- Just five days to go until the start of the HOKA Semi de Paris on Sunday, March 8
- 50,000 runners — a record — are expected on the start line of the world’s largest half marathon
- A running village will be set up at the Grande Halle de la Villette on March 6 and 7, featuring nearly 30 exhibitors
A record-breaking edition
The 2026 edition of the HOKA Semi de Paris is shaping up to be historic. Among the 50,000 runners expected at the start, 46% are women — a remarkable increase that confirms the event’s ongoing feminisation (they represented 35% in 2022). Another strong indicator of its appeal: 34% of participants will be running their very first half marathon, highlighting the event’s openness and accessibility.
From personal challenge to performance goals, ambitions vary: 7% of the field are targeting a time under 1:35, while 60% aim above all to cross the finish line. The race is also international in scope, with nearly 15% foreign participants representing 103 nationalities, and an average age of 34.
Beyond sport, the spirit of solidarity remains strong: supported by AG2R LA MONDIALE, 5,000 runners will wear charity bibs in support of 110 organisations.
|
Two days at the heart of the HOKA Semi de Paris experience From Friday onwards, participants and running enthusiasts will gather at the official village at the Grande Halle de la Villette. A highlight of the weekend, this is where race bibs are collected and where everyone can immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the HOKA Semi de Paris. The “Wall of Names” promises powerful emotions and unforgettable photo opportunities. It will also be the perfect moment to meet experts, get valuable last-minute advice and fine-tune preparations before race day. Open to all with free access, the village will also welcome supporters, running fans and curious visitors. A friendly and complimentary space brought to life by nearly 30 exhibitors and partners, dedicated to sharing and celebrating the spirit of running. Visitors will discover the exclusive HOKA and HOKA Semi de Paris 2026 collection, available in limited quantities, featuring technical apparel and accessories, including the new matching flask holder. At the HOKA stand, visitors can dive into the brand’s universe and explore the performance area (carbon plate models, gait analysis). Not to be missed for those looking to run at the speed of light: the immersive test of the Cielo X1 3.0, the latest HOKA innovation for road racing. Performance and sensations await at the FlyLab, located on the forecourt of the Grande Halle. Practical information about the village is available here.
THE 1st KILOMETER, a solidarity run The HOKA Semi de Paris, with the support of its partners HOKA and AG2R LA MONDIALE, is organising for the first time on Saturday THE 1st KILOMETER, a run open to everyone and designed as a gateway into running. The idea is simple: invite participants to share their passion with friends and family (from age 5 and up) and give them the chance to experience their very first kilometer. With no timing or rankings, this loop around the Grande Halle de la Villette can be completed freely in a festive atmosphere. Each €5 registration fee will be fully donated to the Étendart association to support young people from working-class Paris neighbourhoods in taking up running through the purchase of essential equipment. Practical information about THE 1st KILOMETER is available here.
How to follow the race The HOKA Semi de Paris app, available for download on Android and the Apple Store, will allow spectators and runners’ friends and family to follow the race and track their favourite athletes thanks to the live tracking feature presented by HOKA. On social media (Facebook, Instagram, X), fans can experience the event from inside the pack via @semideparis and #SemiParis |
