Avignon Marathon: Course, Route Profile & Map

Course & Elevation

The start is on Boulevard Saint-Roch in front of Gare Centre. The opening passes the ramparts, Palais des Papes, Place de l'Horloge, the town hall and Pont Saint-Benezet before reaching the Rhône.

On Barthelasse the course opens out: long riverside paths and flat island sections lead to the finish on Chemin des Berges at the water's edge. The finish is therefore a river setting rather than a city square.

The inaugural edition is sold out and brings a large field to predominantly paved city and island paths. In late September, sun and wind can still be noticeable on the exposed riverside sections.

Pacing Strategy

Treat the race as two sections. Corners, landmarks and the dense field create small surges in the old city, so stay controlled there. On Barthelasse, settle into a stable rhythm for the long straights.

The race is decided not by a climb but in the final third on the island. Use even effort to prevent a fade: do not let the field dictate the first ten kilometres, then run the open sections economically.

The trap is an over-fast opening. Sun, wind and limited shade can matter more than the modest elevation on the flat island. Take fuel in the calm sections rather than waiting for the final kilometres.

Training plan for Avignon Marathon: 12-week build

For most runners the marathon lasts several hours. The demand is mainly aerobic and steady; the old city adds short rhythm changes, followed by long constant sections on Barthelasse. Focus training on economical pace over flat distances.

Long runs with a controlled start and an extended section at planned marathon pace rehearse the transition into the repetitive island section. Add occasional faster finishes without turning every long run into a race.

Practise on open paths in wind and take fuel while moving. Late September can still be warm, while the riverside paths offer little shade.

Prioritise endurance, steady fuelling and concentration on long straights. The opening through Avignon is also useful for relaxed pace changes in a dense field.