Guide to the Montreal Marathon – where it starts and how to enter
The 2023 Montreal Marathon, or Marathon Beneva de Montréal, is a weekend full of running and celebration. From Friday September 22 to Sunday September 24, a variety of races will take place across the city, along with the Expo-Marathon and fun family events.
Whether you’re a determined runner or a dedicated supporter, we’ve got your Marathon Beneva de Montréal weekend covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Montreal Marathon, from race day logistics to fundraising tips and beyond.
About the Montreal Marathon
The first Montreal Marathon was run in 1979, with almost 9,000 runners taking part. Over the years, it has grown and changed into a weekend-long event that includes a half-marathon, 10km race, 5km race, and 1km children’s race, along with an adapted sports program for athletes with physical limitations.
Last year’s Montreal Marathon drew almost 10,000 participants and saw a record-breaking finish from Ethiopia’s Gadisa Shumie, who won the men’s race in 2:09:25. The women’s race was won by local Quebec contender Mélanie DesAutels, who finished in 2:53:02.
When the Montreal Marathon 2023 takes place
The 2023 Montreal Marathon is a weekend-long event that takes place from September 22 to 24, with activations on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
For both the Saturday and Sunday races, participants should aim to arrive at least an hour before their start time. This will allow enough time for them to check their bags (if needed), use the facilities, consume any nutrition they have planned, stretch, warm up, and shake out their nerves before the starting gun.
Expo-Marathon
Friday September 22 (9am-9pm) and Saturday September 23 (10am-5pm) at Pierre-Charbonneau Center (3000 Viau street, Montreal)
Runners must pick up their bibs and race-day materials from the Expo-Marathon prior to race day.
A free event, the Expo-Marathon includes activities and workshops for runners and spectators alike. Dozens of booths will be set up by local exhibitors where you can shop for everything from running gear and race-day nutrition to goods from Montreal-based businesses and beyond.
10km, 5km, and 1km races
Saturday September 23
Throughout the morning, shorter races will take place:
- Sports Experts 5K race: First wave of runners 8:25am, starting at Sherbrooke Street near the Olympic Stadium
- Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation 10K race: First wave of runners at 9:30am, starting at Sherbrooke Street near the Olympic Stadium
- I Love Fruits and Veggies Movement’s Little Steps Marathon 1K race for kids: Starts at 11:15am at Montreal Biodôm
Marathon and Half-Marathon
Sunday September 24
The marathon (42.2km) and half-marathon (21.1km) take place on Sunday morning. The first wave of runners for both races will start at 7:45am, at Espace 67, located on Île Ste-Hélène, and finish at Olympic Park’s Esplanade.
The starting time for different groups of participants will be staggered throughout the morning. Runners will be notified of their start times a few days before the race.
The Montreal Marathon 2023 Route
Both the 2023 Montreal Marathon and half-marathon start at Espace 67, located on Île Ste-Hélène and finish at Olympic Park’s Esplanade.
Marathon runners will travel through five Montreal boroughs during the 42.2km race, experiencing Montreal’s architecture, history, and beautiful greenspaces along the way.
H3: 0-14 kilometres
The first push of the marathon takes runners over the iconic Concord Bridge, into the heart of downtown Montreal and through the old city. They’ll pass the prestige of McGill University, move through the esteemed arts district, and reach the 1/3 mark alongside the greenery of Parc la Fontaine.
H3: 15-28 kilometres
During the middle trek of the marathon, runners will move across the city towards Prairies River, passing through Montreal’s diverse neighbourhoods along the way.
They’ll experience the eclectic vibe of Mile End, catch another burst of green along Parc Jarry, and turn around amongst the pleasant suburban streets of the Ahuntsic-Cartierville district.
H3: 29-42 kilometres
For the final third, runners will trace their way back towards the student-centric Villeray neighbourhood before finding St Joseph Boulevard.
