Roads, runners, and records: Montreal gears up for sold-out Beneva Marathon
Posted September 16, 2025 10:23 am.
Last Updated September 16, 2025 3:53 pm.
With tens of thousands of feet ready to hit the pavement and music stages prepped across the city, the 33rd edition of the Beneva Marathon de Montréal is set to take over the streets from Sept. 19 to 21.
The popular race weekend is sold out for several events, with more than 32,500 participants expected across six races. It’s the biggest turnout the event has ever seen — 5,500 more runners than last year.
“Every big city has their marathon,” said Alex Ratté, general manager of Courons MTL. “Montreal has their own international marathon… and it’s incredible how to see the response of the community.”
Traffic, transit and timing
City officials are warning residents and motorists to plan ahead for road closures, detours, and limited access to some areas, especially on Sunday.
“Well, there’s many good news,” said Philippe Sabourin, spokesperson for the City of Montreal. “At first it’s still the summer. And secondly, we’re expecting the Marathon Beneva de Montréal this weekend.”
Sabourin said closures will affect Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Saint-Joseph Street, and surrounding areas near Parc Maisonneuve, the event’s main hub.
“If you’re living west part of Saint-Laurent, well there’s no obstruction. If you go on east part… then keep in mind you will have to check your Waze or Google Maps,” he said. “Of course we’re asking everyone to take the public transit — especially the runners.”
For those trying to leave the city by car, Sabourin had a warning:
“If you’re leaving the island this weekend, don’t come back before Sunday after 4 p.m.”
6 races, 3 days, 1 community
The event includes the Quebec Mile Championship on Friday, Canadian 5K Championship on Saturday, and both the marathon and half-marathon on Sunday — with 19,000 runners set to depart from Parc Jean-Drapeau that morning.
“This is why we’re doing this,” Ratté said. “It’s an incredible feeling.”
The races will see elite and amateur runners alike, including professional boxer Kim Clavel, running in support of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, and Olympian Charles Philibert-Thiboutot, just back from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Entertainment, encouragement and elite athletes
Spectators are encouraged to cheer runners on at 12 official cheer stations throughout the city and enjoy free live music at Parc Maisonneuve, where all races finish.
“We ask everybody to come cheering around the course,” said Ratté. “We’re going to have a full program of shows during the weekend… We’re going to have DJs on Friday night as well as Saturday and Sunday.”
Quebec artist Dumas will perform songs from his new album Marathon, and Mike Clay will take the stage Sunday morning. DJ sets by Romain and DJ Montana round out the music lineup.
For those not running, volunteering and cheering are just as important.
“It’s often by seeing others run and feeling the unique energy of the Beneva Marathon that people decide to take on the challenge next year,” said Ratté. “Our event is the big celebration that marks the end of the running season.”
Race with a purpose
This year’s marathon is also helping to raise close to $1 million for nearly 60 charitable organizations through the Du cœur à la course initiative. Title sponsor Beneva will award $25,000 in grants to standout groups.
“We have a direct impact in the life of those foundations,” said Ratté. “They’re going to run, they’re going to raise money… and that’s important to mention.”
Safety and support on the course
With so many runners, the organizers have mobilized over 300 security guards and 300 medics to ensure safety across the route. City crews have also inspected and repaired the roads along the course to avoid any hazards.
“There’s no potholes at this point,” said Sabourin. “We walked the circuit with our partners… and they’re quite satisfied with the job that has been done by the city.”
Looking ahead to 2026
Registration for next year’s events opens Friday, Sept. 19. The 21K de Montréal will take place April 18 to 19, 2026, while the next Beneva Marathon shifts to Oct. 9 to 11, 2026, due to the UCI Road World Championships happening next fall.
Whether you’re running, cheering, or just navigating the city this weekend, the Beneva Marathon promises more than just a race — it’s a celebration of health, community, and determination.
