Lourdes-Tarbes

The Lourdes-Tarbes half marathon is a classic in the Hautes-Pyrénées in Occitania. Two distances are offered to reach Tarbes, the finish location: a 12km starting from the village of Lanne and a half marathon starting from Lourdes. The latter, at the foot of the Pyrenees Massif, nicknamed the “ Marian City” for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the Grotto of Massabielle (with a bit of luck, she might reveal herself to you!), offers a panel of more than 700 religious buildings! The most important are located in the Sanctuary Our Lady of Lourdes, you’ll surely be able to see during your half marathon the spire of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception which rises 93 meters above the Gave. For the less prepared (or those who woke up too late) who prefer to start from Lanne, known for… its church (yes, again 😁), the distance will be shorter but whatever format you choose, you might get a bit chilly between the wind from the Pyrenees and the cool morning temperatures in November!

This “city to city” will start from the center of Lourdes, hard not to see its fortress perched at 1,000m above sea level and not feel the unique vibe of the city of miracles. Your passage near the railway tracks will mark the end of the city and the start of the course toward Tarbes. And even if you move away from the Pyrenean massif, it’s impossible not to turn back to admire the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees 🏔 (some Finishers have told us they felt like the mountains were following them, but don’t worry, they won’t catch up). We can name the “.Pic du Midi”, the “Cabaliros” or even further away the “Vignemale” which will make you want to return Tarbes-Lourdes to fill your eyes again. But if you prefer to focus on your performance, follow this half fast course that will take you past the streams of the “Graves” or of the “Echez” and through the different villages of Saulx or Juillan.

It is at the stretch near Tarbes-Lourdes Pyrénées Airport that participants of the Lanne-Tarbes start their race (and no cheating by flying, huh ?) then you must push on the asphalt until entering the historic capital of Bigorre. Once in the city, you’ll climb the mythical rue du Maréchal Foch, Tarbes’ pride! Don’t miss its imposing statue that sits on the avenue of General Leclerc just before the finish line at Marcadieu square.

After your race, if you plan to extend your escape around the area, don’t hesitate to head on Thursday morning to Hallie Marcadieu, the largest weekly market of local producers in the South West, to taste the local specialty: Haricot Tarbais! If you’d rather return to Lourdes, stop by the Saint-Pie-X underground basilica hidden under the Sanctuary’s grass, you’ll not see two like this! And since you’re at it, the beautiful Pyrenees mountains aren’t far away…