Saumur Marathon de la Loire

Location: Saumur
Country: France
Website: https://www.marathon-loire.fr/
2025 Marathon Date: 11/05/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 10/06/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:15:39
% Sub-3s: 6-10%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 3k–10k

The Saumur Marathon de la Loire is a picturesque spring marathon held in the heart of France’s Loire Valley. With its flat profile and serene countryside setting, the Saumur Marathon de la Loire is growing in popularity among sub-3 hopefuls seeking a fast course in a relaxed, rural environment.

The race begins and ends in the historic town of Saumur and follows the banks of the Loire River along a scenic out-and-back route. The course passes vineyards, castles and small villages, with long, straight sections that allow for uninterrupted pacing. Road surfaces are smooth and well-maintained, and the profile is flat from start to finish.

Runners typically enjoy ideal racing conditions. Early May in the Loire region brings cool mornings with temperatures around 10–14°C, low humidity, and minimal wind. Rain is possible but not common. The course layout, coupled with reliable weather, makes the Saumur Marathon de la Loire a strong PB candidate.

The event has a calm and friendly atmosphere. Crowds are small but enthusiastic, with most support concentrated in Saumur itself. Rural sections are quieter, offering focus and solitude. Organisation is efficient, with clear signage, regular aid stations and a stress-free start area.

For sub-3 runners, the Saumur Marathon de la Loire delivers dependable pacing conditions and a modestly sized but capable field. While it lacks the grandeur of major city marathons, the quality of the experience—and the likelihood of a fast time—makes it one of the most appealing low-key spring marathons in France. The Saumur Marathon de la Loire is a smart choice for focused runners prioritising performance over fanfare.