Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale.
The Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale returns as a full distance in 2026 alongside the Semi de Bordeaux, using both banks of the Garonne without repeating a loop. The course is flat but twisting and shaped by its bridges, and above all it asks for pace discipline over a long city route.
Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale 2026: Course, Route Profile & Map
The start is at the Jardin Public on the Cours de Verdun, in eight waves between 8:00 and 8:09. The first 18 or so kilometres stay on the left bank: through the centre around Pey Berland and the Triangle d'Or, a western loop through residential districts, and then north through the Chartrons to the Bassins à flot and Bacalan.
Around kilometre 19 the route crosses the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, the lift bridge over the Garonne, to the right bank. Several loops through La Bastide and the Queyries follow before the course runs south along the river to the Pont Simone Veil, its turning point around kilometre 33. From there it runs back north along the river and over to the left bank, and the final kilometres follow the quays to the finish on the Place de la Bourse by the Miroir d'eau.
The surface is city asphalt throughout. The roughly 110 metres of climbing in the profile come not from hills but mainly from bridge approaches and ramps along the quays. There is an aid station every five kilometres; the finish closes at 5:30, after which the broom wagon collects runners.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale.
Start under control
The course is flat but not uniform. The first half on the left bank is full of turns, and the many changes of direction in the centre cost rhythm. Run it by effort rather than kilometre splits, which tight corners make unreliable anyway, and do not let the wave start turn into frantic overtaking.
Hold your rhythm
The marathon is decided on the right bank. Between kilometres 19 and 33 come Chaban-Delmas, the loops through La Bastide and the long riverside stretch to the Pont Simone Veil, and this is where you either hold your pace or lose it. Take the bridge ramps at the same effort and a little slower, not at the same pace.
Spend what is left
The biggest trap is the return to the left bank. After the turn at the Pont Simone Veil the finish feels close, but almost ten kilometres along the quays still lie ahead.
Training plan for Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale: 12-week build
Build the base
Expect roughly 3:15 to 5:15 depending on ability, with the finish closing at 5:30. It is a steady aerobic effort broken up by many small disturbances: corners, changes of direction and bridge approaches.
Train race pace
The decisive phase is the right-bank section between kilometres 19 and 33, exactly where fatigue starts to bite in a marathon. The key sessions are long runs of 28 to 32 kilometres with marathon-pace blocks in the second half.
Rehearse the course
Train your pace on twisting urban loops too, and build short ramps or bridges into your long runs, taken at constant effort. Runners who only train on straight paths underestimate how much an old town's changes of direction take out of the legs.
Arrive fresh
The start is at eight in early November. Test your kit for a cool morning and a wait in the corral, and plan your fuelling around the five-kilometre rhythm of the aid stations.
Courses
Download the Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
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Everything about Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale.
How long is Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale?
Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale is 42.2 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale have?
Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale has around 109 m of elevation gain over 42.2 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale?
Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale is classified as Flat, averaging 2.6 vertical metres per kilometre. 85% of the route is flat, 8% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 0% is steeper than 6%.
Is Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale a loop course?
Yes, Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale course?
Yes. The Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale?
Preparation for Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale should account for 42.2 km, 109 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale?
The pacing strategy for Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale should reflect 42.2 km, 109 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale take place?
Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale takes place on November 8, 2026.
Where does Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale take place?
Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale takes place in Bordeaux, France.
Which distances does Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale offer?
Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale offers 3 distances — Marathon: 42.2 km; Semi de Bordeaux: 21.1 km (Half marathon); 10 km des Quais: 10 km.
How do I register for Marathon de Bordeaux AG2R La Mondiale?
Registration runs through the organiser: marathon-de-bordeaux-ag2r-la-mondiale.fr. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
