Loire’s full marathon starts in Saumur, separate from the half
The event weekend spans May 15–16, but the individual marathon has its own Sunday date and start. The half marathon’s 08:00 start and optional shuttle arrangements concern Gennes, not the full-marathon start in Saumur. Select the correct race when arranging transport and explain the distinction to companions entering a different distance.
The course follows the Loire and the old levée through the surrounding river landscape. The organizer describes a low overall elevation gain, but that is not a promise of a particular finish time. Build a plan around your preparation and race-week conditions, and save the final full-marathon map because the organizer allows route changes.
The running expo and the start/finish village are in different places: Parc-Expo du Breil for collection and Place du Chardonnet for race activity. Check the collection opening hours and what you must present, then allow a separate journey between the two. A hotel convenient for one location may not be equally convenient for the other.
The registration options include a Go Green category described as without refreshments. Read the exact conditions before selecting it and make sure you understand what access and responsibilities apply to your bib. For a standard entry, check the final station map and products before practising your supply plan. The published 08:30 start is subject to modification, so use the final participant message to confirm arrival, baggage and corral timing. Assess the six-hour limit with a practical margin and arrange a post-finish meeting place outside the active race area.
Confirmed race date
Marathon de la Loire: May 16, 2027. Verified on October 14, 2026 against the official event information.
Last-known race profile
These details identify the race page; they do not establish the next edition's operations. The previous race date does not establish the next edition. Use the confirmed date above and recheck the final participant instructions before committing to a race-day schedule.