The Deauville International Marathon is fast becoming one of France’s must-run marathons. Launched in 2019, it hosted the French Marathon Championships in 2022 for its third edition. Set on the Normandy coastline, the Deauville Marathon delivers a charming course that blends sea views with the region’s lush green countryside.
It attracts runners of every level looking for a late-autumn marathon with a great vibe. A 5K, 10K, half marathon, and relay races round out the weekend’s race options. The 2023 edition takes place on November 18 and 19.
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The charm of Deauville
Deauville is famous as a seaside resort, with its iconic grand villas, upscale venues, luxury hotels and casinos, plus long stretches of soft sandy beach. But above all, Deauville is known for the legendary Les Planches, the wooden boardwalk lined with the names of film stars who gather during the Deauville American Film Festival. It’s right here on Les Planches, the long beachside promenade, that you’ll cross the finish line of the Deauville International Marathon.
The Deauville International Marathon courses fit perfectly into this exceptional setting, between the resort town and Normandy landscapes. All races are officially certified, and both the marathon and half marathon are now on the World Athletics calendar.
The Deauville Marathon
To take on the 42.195 km challenge of the Deauville Marathon, you’ll complete two 21 km loops. At first glance that might sound a bit repetitive, but the route is enjoyable, and the first lap gives you a clear read on what to expect for lap two.
That’s actually a real advantage for marathon pacing and race strategy, you can anticipate the tougher moments, and know exactly when you’ll be able to push the pace again.
As you head inland, runners pass alongside the racecourse and then move through the peaceful Normandy countryside. The Deauville Marathon also rolls through nearby towns and villages like Touques, Saint-Arnoult, and Tourgeville, where you’ll find several aid stations. There’s a gentle uphill drag at km 8 (and again at km 29 on the second loop), then a downhill section where you can open up your stride and get back into rhythm.
You’ll reconnect with the seafront from km 19, and the half marathon mark is just steps from Les Planches de Deauville. Then it’s time to go again for lap two. The kilometers tick by, familiar landmarks from the first loop come back into view, and you can feel the finish getting closer.
At km 40, you know the sea and the Deauville Marathon finish are near. Just 500 meters later, you can start enjoying the final 1.5 km that runs along the beach. The finish on Les Planches de Deauville is truly spectacular.
The 5K, 10K and Half Marathon
The Deauville International Marathon weekend is open to runners of all abilities, with races that suit beginners and experienced athletes alike. The half marathon lets you taste the marathon course and is a perfect stepping stone if you dream of running a full marathon one day.
The 5K and 10K take you around a 5 km loop along the beach and Boulevard Eugène Cornuché. It’s pancake-flat, which makes it ideal for chasing a personal best and testing your speed. These races are held on Saturday, which is also a great chance for marathoners’ friends and family to race too, especially since there’s also a kids’ run, the Deauvi’Kids.
Sign up for the Deauville Marathon and start training
The Deauville Marathon’s success is powered by dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic spectators who show up to support and cheer runners all along the course. With a festive, friendly atmosphere, it’s the perfect race to share an unforgettable endurance sports weekend with friends or family.
Don’t miss this unique experience, sign up now to join the next Deauville Marathon.
And to prepare properly, you can train with a RunMotion Coach marathon training plan, like Romain who ran 2:36, or Laurent in 4:37. The RunMotion Coach training option is available during the race registration process.
Romain can’t recommend this race enough: “On top of setting a new personal best, I loved the Deauville Marathon course, and the two 21 km loops meant I always knew exactly where I stood. It helped me mentally when my legs started to feel heavy, and I was able to push again along the seafront in the final kilometer.”
See you soon at the Deauville International Marathon!
