Sports · Running & Athletics · 4 hrs ago
Lille Marathon Returns After 31 Years; Célestin Ndikumana Wins
Lille’s marathon returned on 25 October after 31 years away in the northern French city.
About 35,000 runners took part in the marathon and half-marathon.
The two races brought large crowds and required an exceptional public-safety operation, comparable to the one used for Lille’s annual flea market.
Burundi’s Célestin Ndikumana won the marathon in 2:07:52.
An uprooted tree hit runners near the five-kilometre mark, and reports differed on whether one or two people were injured; one account described a more serious injury.
The race is now complete, with the return putting a major running event back on Lille’s calendar.
Célestin Ndikumana of Burundi won the Lille Marathon on 25 October 2026, as the race returned after 31 years.
The 24-year-old finished in about 2 hours and 7 minutes; reports gave his time as 2:07:51 and 2:07:52.
About 35,000 runners were expected across the marathon and half-marathon, while another report said about 20,000 started the marathon.
An overturned tree struck runners near the fifth-kilometre aid station, with reports differing on the number and severity of injuries.
Afera Berha won the women’s marathon in 2:22:30.
- Who
- Célestin Ndikumana, a 24-year-old from Burundi, won the marathon.
- What
- The Lille Marathon returned after 31 years. A half-marathon was also held.
- When
- 25 October 2026.
- Where
- Lille, France, with the course also passing through nearby communes.
- Why
- The race marked the return of an emblematic Lille marathon to the French marathon calendar.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The half-marathon was scheduled to start.
Marathon runners set off.
A tree fell onto the course near the fifth-kilometre aid station and struck runners.
Actu.fr reported that Célestin Ndikumana won the marathon.
- Winner
- Célestin Ndikumana
- Winner’s age
- 24
- Winning time
- 2:07:51 according to Actu.fr; 2:07:52 according to France 3 Régions
- Women’s winner
- Afera Berha, 2:22:30
- Race return
- After 31 years
- Expected runners
- About 35,000 across the marathon and half-marathon
3 sources
Le marathon de Lille, c’est parti ! Environ 20 000 coureurs se sont élancés dans la capitale des Flandres
Direct Marathon et semi-marathon de Lille : c’est le jour J ! Ambiance survoltée, photos des coureurs… Suivez notre direct
DIRECT. Marathon de Lille 2026 : la tête de course est au vingtième kilomètre,à cause de la météo, un arbre tombe sur le parcours et fait deux blessés
What people are saying
The hardest part was the cobblestones at the end, but I’m happy!