Marseille-Cassis - AG2R La Mondiale

Marseille–Cassis: 20 km of legend

This legendary Marseille–Cassis race takes place in the heart of the magnificent Marseille Calanques National Park. Created by André Giraud, the first edition was held on October 28, 1979 and has been run ever since, often taking place on the last Sunday in October. The Marseille–Cassis is now a must-run event in France, and even holds the International Sport Federation’s Road Race Event Silver Label! This label brings together the best road races worldwide. It is also certified by the French Athletics Federation, which attests to the strengths of this competition.

If this 20K is so iconic, it’s mainly for two reasons: the challenging course and the fabulous setting it offers participants. The difficulty of this race can be summed up in its 340 meters of positive elevation gain, concentrated mostly over the first ten kilometers. So you’ll need strong legs if you hope to cross the finish line of this legendary race.

As for the setting, the course starts near the famous Stade Vélodrome, then passes the Mazargues obelisk before heading into the big climb up to the Col de la Gineste. Once over the pass, runners gradually make their way toward Cassis, where they can cross the finish line after a more downhill section.

The Calanques are home to a rich yet fragile diversity. The environment is a major focus of this race, which aims to protect the park for a long time and continue letting runners enjoy it every year.

To take on this surprise-filled course, runners flock in. The first edition had 700 runners; today, more than 20,000 pound the trails of Provence. Among amateur runners looking for a challenge, there are often professional athletes who want to test themselves on this fabulous route. Every year, the event sells out. As festive as it is iconic, the Marseille–Cassis also draws huge crowds of supporters along the course, in a very lively, popular atmosphere.