Abalone Marathon de Nantes

Want to discover the Cité des Ducs 🏰 through a beautiful race? Head to Nantes 🗺️, in the Pays de la Loire region, to combine business with pleasure with the Abalone Marathon of Nantes. It’s in the month of April that the capital of the Loire-Atlantique invites you 📅. Considered one of the oldest marathons in France, the event brings thousands of runners together each year 🏃, all gathered to take part in this joyful celebration, in the heart ❤️ of the loveliest streets of Nantes 🥳. Even if we advise you not to let your guard down 🧶, you might still catch the sun peeking out 🌞 to run with arms open and calves in the breeze 🌬️ .

Born in 1981, this road race is like good wine* : it ages beautifully 🍷. Over the years it has become a must-attend running event in France. And as its name doesn’t say, it’s not just the legendary marathon distance. You can also commit to a half marathon or a 10 km nocturne 🌙, called the "Foulées de l'Éléphant" 🐘. It’s a magical experience that lets you run differently: in a nocturnal atmosphere ! 🌃 More excuses therefore, there’s something for everyone 🤗. If the Marathon of Nantes is also popular, it’s in part thanks to its environmental commitment strong ! 🌱 For example, the installation of water fountains ⛲ to put an end to the traditional plastic bottle 🫗. Hey, what about trying the champagne fountain* 🍾 for next time? 🤔 Well that’s one idea... 🤣. Joking aside! Here’s the course presentation of this 100% urban race ! 🏙️

Regardless of distance, you’ll start from the Machines de l’île de Nantes 🏝️ (we’ve seen worse starting points), then tackle several false flats (we’ll warn you 🤷‍♀️). And the scenery, so what? The city of Nantes is nicknamed the Cité des Ducsand that’s no accident! The heritage is grandiose! Over the course of the 3 races, you’ll cross paths with about a twenty monuments. Yes indeed, that many! 🤯 Quick snapshot of the program: Parc de Procé 🌳, l’Île de Versailles 👑, the Cathedral ⛪, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and many other great surprises 😉. Once you have your fill for the eyes ✨, your heart will be bursting with joy, especially at the finish, thanks to a fanfare welcome 👏.

To keep the vibe going, you can settle on a terrace (Place Royale 🫅, for example) and sample a piece of curé nantais 🍰, along with a good glass of Muscadet 🍷*. If you prefer sweet, you can totally recharge with the legendary LU butter cookies from Nantes. You can even visit the old LU factory, if you’re still thirsty for culture!

So, isn’t life beautiful with the Canaries? 😎

*⚠️ Excessive drinking is dangerous for your health.