Marathon and Half Marathon of Paris 2027: Tips for Proper Preparation

If you’ve never taken part in a half-marathon, a marathon, or any other race that requires a minimum training, don’t worry: with a few months to go before race day, you still have time to seriously prepare to run a little over 21km or 42km, depending on whether you’re aiming for the Paris Half Marathon 2027, scheduled for March 7, 2027, or the Paris Marathon 2027, set for April 4, 2027.

At first, the goal isn’t yet to rack up miles, but to gradually build a solid base. For a beginner, the consistency matters a lot more than speed!

For a first half-marathon, a 21.1km race, a beginner can usually structure training around three workouts a week: two shorter runs and one longer session. There’s no need to tackle 20km right away. Focus on building endurance first, and as the weeks go by the long run can gradually extend to about 1h30 to 2h, depending on your level and your plan.

You can also gradually introduce a slightly more dynamic session: light accelerations, short intervals, or portions run at the pace you’re aiming for in the half-marathon. But endurance remains the priority! A 10km race held a few weeks or months before race day can also be an excellent real-world test: tackling the start, fueling, the crowd, your kit, breakfast and pre-race nerves—to put yourself through real race conditions!

For a first marathon, the 42.195 km dramatically changes the game. If you’re starting from scratch, the first months should mainly be about becoming a regular runner before tackling a more marathon-specific plan. In the long run, you’ll typically aim for 3 to 4 sessions per week. The long run becomes essential, but it’s pointless (even potentially counterproductive) to run 42 km in training; it will gradually increase as your preparation progresses.

Moreover, it’s particularly worthwhile to work up to intermediate distances: 10K, then a half-marathon, for instance. They let you learn to pace yourself and verify that your training is progressing properly. The marathon also requires you to dial in your fueling. After several hours of effort, starting too fast or not eating enough can end up costing you far more than a few seconds lost at the start!

In any case, think first of being a finisher rather than chasing a time; starting out at a deliberately cautious pace in the early kilometres can make a huge difference in the last third of the race!

Tips for the half-marathon and marathon:

Start by running regularly. If you’re a beginner, aim for 2 to 3 sessions per week to begin with. It’s better to have three sensible, steady workouts than a big week followed by ten days without running.

Increase volume gradually. Avoid abruptly doubling your distances. The body (muscles, tendons, joints) needs time to adapt.

Run slowly—really slowly. A large part of the training should be done in the easy-endurance zone, at a pace where you can talk without being out of breath. For beginners, alternating running and walking is perfectly sensible.

Don't chase your pace just yet. At six months, your priority should be to run regularly and for longer and longer without tiring yourself out. The pace target can be fine-tuned later.

Gradually build up a long run. Once a week, gently increase the duration of a session run at a comfortable pace. This is especially important for marathon training.

Add strength training. One or two short sessions per week can suffice: squats, lunges, calf raises, planks, hip bridges… No fancy equipment needed.

Keep real rest days. The more you run, the more recovery becomes a core part of training. Unusual fatigue and lingering pains shouldn’t be treated as an inevitable part of preparation.

Test your gear well before race day. Shoes, socks, shorts, sports bra, belt, watch: the Paris Marathon isn’t the moment to debut a new pair of shoes.

Ease into eating and drinking while you run. Especially for the marathon, long training runs also double as tests of water, energy drinks, gels, or other foods your body can tolerate. Nothing new on race day.

Take care of sleep and nutrition. No need for a professional athlete’s diet: a varied, energy-rich diet, along with good hydration and regular sleep, already lays a solid foundation.

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