Paris Half Marathon 2026 — New Personal Record in 1:40
My second Paris Half Marathon with one clear goal: break 1h40. A complete debrief of an iconic race through the French capital.
Four years after my first Paris Half Marathon, which I finished in 2h08, I found myself on the start line with no initial goal in mind. But apparently I’m incapable of toeing a start line without giving everything I have. So I decided to try and beat my previous record set in Naples on 22/02/26 in 1h44.
The Training Block
This race was part of a progressive build-up towards the Madrid Marathon scheduled for 26 April. I kicked it off with a 10km test on 1 February at the 10k des Champs-Élysées, where I set a new personal best of 43m37s. That was followed by increasing long runs and a first half marathon in Naples on 22 February, also a new personal record (1h44). I had no real expectations for Paris and didn’t specifically tailor my preparation for it. Long runs maxed out at 21km on fairly light weeks — around 40-45km/week.
Key training points:
- Long runs: 15 to 21 km in the weeks leading up to the race
- Quality sessions: intervals and race-specific pace work (around 4’45/km)
- Taper: no real volume reduction before this race
- Recovery: several rest days, then gradual return via cycling
The Paris Course
The Paris Half Marathon is one of the most iconic races in France and currently the largest half marathon in the world by participant numbers. This year around 50,000 runners were expected at the start, which took place on Boulevard Saint-Germain heading towards Bibliothèque François Mitterrand. From the fifth kilometre, the course enters the Bois de Vincennes — noticeably quieter than central Paris. The Château de Vincennes comes into view at kilometre 12, and from the fifteenth it’s back into Paris. Only the final tunnels along the Seine quays remain before reaching the mythical finish arch at Place de la Bastille.
The profile is broadly flat with some gentle climbs in the woods. Positive elevation is estimated at 166m. The organisation is largely impeccable: well-spaced aid stations, motivated and efficient volunteers, electric atmosphere throughout.
One note of caution: bring your own flask or hydration vest — aid stations don’t provide cups or bottles. Less of an issue on a 10km, but for a half marathon hydration is essential.
The Race
km 0 to km 5: I got caught up in the atmosphere from the very start with a great Benny Benassi track playing. I noticed I was running at around 4’40/km. Fine — I decided to challenge myself to hold that as long as possible. I’d chosen a slower starting corral and paid for it immediately: constant weaving, but it kept pushing me forward. Sensations were very good despite some shin splint discomfort.
km 5 to km 14: Cruise control. I held close to 4:40/km fairly consistently, with a few faster kilometres. The Bois de Vincennes section was pleasant, the calm helping full concentration. I made sure to drink regularly.
km 14 to km 21: Difficulties crept in gradually. My pace began to drop and I had to force the resets. The tunnels between kilometres 17 and 19 were tough to manage and cost me a bit of time, but I stayed calm and focused. I even spotted Joggeuse at this point but didn’t have time to film her — it happened too fast!
Finish: 1h40:08 — personal record smashed by 4 minutes! I gave everything in the final few hundred metres but couldn’t claw back those last seconds. A big thank-you to my friends who were waiting just before the end and gave me the energy to accelerate. Looking back at the race, I lost too much time weaving through runners and the tunnels finished me off.
My Race Stats
| Result | |
|---|---|
| Official time | 1:40:08 |
| Overall ranking | 9,834th / 49,281 |
| Average pace | 4:45/km |
| Average heart rate | 176 bpm |
What I’d Do Again
- Regular hydration with my own flask
- Shoe choice (Hoka Mach X2) which suited me far better than the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0
What I’d Change
- Start in a faster corral to avoid zigzagging all race
- Proper warm-up before the start
The Paris Half Marathon remains a must-do race. The setting is exceptional, the organisation well-oiled, and the city’s energy is contagious. A race I’ll absolutely run again!
Official race info: HOKA Semi de Paris
