Marathon Nice-Cannes: 42 kilometres along the Côte d'Azur
The Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes is the second largest marathon in France. On 9 November 2025, thousands of runners lined up on the Promenade des Anglais for 42 kilometres along the Mediterranean Sea. With palm trees, a clear blue sky, and the finish on the Croisette in Cannes, this is one of the most beautiful marathons you can run. This is the report.
The day before: expo and preparation
The expo is located in the Palais des Expositions, within walking distance of Nice city centre. Everything is well organised: picking up your race number is quick, the volunteers are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Main sponsor Kiprun has a strong presence and it shows. The goodie bag is generous and doesn't feel like an afterthought, unlike at some other marathons. What also stands out is the international atmosphere. You hear French, English, Italian, German everywhere. This marathon attracts runners from all over Europe, and you can feel it in the energy at the expo.
The start at sunrise
The alarm goes off early, but it's more than worth it. The start is on the Promenade des Anglais, right opposite the azure blue sea. As thousands of runners gather among the palm trees, the sun slowly rises above the Mediterranean. It's one of those moments where you go quiet for a second, despite the adrenaline.
The atmosphere is something special. No rushed chaos, but a shared sense that you're about to do something beautiful. The sun shines through the palm trees, the sea glistens, and then the starting gun fires.
The course: from Nice to Cannes
This is where the Marathon Nice-Cannes sets itself apart from almost any other marathon. The course runs point-to-point from Nice to Cannes, 42 kilometres almost entirely along the coast. The Mediterranean on your right, the hills of the Côte d'Azur on your left. Palm trees as far as the eye can see.
The weather was perfect. The sun was out in full force, but a cold wind from the sea kept the perceived temperature pleasant. Never too warm, never too cold. Exactly the conditions to get the best out of yourself.
The course is mostly flat, with the odd gentle incline. That makes it fast, but don't underestimate the kilometres between 35 and 40: a few hills are waiting there that hit tired calves hard. Just when you think it stays flat, the course reminds you that you're running a marathon. But the real story is the scenery. You run through Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet and Antibes, always with that endless blue sea as your backdrop. There are moments where you forget you're racing and simply take it all in.
The aid stations along the way are well organised. The crowds along the course are enthusiastic but not overwhelming. Just right.
The finish on the Croisette
After 42 kilometres, Cannes appears. The finish is on the Boulevard de la Croisette, the famous seafront boulevard where film stars normally stroll. Now you're the one in the spotlight.
The moment you cross the finish line is overwhelming. Not just from the relief and the satisfaction, but from the realisation of what you've just done: 42 kilometres of running along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
The medal
The Marathon Nice-Cannes is known for its annually changing medals, and every year they outdo themselves. The 2025 edition is a work of art: a colourful medal with an illustration of the coastline, the palm trees and the sea.
For those who care about medals: this is one of the most beautiful you can earn. But honestly, the entire experience is the real reward.
Why this marathon belongs on your bucket list
The Marathon de Paris, with tens of thousands of participants, is the undisputed number one in France. But right behind it comes Nice-Cannes. Where Paris impresses with monuments and scale, Nice-Cannes wins on atmosphere and scenery.
The international participation is significant. Runners from all over Europe travel specifically for this event to the Côte d'Azur. The combination of a marathon with a long weekend on the French Riviera is hard to resist.
After the finish, the train takes you back to Nice. With your race number you can use the train connection for free all day, a nice touch. You sit on the train, medal around your neck, legs tired, riding the exact same route you just ran. It's a lovely moment to let it all sink in.
The Marathon Nice-Cannes is more than a running race. It's a day where everything comes together: the scenery, the weather, the organisation, the atmosphere. A unique and extraordinary experience.