Running in Monaco: Routes, Races and Clubs

Monaco is small, steep and busy, but it is a better running town than it looks: the harbour gives you a flat, lit loop in the middle of the city, the coast offers longer routes in both directions, and the hills behind provide as much climbing as you can handle. The Principality also has a full race calendar for its size, run by a federation based at the Stade Louis II. This page covers where to run, which races are coming up, and how to race or join a club. For getting around on two wheels, see the companion guide to cycling in Monaco.

Where to run

The flat loops

• Port Hercule quays — the default loop: a little over 2 km around the harbour, lit in the evening and busy with other runners at dawn. It is the course of the Monaco Run 5 km. Around the Grand Prix in spring, parts of it are fenced off for several weeks.
• Larvotto seafront — the promenade along avenue Princesse Grace, from the Grimaldi Forum to the end of the beach, is flat and sea-facing. Run it early in summer, when the beach fills up.
• Fontvieille — the marina quays and the paths around the Parc de Fontvieille and the Roseraie Princesse Grace make a short, quiet circuit away from traffic.

Longer and hillier

• The coastal path to Cap-d'Ail — from the western edge of Fontvieille, a seaside footpath runs into France towards the Plage Mala. It is rocky in places and slippery after rain; save it for daylight.
• Monaco-Ville — the ramps and stairs from the port up to the Palace square make a short, sharp hill session.
• Towards the Jardin Exotique — the climb from the Condamine and Moneghetti up the boulevard de Belgique is a sustained effort with a view at the top.
• La Turbie and the Tête de Chien — the serious option: the paths and roads climbing out of the Principality reach La Turbie at roughly 480 m, and the Tête de Chien headland above it. Treat it as a mountain run — carry water and tell someone your route.

For walks and trails further afield, see hiking near Monaco.

When to run

Monaco is runnable all year. In July and August, go before 9 a.m. or after sunset and carry water. In winter the main hazard is rain on smooth paving and steps. Every spring, the Grand Prix build-up takes over the port and parts of the seafront: plan on the Larvotto or Fontvieille during those weeks.

The race calendar, 2026–27

No Finish Line in practice

The No Finish Line is the race most residents end up doing. The circuit is a closed loop of about 1.1 km, open 24 hours a day for the eight days. You register once, online (open since 15 September 2026) or at the desk in the tent from 14 November at 10:00, and receive one chip for the whole week:

• Adults: €26 (€16 for the chip + €10 refundable deposit)
• Children up to 10: €19 (€9 + €10 deposit)
• Dogs on a short lead: €26 — dogs and pushchairs are allowed on the circuit except during the 24-hour trophy (20 November, 20:00, to 21 November, 20:00)

Bikes, scooters, rollers and all other wheeled devices are banned from the circuit. For every kilometre walked or run, Children & Future donates €1 to projects for sick or disadvantaged children. For competitors there is also a 12-hour race (19 November, 9:00–21:00, €45 including the deposit, solo or relay of up to four) and the 24-hour trophy. Deposits are refunded at the association from 30 November to 18 December, or can be left as a donation.

Paperwork for timed races

Timed races in Monaco require an athletics licence valid on race day or a medical certificate stating you are fit to race. French runners should note that the online Parcours Prévention Santé (PPS) accepted at French races is not recognised in Monaco — bring a proper certificate.

Clubs

The Fédération Monégasque d'Athlétisme (7 avenue des Castelans, Stade Louis II · office@fma.mc · fma.mc) organises the Monaco Run and Herculis; the Cross du Larvotto is run by the athletics section of AS Monaco. Contact the federation to find a club or training group that matches your level. For indoor training and recovery, see gyms and fitness and the municipal pools.

Related guides

• Running events & marathons — Herculis and the nearest full marathon (Nice-Cannes)
• Monaco Run participant guide
• Cycling in Monaco: MonaBike, road rides and clubs