Paris Half Marathon

Paris Half Marathon, officially known as the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris, is an international road running event held annually in March in Paris, France. The race covers the half marathon distance of 21.0975 kilometers and is certified with Gold Label status by the French Athletics Federation (FFA). Starting in 2026, it will be referred to as the HOKA Semi de Paris due to a new sponsorship agreement.

History and Development

The Paris Half Marathon was first organized in 1993. Initially attracting a smaller number of participants, the race has steadily grown over the years to become one of France’s largest half marathon events. In 2023, more than 46,000 runners participated, reinforcing the race's mass appeal and accessibility. That same year, the starting point was set at Pont de Sully on Île Saint-Louis. Female participation reached 37%, and 42% of the runners were competing at the half marathon distance for the first time. The event also integrates various social responsibility initiatives.

Route

The race course passes through the historic eastern districts of Paris. Covering a distance of 21.1 kilometers, it begins at Pont de Sully and follows iconic locations including the banks of the Seine River, Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, Bois de Vincennes, Château de Vincennes, Avenue Daumesnil, and Rue de Rivoli. The race concludes at Place de la Bastille. The course is predominantly flat, making it suitable for both experienced and novice runners.

Entry Requirements

• Participants must be at least 18 years old to register. Registration opens on dates announced annually. For the 2026 edition, the requirement for an HPC (medical certificate) has been removed for international participants.
• Runners are assigned to different starting zones (SAS), color-coded based on their estimated finish times, and start the race in staggered waves.

Awards and Performances

All runners who complete the race receive a medal and a digital finisher’s certificate. Cash prizes are awarded to the top elite athletes. In 2023, Roncer Kipkorir (Kenya) set a new men’s course record with a time of 59:38, while Sheila Chepkurui (Kenya) broke the women’s record with a time of 1:06:01. Additionally, French athlete Jimmy Gressier became the third French male runner to finish a half marathon under one hour, recording a time of 59:59. In the disabled athletes' category, Ahmed Andaloussi won the men’s wheelchair race, and Nadège Monchalin won the women's title.

Course Records

• Men: Roncer Kipkorir (Kenya) – 59:38 (2023)
• Women: Sheila Chepkurui (Kenya) – 1:06:01 (2023)

No world record has been set on the Paris Half Marathon course to date.

Cultural Significance

The Paris Half Marathon is deeply integrated into the cultural and social fabric of the city. Pre-race activities include connected digital races (Semi Connecté) designed to encourage first-time runners and participants from various cities. The Paris Half Marathon is organized by Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.). Although it is not part of the SuperHalfs series, it remains one of the largest half marathon events in Europe. The organization adheres to the GESI Charter, emphasizing environmental awareness, social inclusion, and health-focused social responsibility initiatives.