They’ll pace along a stretch of quintessential Montreal sights, including the beautiful streets of Vieux-Rosemont and the gardens of Parc Lafond and Parc Étienne-Desmarteau before the finishing push around Olympic Park’s Esplanade.
Fundraising for the Montreal Marathon
A marathon is a great chance to dedicate runners’ effort and hard work towards raising awareness or support for a cause that everyone can get behind.
Many runners will look to the Montreal Marathon as an opportunity to dedicate their run towards a person or organization they care about by raising money on their behalf. If you’re running the Montreal marathon, it’s never too late to start your GoFundMe campaign – you can even extend the deadline on your campaign and accept donations after the completion of your event.
Just as you have a training plan and race-day strategy, it’s important to plan your fundraising and complete all the steps involved for the best chance of reaching your goal. Follow our guide on fundraising from start to finish, with tips on how to choose campaign photos, tell your story, and share your fundraiser to your network and beyond.
If you’re a race-day cheerleader or far-away fan, there are plenty of runners who will be motivated and inspired by your support. If you’re looking to go the extra mile by donating towards a runner’s cause, you can explore marathon fundraisers and find the stories that resonate with you.
How to enter the Montreal Marathon
Runners can register for the Montreal Marathon through the official website. While registration is typically open until a few days before the race day, spaces are limited and it’s important to sign up as early as possible to ensure you secure your spot at the starting line.
There are a variety of entry options available, whether you’ve got your sights set on a full marathon or you’re looking to get your co-workers involved in the weekend events.
Entry includes a bib with a timing chip, a completion medal, snacks and refreshments at the finish line, and race-day facilities such as bag check and aid stations along the route.
Individual entry
Individual entrants should register directly through Montreal Marathon’s Race Roster platform.
Marathon:
- Open to all participants, but minimum recommended age is 18
- Registration fee $173.09 (includes taxes, mandatory donation to the FQA, and transaction fees)
- Time limit to complete course is 6 hours after the last start (chip time) and participants must maintain a minimum pace of 8 minutes 32 seconds/km
- Deadline for entry is September 20, 2023, subject to change based on availability
Half-Marathon
- Open to all participants, but minimum recommended age is 18
- Registration fee $150.32 (includes taxes, mandatory donation to the FQA, and transaction fees)
- Time limit to complete course is 4 hours after the last start (chip time) and participants must maintain minimum pace of 10 minutes per kilometer for 13 kilometers (maximum time of 2 hours 10 minutes)
- Deadline for entry is September 20, 2023, subject to change based on availability
10km
- Open to all participants, but minimum recommended age is 16
- Registration fee $101.04 (includes taxes, mandatory donation to the FQA, and transaction fees)
- Time limit to complete course is 2 hours after the last start (chip time) and participants must maintain minimum pace of 10 minutes/km
- Deadline for entry is September 20, 2023, subject to change based on availability
5km
- Open to all participants, but minimum recommended age is 14
- Registration fee $70.25 (includes taxes, mandatory donation to the FQA, and transaction fees)
- Time limit to complete course is 50 minutes after the last start (chip time) and participants must maintain minimum pace of 10 minutes/km
- Deadline for entry is September 20, 2023, subject to change based on availability
1km
- Open to participants aged 12 and under
- Registration fee $27.31 (includes taxes, mandatory donation to the FQA, and transaction fees)
- Adults may accompany children
- Deadline for entry is September 20, 2023, subject to change based on availability
Combo entry
For those who want to run on both Saturday and Sunday, combo entries are available. As well as entry to two races, combo runners will receive a surprise gift.
Registration fees include taxes, mandatory donation to the FQA, and transaction fees. The deadline for combo entries is September 20, 2023, subject to change based on available spaces in each race:
- Marathon + 10km combo: Registration fee $240.11
- Marathon + 5km combo: Registration fee $215.73
- Half-marathon + 10km combo: Registration fee $215.73
- Half-marathon + 5km combo: Registration fee $191.37
Elite program
The marathon and half-marathon have a category for elite athletes, with timings based on gun time (as opposed to chip time).
