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Marathon Calais XXL

Official poster for the Calais XXL Marathon
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Join us on June 28, 2026 for the first edition of the Calais XXL Marathon, organized by Groupe Nord Littoral and Calais XXL, in partnership with Pas de Calais, SOCalais Athlétisme, Foulées Calais, and Carrefour Market Calais Cœur de Vie. A must-see sporting event on the Opal Coast!
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Marathon Calais XXL
62100 CALAIS

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Openings

28st June 2026
Sunday08 AM - 00PM

The first Calais XXL marathon

It's official! Here, we explore the region in a BIG way! And what better way than running and pushing your limits to discover the beauty of our coastline! Registrations are now open for the Calais XXL Marathon, which will be held They are officially open on June 28, 2026! A half marathon and a 10km race are also on the program for this day. A race for everyone. Running the Calais XXL Marathon means experiencing total immersion in the sea breeze, the ever-changing light of the North, and the energy of a port city looking towards the horizon, where culture reinvents everyday life.

Register now!
View of the beach with the golden reflections of the autumn sun on the cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez. ©Nohcab
The Calais Dragon on the beach, interacting with visitors and its environment. ©Keevin Lecointe
Focus

From Cap Blanc-Nez to Calais

Journeys and detours between land and sea

The route tells a story that illustrates the reason for Calais XXL's existence: “A journey and detours between land and sea.” Running here means immersing yourself in a territory where sea and nature, heritage and modernity intertwine. It means appreciating the vastness of the coastline, the beauty of the heritage, and the diversity of the landscapes. Come and participate in this time which fully embraces the values ​​of our destination: sharing, surpassing, greatness.

Sunset over the white chalk cliffs of Cap Blanc Nez

Three races for each profile!

Three distances, one shared spirit: the desire to push your limits, discover an exceptional region, and experience an unforgettable day. By running at their own pace, all participants contribute to bringing Calais XXL and its monumental attractions to life!

The Marathon (42,195 km)

The ultimate challenge for endurance enthusiasts, on a spectacular course winding through city streets, along the coast, and across wide-open spaces. Spanning 42,195 km, the route alternates between urban sections, scenic sea views, and more open stretches, giving the race a striking visual dimension. The course features approximately 260 meters of elevation gain, with rolling sections and occasional false flats or short climbs to break up the monotony, all while showcasing the seafront and the diverse neighborhoods of the greater metropolitan area.

Calais XXL Marathon

The Half Marathon (21,1 km)

A dynamic and accessible intermediate format, perfect for taking on a great personal challenge in an inspiring setting.

The 10km race

Fast, festive, popular – ideal for beginners, clubs or challenges between friends or colleagues.

Register for one of the three races

Why run in Calais?

A journey that is truly inspiring…

Running in Calais is much more than a personal challenge – it's a life-sized immersion in a breathtaking setting. With every kilometer, the Calais XXL Marathon course reveals a rich, diverse, and inspiring landscape.

The route runs alongside the vast beaches of Calais, stretching to the horizon and bathed in the unique light of the Opal Coast. You run with the sea as your companion, amidst the salty breeze, golden reflections, and ever-changing skies. The section along the Gaston-Berthe seawall and the view of the Strait of Dover make this course a rare and truly quintessential Calais experience.

Things to see and do during your stay
Aerial view of Cap Blanc Nez during exceptional high tides. The sea retreats the furthest due to the high coefficients. ©Nohcab

A monumental and living heritage

Calais is also a vibrant city centre, steeped in history and defined by its symbols: The Town Hall and its belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Sitethe statue of Burghers of Calais by Rodin, the ramparts of the Citadel, the Watchtower, or even the discreet charm of the district of Sea courgain.

It is also a city of art, audacity, and renewal. The Compagnie du Dragon and its famous bestiary,The City of Lace and Fashion, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Channel National Stage embody a creative, engaged and changing city.

Calais is now asserting itself as a vast territory of culture, sharing and experience, ready to reveal itself, even at a running pace!

Discover our inspirations
In the foreground, the street lamps which definitively mark the art-deco style of the Town Hall in the background and its monumental belfry. ©Nohcab
The Dragon of Calais, a colossal mechanical animal that moves along the renovated Calais seafront and its fine sandy beach in the background. ©Fred Collier

A marathon to share

The Calais XXL Marathon, It's a race that combines athletic performance, breathtaking scenery, and local identity. In the heart of a season that always promises to be full of excitement, this event is a must-attend for running enthusiasts, nature lovers, and visitors seeking authentic experiences on the... The Opal Coast and its iconic landscapes.

This event is organized by the group North Coast, already behind the Calais Urban Trail and the Urban Trails of Ardres, Coquelles, Hardelot, Dunkirk and Bray-Dunes, among others. It is also and above all the result of a collaborative work between multiple actors : communities, businesses and the sporting world as le Calais Olympic Stadium Athletics, the running specialist Strides, Pas-de-Calais, Carrefour Market Calais Cœur de Vie et Calais XXL, main partner.

Marathon partners

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