The Paris Marathon is quick approaching, happening this Sunday, April twelfth. This 12 months’s race is ready to be the most important but, with almost 60,000 runners anticipated to tackle the problem.
The legendary 42.195km route winds by the guts of the French capital, passing a few of its most iconic landmarks – from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and Notre-Dame. With surroundings like this, it would simply be probably the most environment friendly sightseeing tour you’ll ever do.
Whether you’re battling pre-race nerves, dreaming of working it at some point, or just in awe of those that do, I spoke to runners who’ve skilled the Paris Marathon firsthand to share their high ideas – and the errors they want they’d prevented.
For Demi Hele, who ran in 2025, it was the environment that left the strongest impression – even in comparison with different main 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 begin, runners are swept by a metropolis that feels nearly surreal in scale and sweetness. But whereas the early levels are outlined by noise, landmarks and adrenaline, the race has a quieter, extra testing facet too.
Demi factors to the stretch by the Bois de Vincennes, between 20–30km, as a turning level. “Mentally, this can be one of the toughest parts,” she explains, because the crowds skinny and fatigue begins to set in.
Yet, it’s additionally the place the race can shift in your favour.
“Expect the quiet, embrace it, and use it as a moment to reset,” she says. Because when you emerge, the power comes flooding again – and it carries you thru the ultimate levels.
Harry Brown, who ran in 2024, skilled that very same distinction, but in addition seen how totally different the gang dynamic can really feel in comparison with different main 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 environment flips fully. “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 recommendation isn’t nearly mindset, however preparation too. Planning your path to the beginning line, she stresses, is essential. Arriving on the improper facet of the bag drop can imply kilometres of pointless strolling earlier than you’ve even begun. Her tip: preserve it easy and arrive by way of Avenue Foch station to keep away from the stress.
Preparation begins nicely earlier than race morning. The marathon expo, typically handled as a formality, is one thing she describes as “incredibly motivating” – an opportunity to totally lean into the expertise. And in terms of gas, Paris affords its personal benefits. Aid stations are nicely stocked with every part from dried fruit to brioche, that means you don’t want to hold fairly as a lot as you would possibly count on.
But this 12 months, one of many largest issues runners will want to consider isn’t the course – it’s hydration.
James Carter, who ran in 2024, highlights how small sensible particulars can form your whole 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 mentioned, not each part has that very same power.
“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 largest piece of recommendation, although, is very related for 2026 following new modifications 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 these anticipating a flat, forgiving course, Alexandre Dubois, who accomplished the race in 2022, affords a slight actuality test.
“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 hardest level, 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 psychological facet of the race. Knowing what’s coming could make all of the distinction.
“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, although, it’s the smallest particulars that make the most important distinction on race day.
For Maddy Stanford, who ran in 2024, it’s all concerning the crowd connection – particularly while you want it most.
“The crowds are great and really get you through it, especially on the last 10km,” she says.
Her recommendation is straightforward: make your identify seen, whether or not that’s in your badge or on the again of your t-shirt. Hearing strangers shout your identify as you run can present an sudden carry simply when it issues.
Emily Tucker, additionally a part of the 2024 race, highlights a special facet of the expertise – one which begins earlier than the gun even goes off. She recommends a cease at Café Joyeux alongside the Champs-Élysées whereas ready in the beginning 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 each runner’s expertise, one factor is evident: the Paris Marathon is as a lot an emotional problem as it’s a bodily one. It will check you, shock you, and at occasions fully overwhelm you – however all the time in one of the simplest ways potential.
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 just one factor left to say: Allez, allez, allez!
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