The ASICS Marathon de Paris is not one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, but it's one of the world's largest and most beautiful marathons. With tens of thousands of runners and a stunning course through Paris's iconic landmarks, it's a bucket-list race for many, and 2027 marks its 50th edition.
Big change: from 2027, Paris no longer uses first-come, first-served registration. Under the race's new organiser, entry is decided by a lottery draw. You enter during an opening window, and a random draw decides who gets a place — when you enter within the window makes no difference to your chances.
For official updates, head to the ASICS Marathon de Paris website.
The 2027 lottery is open. Paris has dropped first-come registration: enter the lottery any time during the opening window. Your entry date doesn't affect your chances of being selected. Results announced Oct 1, selected runners have 72h to confirm their place (€169).
Key Dates
- Race Day: Apr 4, 2027
- Lottery Window: Expected Sep 2027
This year's lottery has closed. The next window is expected Sep 2027. Set up a BibsAlert now and we'll email you the moment the Paris Marathon lottery reopens, so next time you're first in instead of locked out.
How to Enter the Paris Marathon
From the 2027 edition, Paris uses a lottery. There are three routes to the start line: the lottery (solo or as a team), or a charity entry.
1. The Lottery
Entering is free and takes a few minutes on the official platform during the opening window. The draw is random: the date and time of your entry make no difference to your chances, so there's no rush to be first in line.
Entry fee (if selected): €169 for a General Entry — a single flat price, regardless of when you entered the lottery. No payment is required to enter the draw.
After the draw: results are announced from October 1. If you're selected, you have 72 hours to confirm your participation and pay your entry fee — miss that deadline and your place is gone.
2. Team Spirit
You can enter the lottery as a team of 2 to 6 people. If one team member is drawn, the whole team gets places. You all get in together, or not at all.
3. Charity Entries
With a Charity Entry you run for one of the race's partner charities and receive a place once you reach your fundraising target. It's the main alternative if the draw doesn't go your way.
A note on the new era
2027 is the first edition run by Cadence Running United (Havas Events, Keneo and Avena Events), which took over from ASO. The lottery system, pricing and policies are all new this year and may evolve — check the official website for the latest terms.
The Course
The Paris Marathon is known for its flat, fast course through some of the world's most beautiful urban scenery. The route is kept under wraps and revealed only a few weeks before race day.
- Start: Champs-Élysées (near the Arc de Triomphe)
- Finish: Avenue Foch (near the Arc de Triomphe)
- Distance: 42.195 km (26.2 miles)
- Start Time: 8:00 AM
Course highlights: Place de la Concorde, Rue de Rivoli, the Louvre, Place de la Bastille, Bois de Vincennes, along the Seine River, Bois de Boulogne, and back to Avenue Foch with views of the Arc de Triomphe at the finish.
Why Run the Paris Marathon?
- The 50th edition: 2027 is the anniversary edition, with a fresh start under a new organiser.
- Stunning course: Run past the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and along the Seine.
- Fast and flat: Great course for a personal best.
- Massive atmosphere: Tens of thousands of runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators.
- Spring in Paris: Perfect weather and a great excuse to explore the city.
Didn't Get In?
If you weren't selected in the Paris Marathon lottery, you still have options:
- Charity entries: Many official charity partners offer guaranteed places in exchange for fundraising commitments. Check the official website for partner organizations.
- Charity entry: Partner charities offer places in exchange for a fundraising commitment — the main backup route if you're not drawn.
- Enter as a team next time: Team Spirit lets 2-6 people enter together; if any one of you is drawn, you all get in.
- Try a similar race: Check the related races below for marathons with similar entry types, dates, or locations.
- Apply again next year: Set up a BibsAlert so you don't miss the next entry window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who organises the Paris Marathon?
From the 2027 edition, the Cadence consortium (Havas Events, Keneo and Avena Events), chosen by the Paris Council in May 2026 to take over from ASO, which had organised the race since 1998.
Does it matter when I enter the lottery?
No. As long as you enter during the opening window, the date and time of your entry don't affect your chances in the draw. There's no advantage to entering the moment it opens.
Is it free to enter the lottery?
Yes. Entering the draw costs nothing. You only pay the €169 entry fee if you're selected and confirm your place.
What happens if I'm selected?
You have 72 hours to confirm your participation and pay your entry fee. If you miss the deadline, you lose your place.
Can I enter with friends?
Yes, Team Spirit lets you enter as a team of 2 to 6 people. If any one of you is selected, the whole team receives places.
Can I transfer or defer my entry?
No. Entries are personal and can't be transferred to another runner. Cancellation and refund conditions are set out in the race regulations and the terms you accept when confirming your entry, read them before you pay.
Do I need to speak French?
No. The registration website, expo, and race are all well-organised for international runners. Over a third of participants come from outside France.
Do I need a medical certificate or PPS?
France requires proof of medical fitness for competitive running, historically a medical certificate, now often the PPS (Parcours de Prévention Santé) online self-assessment. The organiser says the exact requirements for the 2027 edition will be confirmed before the race, so watch for their instructions if you're selected.
Related Races
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Osaka Marathon
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Japan's kitchen marathon
Looking Ahead
Paris moved to a lottery in 2027 under its new organiser, replacing the old first-come, first-served openings. The first lottery window opened in early September for an early-October draw; future editions may follow a similar rhythm, but the format is new and nothing is guaranteed. Set up a BibsAlert and we'll email you the moment the next lottery opens.
Catch the Next Paris Marathon Lottery
This year's window has closed. The next window is expected Sep 2027. Set up a BibsAlert and you'll get an email the moment entries reopen.