To participate in the elite race, runners must qualify for the event by meeting a time standard. This standard is subject to change each year. For the 2023 Montreal Marathon, elite entry standards must have been met after January 1, 2020, with results available on a public form.
As well as meeting the time qualification, elite entry is limited based on available spaces, eligibility, and discretion of the organization. Those accepted will receive free registration, and elite marathon runners will also receive a per diem and subsidized accommodation.
Elite athletes who want to enter the race should contact the Montreal Marathon organizers directly.
Adapted sport entries
The Montreal Marathon is an inclusive event that offers accessibility considerations for runners from all backgrounds. Adapted sport entries are designed for entrants with a visual impairment or other physical or intellectual limitations.
Adapted sport entrants can run the race with the assistance of a support runner. Support runners are given free entry, unless they want to obtain a runner’s kit (which includes a tracking bib and finisher’s medal) in which case they’ll get a 50% discount on registration.
Specific rules and guidance apply for adapted sports entrants and support runners.
Corporate program
The Montreal Marathon’s corporate program is a fun and challenging way for colleagues and team members to connect. The corporate program includes discounted team entry with special features and add-ons, including a VIP area and unique challenges that can be tailored to your group.
Entrants who want to register as part of the corporate program should contact the Montreal Marathon organizers directly to discuss options and experiences.
Prize money
The Montreal Marathon has a $25,000 prize pool dedicated to runners in the elite category. As well as awards for high placement, elite runners can compete for bonus prizes if they achieve record-breaking times.
Prize money is awarded for particular achievements in the elite marathon and half-marathon. The amount awarded is the same for the men’s and women’s winners.
Information for spectators
The race-day atmosphere is what makes the Montreal Marathon special for runners and spectators alike. All participants are counting on friends, family, and fans to line the streets and cheer as they complete the course throughout the city, fuelled by positive energy and encouragement.
Where’s best to watch the Montreal Marathon
The marathon route covers most of downtown Montreal, and spectators are encouraged to line the sidewalks from start to finish. There are many great places to cheer on the racers while enjoying the beautiful architecture, culture, and scenery spread across Montreal.
If you want to find a bit of greenspace, set yourself up at Parc la Fontaine at the 12km mark or Parc Jarry at the 18km mark and cheer the runners on while enjoying your autumnal surroundings.
You can also give runners a boost at the halfway point, which is located in the peaceful, residential Ahuntsic neighbourhood that borders the Prairies River.
For a much-needed boost, cheer the marathoners on along boulevard Saint-Joseph during the almost-5km long stretch towards the final push, or witness the glory and greet them with open arms at the Olympic Park’s Esplanade finish line.
Where to stay
Montreal is a bustling metropolis that’s full of hotels, boutique suites, and lovely B&Bs. Those who want to be close to the starting line should look for hotels in the city’s downtown district, near the port and Old Town neighbourhoods.
You can also experience the race day atmosphere from accommodation further outside the city centre. With accessible public transit via Metro or bus, it’s easy to get from Montreal’s major neighbourhoods to the starting line or race route.
As the race weekend is expected to be busy, it’s recommended to book accommodation as far in advance as possible. Several hotels have partnered with the organizer and are offering special discounted rates to race participants.
Entertainment on race day
The city will be packed full of fun events to support the runners during the race weekend, including family-centric activities near the Expo-Marathon and the marathon finish line.
Throughout the city, local vendors will be rising to the occasion with pop-up activations and events – expect to find food trucks, mini-festivals, and live music across the race route and beyond.
Raise funds for a good cause
The Montreal Marathon is an exciting event that brings thousands of people together to celebrate the city, while raising awareness about causes that are important to runners and spectators alike.
It’s a weekend full of positivity, dedicated to the goals that individual runners can achieve, along with the fundraising goals that communities can reach when we come together. Learn more about how GoFundMe works and explore ideas on how to raise funds towards the causes you believe in.