Race regulations

Article 1: General Information

The "Marathon du Cognac," comprising a marathon, a half-marathon, a 10.5 km, and a 5 km race, is organized by the Marathon du Cognac Association (MDC). It is classified as an off-road pedestrian event. The four races take place primarily on paved roads or, failing that, on hard and uniform ground. All races include timing-based rankings.

Article 2: Age Categories

2027 Age Categories and Maximum Distances (From September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027)

Article 3: Age Categories and Maximum Distances (2026/2027)

Masters, Seniors, and U23 (20+ years old): Unlimited distance
Juniors (18-19 years old / born 2008-2009): 25 km max
Youth/Cadets (16-17 years old / born 2010-2011): 15 km max
Minimes (14-15 years old / born 2012-2013): 5 km max

Article 4: The Races

Starts will take place at Place du Château in Jarnac on November 14, 2026:

09:15 AM: Marathon start (subject to train schedules)
09:30 AM: Half-marathon start (subject to marathon start)
09:45 AM: 10.5 km start (subject to train schedules)
12:15 PM: 5 km start (subject to marathon time-cut passage)
02:00 PM: Children’s races start

Course Marking: Routes are marked with ground arrows, color-coded by race:

Yellow: 5 km | Green: 10.5 km | Orange: Half-marathon | Blue: Marathon Kilometers are indicated by signs in the corresponding race color. Refreshment and water stations are provided. The finish line is located at Place du Château.

Article 5: Timing

Timing is performed via an electronic system. All participants receive a disposable electronic chip attached to their bib.

Article 6: Time Limits

The marathon time limit is estimated at 6 hours 30 minutes. Beyond this, trailing runners will be asked to finish the course in the "broom wagon" (sweep vehicle). Time-cuts for the Marathon:

Jarnac Bridge (end of 1st loop, km 13): 2h (at 11:15 AM)
KM 30: 4h30 (at 01:45 PM) Accompanying runners on bicycles, rollerblades, or any other means is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held personally liable in the event of an accident.

Article 7: Participation & Registration

Registrations are only valid if accompanied by payment and a copy of a valid license or the PPS (Health Prevention Path).

Evolution: Health Prevention Pass (2026) Starting January 2026, the PPS becomes the Health Prevention Pass (Pass Prévention Santé):

Valid for 1 year.
Annual cost: approx. €5.
Mandatory for non-licensed adults participating in an FFA (French Athletics Federation) race (medical certificates are no longer accepted).
Obtained online via the official FFA website.

Minors: They must complete a free health questionnaire with a parent to obtain a race-specific certificate. FFA Licensees: A valid FFA license (Athlé Compétition, Athlé Running, etc.) replaces the Pass.

Registration closes the Wednesday preceding the event at midnight. No registrations will be accepted on-site.

Article 8: Bib Collection

Bib collection is open:

Friday from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM.
No bib collection on race day. Wearing the official bib provided by the organizer is mandatory. Any person without a visible official bib will be asked to leave the course. No name changes will be accepted after October 18, 2026. ID is required to collect your bib.

Article 9: Bib Mailing

Runners can opt for bib mailing during registration for a €8 fee. This option must be selected before October 18, 2026. If the registration file is incomplete by this date, the bib will not be mailed or refunded and must be collected the day before the race.

Article 10: Participant Gifts

All participants receive a garment upon bib collection. Marathon runners receive additional local products. The Marathon du Cognac medal is awarded to every marathon finisher at the finish line.

Article 11: Cancellation Insurance

Runners may purchase Cancellation Protection and Personal Injury Assistance during registration. In the absence of insurance, no refunds will be made. Race changes are accepted until October 16 (subject to a €3 fee + the current rate difference).

Article 12: Awards

Awards are given to:

The top 3 finishers of each race.
The winner of each category (Master, Senior, U23, Junior, Cadet) for the Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 10.5 km.
For the 5 km, only the top 3 overall (scratch) are rewarded. Prizes are not cumulative.

Article 13: Security & Medical Assistance

Security is provided by the National Gendarmerie, race marshals, municipal police, private security, and signalers. Medical assistance includes an emergency doctor and nurses on the course and at the finish. Race officials may stop any runner based on the race doctor's advice.

Article 15: Image Rights

Participants authorize the Marathon du Cognac Organizing Committee and its partners/media to use still or moving images featuring them, taken during the event, for promotional or advertising purposes worldwide.

Article 19: Insurance & Responsibility

The MDC Association holds civil liability insurance. Runners participate under their own responsibility. The association is not liable for accidents due to poor health or falsified medical documents. Personal injury insurance is strongly recommended.

"The organizers remind you that alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please consume in moderation."

Signed in Jarnac, February 18, 2026

President: Mr. Maxime Dauvel