The Freedom Marathon 2026 | Caen
From June 4 to 7, 2026, the city of Caen will vibrate to the rhythm of the Marathon de la Liberté, an unmissable event for all athletes and running enthusiasts.
This event, which combines athletic performance and a The duty of remembrance attracts tens of thousands of runners each year across 6 events.
So, are you ready for this 39th edition?
The Marathon de la Liberté is more than just a sporting competition.
It is, in fact, a true tribute to the soldiers of the 1944 D-Day landings, who fought for freedom in Normandy.
This is why the route passes through emblematic sites of the Second World War and nearly 17 Normandy towns.
Over four days, several races will be adapted to all levels in a friendly atmosphere and an exceptional setting between the city and the coast.
The flagship 42.195 km race boasts one of the most beautiful courses in France.
It passes through historic sites such as Juno Beach, Pegasus Bridge, and the Ouistreham Casino.
This race is now one of the qualifying marathons for the Abbott World Marathon Majors rankings for each age group.
📍The race starts on Sunday, June 7th at 9:10 am in Courseulles-sur-Mer and finishes at the Hélitas Stadium in Caen.
This legendary 21.1 km race attracts nearly 5,000 participants each year.
It starts at Pegasus Bridge, the first bridge liberated by British soldiers of the 6th Airborne Division, and passes through eight historic towns from Bénouville to Caen.
The race serves as a qualifier for the French National Championships!
The race starts on Sunday, June 7th at 8:55 a.m. from Pegasus Bridge. A buffet featuring Norman specialties will be served at the finish line.
Because there's strength in numbers, this marathon is run in teams of four, making it a friendly and accessible event for everyone.
The first relay runners will set off from Courseulles-sur-Mer on Sunday, June 7th at 9:10 a.m, finishing at the Hélitas Stadium in Caen.
The event consists of four stages and brings together nearly 250 teams.
This 3-6 km charity run for women brings together nearly 10,000 participants each year.
As in previous years, the proceeds will be donated to the fight against women's cancers.
📍Start date: Saturday, June 6, 2026.
This fast, accessible race is ideal if you want to experience the event firsthand.
The 100% urban route will allow you to discover Caen and its must-see attractions.
The start will take place on Sunday, June 7 at 8:40 a.m from Avenue Albert Sorel in Caen.
This route, designed for schoolchildren, kicks off the festivities of this Freedom Marathon Thursday, June 4th at 2:30 PM.
Participating in the Marathon de la Liberté is also an opportunity to discover Caen and its surroundings from a new perspective.
Between races, you'll be able to explore the D-Day beaches, the Caen Memorial, or enjoy Normandy cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
Booking a hotel in Caen city centre therefore remains the ideal solution for participating in the marathon.
Located in the city centre of Caen, the Best Western Plus Le Moderne allows you to visit the city on foot while enjoying the comfort of a 4-star hotel.
Discover our spacious rooms, and enjoy room service, and an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast .
Book your stay now and take advantage of our best offers!
This event, which combines athletic performance and a The duty of remembrance attracts tens of thousands of runners each year across 6 events.
So, are you ready for this 39th edition?
The Freedom Marathon: a sporting event that pays tribute to the heroes of the D-Day landings
A historic marathon through the key sites of D-Day
The Marathon de la Liberté is more than just a sporting competition.
It is, in fact, a true tribute to the soldiers of the 1944 D-Day landings, who fought for freedom in Normandy.
This is why the route passes through emblematic sites of the Second World War and nearly 17 Normandy towns.
Over four days, several races will be adapted to all levels in a friendly atmosphere and an exceptional setting between the city and the coast.
🏃 The Freedom Marathon
The flagship 42.195 km race boasts one of the most beautiful courses in France.
It passes through historic sites such as Juno Beach, Pegasus Bridge, and the Ouistreham Casino.
This race is now one of the qualifying marathons for the Abbott World Marathon Majors rankings for each age group.
📍The race starts on Sunday, June 7th at 9:10 am in Courseulles-sur-Mer and finishes at the Hélitas Stadium in Caen.
🏃 The Pegasus Half Marathon
This legendary 21.1 km race attracts nearly 5,000 participants each year.
It starts at Pegasus Bridge, the first bridge liberated by British soldiers of the 6th Airborne Division, and passes through eight historic towns from Bénouville to Caen.
The race serves as a qualifier for the French National Championships!
The race starts on Sunday, June 7th at 8:55 a.m. from Pegasus Bridge. A buffet featuring Norman specialties will be served at the finish line.
🏃 The Marathon Relay
Because there's strength in numbers, this marathon is run in teams of four, making it a friendly and accessible event for everyone.
The first relay runners will set off from Courseulles-sur-Mer on Sunday, June 7th at 9:10 a.m, finishing at the Hélitas Stadium in Caen.
The event consists of four stages and brings together nearly 250 teams.
🏃 La Rochambelle
This 3-6 km charity run for women brings together nearly 10,000 participants each year.
As in previous years, the proceeds will be donated to the fight against women's cancers.
📍Start date: Saturday, June 6, 2026.
🏃 The 10 km for Freedom
This fast, accessible race is ideal if you want to experience the event firsthand.
The 100% urban route will allow you to discover Caen and its must-see attractions.
The start will take place on Sunday, June 7 at 8:40 a.m from Avenue Albert Sorel in Caen.
👟 The Freedom Races
This route, designed for schoolchildren, kicks off the festivities of this Freedom Marathon Thursday, June 4th at 2:30 PM.
Prepare your stay in Caen
Participating in the Marathon de la Liberté is also an opportunity to discover Caen and its surroundings from a new perspective.
Between races, you'll be able to explore the D-Day beaches, the Caen Memorial, or enjoy Normandy cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
Booking a hotel in Caen city centre therefore remains the ideal solution for participating in the marathon.
Located in the city centre of Caen, the Best Western Plus Le Moderne allows you to visit the city on foot while enjoying the comfort of a 4-star hotel.
Discover our spacious rooms, and enjoy room service, and an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast .
Book your stay now and take advantage of our best offers!
