In this guide (8 sections)
- At a glance
- A young race that is growing fast
- What date in 2027? 14 March, to be confirmed
- The 21.1 km course: a flat route between nature reserve and ocean
- 10 km and 4.5 km: the shorter races
- Licence, PPS and minimum age
- Getting to the island on race day
- Your questions about the Noirmoutier half marathon
The Noirmoutier half marathon is run every spring as part of the Foulées de l’Île. Several calendars list the next event for Sunday 14 March 2027, but the organisers have yet to confirm the date. The course is very flat, with a total elevation gain of around 13 m. The scenery alternates between villages, pine woods and the seafront. A 10 km and a 4.5 km race complete the programme. In 2026, more than 2,600 participants were ranked. The island is about 50 minutes from the campsite in the pine forest at Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, Au Bois des Biches. The road follows the coast all the way to the bridge.
Key points to remember
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Les Foulées de l’Île de Noirmoutier Vendée |
| Planned date in 2027 | Sunday 14 March 2027 according to event calendars, to be confirmed |
| Races | 21.1 km, 10 km and 4.5 km |
| Route | Course on roads and cycle paths, with around 13 m of positive elevation gain |
| Start and finish | Start from the main car park in the town, finish at Place de la République |
| 21.1 km entry fee (2025) | From €25 to €35 depending on when you register |
| Requirements | FFA licence or Pass Prévention Santé |
A young race that is growing fast
The event began in 2023. The first race started on 19 March 2023, followed by those on 17 March 2024 and 16 March 2025. In 2026, the 4th edition took place a little later, on 29 March.
It quickly became a success. In 2025, the limit had already reached 2,500 entrants.
On the island, this 21.1 km is still the only road race of its distance. The route is officially measured, and the race is listed on the FFA calendar at departmental level.
What date in 2027? 14 March, to be confirmed
Several specialist calendars give the next start as Sunday 14 March 2027. This fits the mid-March pattern seen from 2023 to 2025. Other websites simply mention “mid-March 2027”.
At the beginning of October 2026, the organisers had not yet confirmed the date. Registration for 2027 had not opened either.
In 2025, the first price tier ran until 1 December. Registration is therefore likely to open in the autumn, so it’s worth keeping an eye on it over the coming weeks.
Good to know
Race bibs can only be obtained online. In 2025, it was not possible to register on site, and entries were non-refundable.
The 21.1 km course: a flat route between nature reserve and ocean
The route follows a single loop on roads and cycle paths. With around 13 m of elevation gain, it suits a steady pace and anyone aiming for a good time.
The race starts at the large car park in Noirmoutier-en-l’Île. According to a 2025 participant’s account, the route runs along the Luzéronde beach and the port of L’Herbaudière. It then passes through several villages before reaching the Bois de la Chaise.
The final stretch takes in the Jacobsen jetty and the Müllembourg marshes nature reserve. The finish is on Place de la République, in the heart of the town. The route therefore stays in the northern half of the island.
On flat, exposed terrain, the wind can be a factor on the seaside sections.
10 km and 4.5 km: the shorter races
The same morning, two other races start at 10:00. The 10 km starts from the village of Le Vieil, and the 4.5 km from the Sableaux car park. Shuttle buses take runners to the start lines. All the distances finish in the same place, which creates a great atmosphere on Place de la République. Some calendars list a 5 km rather than a 4.5 km race. The registration information gives the exact length.
| Race | Start | 2025 price (depending on when you register) |
|---|---|---|
| 21.1 km | Large car park in the main town | €25, €30, then €35 |
| 10 km | Village of Le Vieil | €15, €20, then €25 |
| 4.5 km | Sableaux car park | €5, €10, then €15 |
The 2027 prices are not yet known. In 2025, prices went up after 1 December, then again after 15 February.
Licence, PPS and minimum age
A FFA licence is all you need to register. In 2025, FFTRI licence holders were also accepted. Since 1 January 2026, adults without a licence must present the FFA’s Pass Prévention Santé. It costs €5 and is valid for one year, and it includes third-party liability insurance. Under-18s complete a free questionnaire instead. According to the FFA information sheet, the 21.1 km is open from the Junior category upwards. Younger runners should choose a shorter distance.
Getting to the island on race day
From the campsite, allow around 50 km and 50 minutes to reach the start. The road follows the coast via Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Fromentine, then crosses the free bridge.
The Passage du Gois causeway can only be used around low tide, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes before and after. On the morning of the race, taking the bridge road avoids any risk of delay.
Other events fill the year: a race around the Gois in June, then two off-road races in October and November. Closer to the campsite, the page on trail running in Saint-Jean-de-Monts lists the events in the Pays de Monts.
The official calendar of the French Athletics Federation publishes the event’s information sheet.
For a sporty weekend, the campsite south of Noirmoutier puts the start line less than an hour away.
A tip from the campsite team
In March, the wind and cool morning air often come as a surprise. A light layer to shed at the start, and a ride around the route by bike the day before, will help you approach the race feeling calm.
Your questions about the Noirmoutier half marathon
What day is the 2027 race?
Sunday 14 March 2027, according to several calendars. The organisers have not yet confirmed this date.
Is the course flat?
Yes, very flat, with around 13 m of elevation gain. The loop is well suited to going for a fast time, if the wind allows.
What race distances are on offer?
A 21.1 km, a 10 km and a 4.5 km. All three races start at 10:00, from three different points.
How much does it cost to enter?
From €25 to €35 for the 21.1 km in 2025, depending on when you register. The 2027 prices have not been published yet.
Do I need a medical certificate?
No, an FFA licence or the Pass Prévention Santé is enough. The PPS costs €5 and is valid for one year.
Who wrote this article?
Article written by the team at Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches, a 4-star campsite in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, Vendée. Dates and prices checked in October 2026 against the official calendars and the organisers, and to be confirmed before you register. Sources consulted:
- French Athletics Federation, event page (athle.fr)
- Miles Republic, event page (milesrepublic.com)
- Organisers’ official website, registration page (over-blog.com)
- Conseils Course à pied, 2024 to 2026 results (conseils-courseapied.com)
- French Athletics Federation, Pass Prévention Santé (pps.athle.fr)
- Tourist office, Passage du Gois (ile-noirmoutier.com)
