athle.fr/
Get your running shoes ready! The 19th Semi-Marathon de la Métropole du Grand Nancy is officially scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026.
The event continues its tradition of starting and finishing at the iconic Place Stanislas, providing one of the most scenic backdrops in European road running.
📅 Essential 2026 Event Details
- Race Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026.
- Start Time: 10:00 AM.
- Distance: 21.097 km (AIMS/FFA certified).
- Capacity: Limited to 5,000 participants.
- Time Limit: Usually 3 hours.
💳 Registration & Fees
Registration is currently open and typically remains available until about a week before the race (or until sold out).
| Category | Registration Fee |
| FFA Licensed Runners | 23€ |
| Non-Licensed Runners | 25€ |
Note: Non-licensed runners must provide a valid medical certificate or complete the PPS (Parcours Prévention Santé) online via the official registration platform.
🎒 Bib Collection (Dossards)
There is no bib distribution on race day. You must collect your race number in person at the Nancy City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Nancy, Salle Chepfer, entrance via Rue Pierre Fourier):
- Friday, March 27: 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday, March 28: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
⏱️ Pacing & Logistics
If you have a specific goal time, the race provides official pacemakers (meneurs d’allure) for the following times:
- 1h30 / 1h40 / 1h50 / 2h00 / 2h10
Runner Services Include:
- Bag Drop: Available near the start/finish area.
- Refreshments: Points at approximately every 5 km and a large buffet at the finish line.
- Rewards: A technical finisher t-shirt and a commemorative medal for all finishers.
🔗 Official Channels
For the most direct registration link and real-time updates:
- Registration Portal: Chronopro.net
- Organizer Website: nam.athle.fr (Nancy Athlétisme Métropole)
The Semi-Marathon de la Métropole du Grand Nancy (often simply called the Nancy Half Marathon) is one of the premier running events in the Grand Est region of France. Combining a flat, fast course with a finish line in one of the world’s most beautiful public squares, it has grown into a major fixture on the European running calendar.
📜 Origins and Growth
While Nancy has a long tradition of athletics, the modern iteration of the event began in the late 2000s.
- Establishment: The race as it is known today reached its 18th edition in March 2025, placing its origin around 2007–2008.
- Scale: It has grown from a local race to a massive event that now attracts over 5,000 runners annually.
- UNESCO Heritage: The race is famous for starting and ending at the Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gilded iron gates and 18th-century architecture.
🏃 The Course: City Meets Nature
The race is designed to be “scannable” for runners—mostly flat with a few tactical challenges.
- The Route: The single-loop course takes runners through the historic heart of Nancy, into the neighboring communes of Jarville-la-Malgrange, Heillecourt, and Fléville-devant-Nancy, and back along the banks of the Meurthe river and the Marne-Rhine Canal.
- The Challenge: While mostly fast, there is a notorious “false flat” (slight incline) around kilometer 12 that is known to test the legs of the leaders before the descent back into the city.
- Elevation: It features a modest total elevation gain ($D+$) of approximately 180 meters.
🏆 Records and Elite Performance
The Nancy Half Marathon is a “Record Race,” often attracting elite athletes from East Africa and top-tier French runners looking for personal bests.
| Category | Record Holder | Time | Year |
| Men’s Record | Joseph Koech (KEN) | 1:01:28 | 2025 |
| Women’s Record | Teresiah Omosa (KEN) | 1:11:14 | 2024 |
Fun Fact: In the 2025 edition, Joseph Koech and Shadrack Korir finished with the exact same time ($1:01:28$), leading to a thrilling photo finish.
📅 The Modern Event
Today, the race is typically held on the third or fourth Sunday of March, signaling the start of the spring running season in France. Beyond the elite race, it is celebrated for its atmosphere, featuring:
- Live Orchestras: Local brass bands line the route to motivate runners.
- Local Gastronomy: Post-race refreshments often highlight regional specialties (though the famous Nancy Bergamots are usually saved for the celebration afterward!).
