The Paris Marathon is fast approaching, taking place this Sunday, April 12th. This year’s race is set to be the biggest yet, with nearly 60,000 runners expected to take on the challenge.
The legendary 42.195km route winds through the heart of the French capital, passing some of its most iconic landmarks – from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and Notre-Dame. With scenery like this, it might just be the most efficient sightseeing tour you’ll ever do.
Whether you’re battling pre-race nerves, dreaming of running it one day, or simply in awe of those who do, I spoke to runners who’ve experienced the Paris Marathon firsthand to share their top tips – and the mistakes they wish they’d avoided.
For Demi Hele, who ran in 2025, it was the atmosphere that left the strongest impression – even compared to other major races.
“After completing the London Marathon, I genuinely thought I’d never experience an atmosphere quite like it,” she says. “But Paris proved me wrong – it somehow managed to top it.”
From the very start, runners are swept through a city that feels almost surreal in scale and beauty. But while the early stages are defined by noise, landmarks and adrenaline, the race has a quieter, more testing side too.
Demi points to the stretch through the Bois de Vincennes, between 20–30km, as a turning point. “Mentally, this can be one of the toughest parts,” she explains, as the crowds thin and fatigue begins to set in.
Yet, it’s also where the race can shift in your favour.
“Expect the quiet, embrace it, and use it as a moment to reset,” she says. Because once you emerge, the energy comes flooding back – and it carries you through the final stages.
Harry Brown, who ran in 2024, experienced that same contrast, but also noticed how different the crowd dynamic can feel compared to other major marathons.
“The section of the course around Bois de Vincennes is really pretty, but it does get very quiet with spectators and music,” he says. “It could be nice to have some friends or family around there to carry you through – or just some good tunes in your earphones.”
But elsewhere, the atmosphere flips completely. “I was really surprised how close the supporters get to you at certain points of the course, making it quite narrow. It’s really different to London where it’s fenced the whole way. But it actually adds to the atmosphere – it makes you feel like a pro for a brief second!”
Demi’s advice isn’t just about mindset, but preparation too. Planning your route to the start line, she stresses, is crucial. Arriving on the wrong side of the bag drop can mean kilometres of unnecessary walking before you’ve even begun. Her tip: keep it simple and arrive via Avenue Foch station to avoid the stress.
Preparation starts well before race morning. The marathon expo, often treated as a formality, is something she describes as “incredibly motivating” – a chance to fully lean into the experience. And when it comes to fuel, Paris offers its own advantages. Aid stations are well stocked with everything from dried fruit to brioche, meaning you don’t need to carry quite as much as you might expect.
But this year, one of the biggest things runners will need to think about isn’t the course – it’s hydration.
James Carter, who ran in 2024, highlights how small practical details can shape your entire race day.
“One thing I actually loved about Paris was how varied the course feels – you’re constantly moving through different parts of the city, and there’s nearly always something going on. There are bands playing, crowds lining the streets, and it really does carry you along. I went in thinking I might need music at some point, but I never even took my headphones out.”
That said, not every section has that same energy.
“There are a few sections where it changes completely. The tunnels along the Seine, for example, can feel a bit repetitive, and you lose that buzz from the crowds for a while. It’s not terrible, but it’s definitely where you have to stay focused and not let your pace drift.”
His biggest piece of advice, though, is especially relevant for 2026 following new changes to water stations.
“The other thing to be aware of – especially this year – is the new hydration setup. If you’re not used to refilling your own bottle mid-run, it could throw you off. It’s a great initiative, but I’d really recommend practising grabbing water and refuelling on the move, because even small stops can break your rhythm if you’re not prepared.”
For those expecting a flat, forgiving course, Alexandre Dubois, who completed the race in 2022, offers a slight reality check.
“I think a lot of people go into Paris expecting it to be completely flat, but it’s more of a rolling course,” he says. “Nothing is extreme, but the inclines are long enough that you definitely feel them over time.”
The toughest point, he explains, comes late on. “There’s a hill around the 30–32km mark that catches a lot of people out, just as you’re starting to tire. Straight after that, you head into the park where it becomes much quieter, with fewer spectators – and that combination can make it feel like a bit of a grind.”
Like Demi, he emphasises the mental side of the race. Knowing what’s coming can make all the difference.
“If you prepare for that section, it’s much easier to manage. And once you’re through it, the energy builds again and really helps carry you to the finish.”
Sometimes, though, it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference on race day.
For Maddy Stanford, who ran in 2024, it’s all about the crowd connection – especially when you need it most.
“The crowds are great and really get you through it, especially on the last 10km,” she says.
Her advice is simple: make your name visible, whether that’s on your badge or on the back of your t-shirt. Hearing strangers shout your name as you run can provide an unexpected lift just when it matters.
Emily Tucker, also part of the 2024 race, highlights a different side of the experience – one that starts before the gun even goes off. She recommends a stop at Café Joyeux along the Champs-Élysées while waiting at the start line.
“The café describes itself as a solidarity café with the aim of contributing to professional inclusion for people with mental and cognitive disabilities. It was the most joyous place I went to in Paris!”
Across every runner’s experience, one thing is clear: the Paris Marathon is as much an emotional challenge as it is a physical one. It will test you, surprise you, and at times completely overwhelm you – but always in the best way possible.
Take what Demi ended with: “Soak it all up. It will be one of the best days of your life… Yes, it’s going to be tough, but the training was tougher.”And with that, there’s only one thing left to say: Allez, allez, allez!
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