Toulouse Métropole Run Experience

Location: Toulouse

Country:  France
Website:  https://toulouserunexperience.fr/
2025 Marathon Date:  02/11/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  TBC
Winning Time 2025: 2:24:42

% Sub-3s:  2-5%
# Sub-3s:  100-499
Total Runners: 3-10k

The Toulouse Métropole Run Expérience is an annual multi-day running festival in Toulouse, France, bringing together thousands of participants across several race formats, including a full marathon, half marathon, relay events, and a 10 km. Known for its blend of performance focus, community spirit, and environmental commitment, the event showcases the best of the “Ville Rose,” highlighting major monuments, riverside views, and the city’s distinctive architecture.

The event began in 2007 as the Toulouse Marathon and quickly became one of the country’s key races. In 2010, it earned international status from the French Athletics Federation, placing it among only a handful of French marathons with this recognition. Its success led to steady annual growth, and the event was later rebranded as the Toulouse Métropole Run Expérience to reflect its expansion into a full weekend of running, entertainment, and community-focused activities.

The marathon course is designed as an accessible, largely flat urban route with an elevation gain of just over 120m, making it suitable for personal-best attempts while still offering an engaging city tour. The race typically starts on Allée François Verdier and finishes on Boulevard d’Arcole, with an itinerary that winds through the historic streets of Old Toulouse, along the banks of the Garonne river, and past notable city sites such as the Stadium, the Cité de l’Espace, and the Halle de La Machine. Scenic river sections and broad boulevards are balanced with stretches through narrow, atmospheric streets, creating varied running terrain.

The event’s festive atmosphere is a core part of its identity, with spectators, volunteers, and local groups lining the course to support runners. A strong emphasis on environmental responsibility shapes the organisation, including the use of local products, reduced single-use plastic, and other sustainability measures.

With a marathon, half marathon, relay events, and a 10K, the Toulouse Métropole Run Expérience caters to a wide spectrum of abilities and motivations. Whether aiming for a fast time, running socially with a team, or taking part in the city-wide celebration, participants experience a lively, welcoming event that reflects the culture, energy, and charm of Toulouse.