Surpassed only by the Paris Marathon in terms of popularity, the French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes will welcome over 13,000 runners on Sunday 5 November. Those taking part will race from the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice to the Croisette Boulevard in Cannes, a few metres from the steps of the legendary Palais des Festivals.

Since its inception in 2008, participants have praised the breathtaking beauty of the course between Nice and Cannes that crosses five emblematic French Riviera towns: Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet, Antibes Juan-les-Pins and Vallauris Golfe-Juan. Each of these towns brings a unique feel to the coastal course, offering a stunning backdrop that combines snow-capped mountains and palm trees.

Celebration, happy faces and fancy dresses are also big features of this event and this year all runners will wear something blue in reference to the historic ‘blue line’ of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the blue skies and seas of the French Riviera!

Elite athletes will be present once again for the 15th running with the course record of 2:07:25 established in 2018 and held by Ethiopian athlete Abrha Milaw potentially under threat.

Last year the event welcomed athletes from almost 70 different countries with 30% of the field from overseas. This year, around 100,000 spectators are expected on the course to cheer and support the runners. All those involved, spectators and participants alike can enjoy the music, bands and DJs that will be sprinkled along the route.

This year, organisers are proud to welcome running brand, Kiprun as official kit provider meaning all participants will receive an official t-shirt and backpack as well as their traditional medal on crossing the finish line!

The French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes has been a member of the AIMS organisation for many years now and last year the event joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors group. This new label gives marathon finishers aged 40 and above the opportunity to be part of the series of ‘World Marathon Majors’ and gain points towards their global ranking.

The French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes isn’t exclusively for individual or elite runners. In fact, ever since the second edition, the event has been open to companies and groups to participate in the Marathon Relay which is open to teams of three to six runners.

Additionally, the event offers a race format allowing teams of two to complete a half-marathon and there's also a 20K route from Nice to Villeneuve-Loubet.

If you'd like to know more, visit the French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes website.

Image: Ben Becker