Boulogne-Billancourt Half Marathon 2025:
experience the event from Hôtel Bijou

Every autumn, Boulogne-Billancourt becomes a meeting point for running enthusiasts from all over France. The Semi Marathon of Boulogne returns on Sunday, 16 November 2025, an edition set to be a standout event. With a flat and fast route along the river Seine, this road race attracts first-time runners and seasoned athletes chasing a record time. Just steps from Paris and the bois de Boulogne, the course blends performance and an exceptional setting.

Hôtel Bijou welcomes you during the marathon weekend with comfortable rooms for every type of stay. Designed for accessibility, the spaces include quality bedding, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. On site, enjoy a full breakfast, a friendly bar, and a practical meeting room, ideal for pre-race briefings or club catch-ups by the hour.

Book your stay at Bijou Hôtel now

An emblematic race at the gates of Paris

Created in 1997, the Boulogne-Billancourt Half Marathon has become one of the foremost sports fixtures in Île-de-France. With more than 12,000 entrants for the November 2024 edition, it ranks among the largest French halves in size and performance. Its smooth course, recognized organization (under the auspices of the local athletics federation), and musical entertainment appeal to runners of all levels.

Dedicated to personal bests and first-time challenges, this national level race over the half marathon distance offers varied scenery: route along the river banks, tree-lined avenues, and passages through the city of Boulogne. From the first kilometres to the moment the field reaches the halfway mark, each section reveals a different face of this dynamic town in the west of Paris.

The race : 21.1 km between city and nature

The race starts at 8:30 on Avenue Victor Hugo, near the town hall. This looped circuit that starts on the cityside and heads towards the Quai du 4 Septembre quickly joins a clockwise route along the river Seine. The direction continues north towards the Longchamp racecourse, with a short loop to loop through the Bois de Boulogne.

Along the way, you’ll pass emblematic points such as Boulevard Jean Jaurès, Rue Marcel Bontemps, and see La Seine Musicale. After passing sections of the bois de Boulogne and the Hippodrome de Longchamp, a key landmark of Parisian sports elegance, the field reaches the halfway mark on a flat stretch ideal for doubling pace groups and marking splits.

The direction until it finally returns mirrors the outbound leg: the route along the river Seine sweeps back clockwise, then finishes at the town center. This race is a looped course that finishes in Boulogne-Billancourt at the town hall on Avenue André Morizet. With little elevation and generous road width, many runners aim for record attempts here. This balanced circuit lets everyone find their rhythm. It’s quick for festive thanks to on-course music, a hallmark of its international appeal and steady participation growth month after month across years.

The Bijou Hotel enjoys a prime location on the course: the race runs directly along Rue Victor Griffuelhes, allowing participants to pass right in front of the hotel, at the very heart of the half marathon action.

Key information for the 2025 edition

Date of the race: Sunday, 16 Nov 2025
Start location: 117 Avenue Victor Hugo
Distance: half marathon distance (21.1 km)
Start time: 8:30 Finish: Avenue André Morizet – town hall
Bib collection : Gymnase de la Biodiversité, 44 Rue Marcel Bontemps (13–15 November, by slot)
Registration process: details and status on the official website, several packs are organised each edition.

As a national-level road race classed among the foremost French halves, it welcomes entrants from France and abroad. A medical certificate or eligible athlétisme licence is required under fédération rules. In recent years, the event has steadily raised its profile. Many hope to see it attaining a World Athletics (ex-IAAF) Label, sometimes referred to informally as a bronze target, while the official race status depends on the organization each season

A memorable sporting and human adventure

Each year, the field brings together experienced competitors, first-timers, and residents cheering along the route. The musical ambiance and numerous volunteers create a warm atmosphere, balancing collective effort and personal challenge. Aid stations every 5 km ensure hydration, with local bands marking sections to keep runners motivated.

At the finish, the town square transforms into a festive village: finishers compare results, trade reviews, and celebrate medals. For many, this annual road running event represents more than a race, it’s a shared story of resilience, from women chasing breakthroughs to club stalwarts. Some French elites and international visitors from countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya have featured here, proof of the race’s growing allure across the athletic community.

Training tips for a successful half

Though famed for a flat profile, smart prep remains essential:

Structure three sessions per week: endurance, intervals, and the long run.
Repeat goal pace on road terrain to lock in rhythm.
Prioritise recovery : sleep, mobility, nutrition.
Choose shoes matched to the distance and breathable kit for the day.
Pace wisely to avoid early spikes : build through halfway and push late, especially on the sheltered route along the river Seine sections.

Boulogne-Billancourt: sporting spirit by the Seine

Set on the river Seine, the city pairs green spaces and landscaped quays with iconic sports venues nearby. A short north hop brings you to Roland-Garros, a southerly stroll leads towards Parc des Princes. The bois de Boulogne, the Seine Musicale near the Pont de Sèvres and the Hippodrome de Longchamp sketch a rich route tapestry for training runs.

Boulevard Jean Jaurès, animated centre streets, and wooded areas create a course where effort meets pleasure. For visitors, it’s also a chance to discover the city's emblematic locations and historic buildings. Boulogne is also located near the center of Paris, where you can admire Notre Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité.

Just 50 meters from the hotel, a brand new padel facility with seven courts has just opened, offering visitors a modern and dynamic space to play this rapidly growing sport.

Discover nearby sports and cultural events

Stay at Hôtel Bijou during the Boulogne-Billancourt Half Marathon

Ideally placed near the Seine and the Saint-Cloud gate, Hôtel Bijou is a key address for runners and supporters. Just a few minutes on foot from the hall and the start area, its location in Boulogne Billancourt lets you focus on race day logistics, starts and finishes without transport stress.

Rooms and comfort

Our 47 rooms are welcoming and calm, with premium bed linen, modern bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. Some offer peaceful views over the town streets, perfect for centering yourself on race day morning before you head to the start.

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Services tailored to runners

Early on race morning, a balanced breakfast fuels your effort. Post-race, appreciate cool, air-conditioned rooms and the easy walk to riverside cafés on the Seine for a celebratory moment. The team can point you to transport back routes or club meet-ups at the hall. Learn more

Whether you’re chasing a record time, stepping up from a short distance, or savouring the participation buzz of a national-scope road race, Hôtel Bijou offers a warm, convivial base. Reserve now for the 2025 edition of this annual road running event that takes place in November.

Book your stay at the Bijou Hotel on the official website