The Vincennes Woods Half Marathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, entirely along the paths of the woods that border the 12th arrondissement of Paris and the town of Vincennes, in Val-de-Marne (94). On the program: 21.1 kilometers amid autumn-bronzed trees, with the château as a backdrop and a scenic loop around the Minimes Lake.
Organized by the association Sport Passion Organisation, this race is a staple on the Île-de-France calendar. The 2025 edition drew just over 6,000 participants, proof that the format appeals just as much to seasoned runners as to those aiming for their first half-marathon.
Meet us on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with a start time at 9:30 a.m. from the Saint-Louis Esplanade, just behind the Château de Vincennes. That’s also where the race village will be set up, where you’ll pick up your bib.
A small clarification that often amuses outsiders: while the château belongs to the commune of Vincennes, the woods themselves are administratively part of Paris and fall within the 12th arrondissement. Spanning nearly 1,000 hectares, it’s the capital’s largest green space, gifted to the city during Napoleon III’s era and laid out as a public promenade by engineer Adolphe Alphand.
Here's how the weekend will unfold, as announced by the organizers:
The route splits into two loops: an opening stretch of roughly 8.5 km in the northern part of the woods, followed by a second loop of just over 12 km in the southern section. The course remains mostly flat, with a total elevation gain of around 66 meters. All of which sets up a target time you can chase without fear of a nasty surprise in the legs.
When it comes to the scenery, the half-marathon route feels like a guided tour in sneakers. According to the Vincennes Marne et Bois Tourist Office, runners glide along Parc Floral, the arboretum, the Gravelle stream, and the tropical garden, before heading toward the outskirts of Lac des Minimes and Lac Daumesnil.
The highlight arrives as early as kilometer three, with a roughly 5-kilometer loop around Minimes Lake and its islets. The finish runs along Minimes Avenue, after 21.1 kilometers, and perhaps a few regrets about not taking the time to watch the ducks.
The Bois de Vincennes Half Marathon will close several roads and avenues in the 12th arrondissement of Paris on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Bois de Vincennes Half Marathon 2026: Roads closed on October 18
The Vincennes Forest half-marathon will close several roads and avenues in the Bois de Vincennes in Paris's 12th arrondissement on Sunday, October 18, 2026. We outline the affected routes to help you plan your travel. [Read more]
Registration is available only online, through the Sport Passion Organisation site. Bibs start at around €35 on third-party platforms, with prices likely to rise as the event approaches. It’s wise to check the official site for the current rate before deciding.
As with all off-road events, participants must hold a valid FFA license or, if not, the French Athletics Federation’s Parcours Prévention Santé (PPS). This short online module replaces the former medical certificate and can be completed in just a few minutes.
To prevent crowding at the start, organizers have set up pace groups (under 1h15, under 1h30, under 1h45, under 2h and over 2h). A qualifying time is required to access the two fastest pace groups.
Pace groups also guide runners toward target times of 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, and 2:15. A valuable assist for those who tend to start too fast, buoyed by the buzz of the opening miles.
Refreshments line the route every 5 km and again at the finish, with water, dried fruit and gingerbread on offer. Musical entertainment punctuates the course. Every registered participant leaves with a T-shirt, every finisher with a medal, and the top finishers in each category take home a trophy.
The easiest option is public transport. Metro Line 1 drops runners at Château de Vincennes station, just a short walk from the Saint-Louis Esplanade, while the RER A stops at Vincennes station. Plan for extra time on Sunday morning: several thousand runners are converging on the same point, and traffic disruptions in the woods are to be expected during the event.
For spectators, the shores of Lake des Minimes offer a prime spot to cheer the riders on, with the peloton rolling by for a long stretch. Dress warmly: in October, the early-morning chill through the woods can take you by surprise.
This half marathon is for anyone who prefers the feel of autumn leaves underfoot to the bustle of the city boulevards. The flat, shaded course is ideal for a first 21K or for chasing a personal best, with pacers to help you stay on track. And for runners who found the Paris Half in March a bit crowded, it’s also a chance to reconnect with the Bois de Vincennes in a more intimate setting.
And to extend the morning, the Château de Vincennes and its keep (one of Europe’s tallest medieval fortress towers) are just a short detour away. A pleasant cultural reward after the exertion, provided your legs hold up on the stairs.
Looking to keep the momentum going? The Ekiden de Paris, kicking off in early November, offers a six-person relay marathon—perfect for teams of colleagues or friends. The Semi-marathon de Boulogne-Billancourt in Hauts-de-Seine, on the other hand, attracts clock-watching enthusiasts seeking fast times.
Also discover all our running ideas in our Paris and Île-de-France running guide.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Bois de Vincennes Half Marathon 2026: Roads closed on October 18
