Paris, France – This Sunday, March 8, 2026, the HOKA Semi de Paris will welcome a group of nine women who embody the power of sport as a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. These runners, all between the ages of 18 and 30, are participants in the race for the first time, representing the association Etendart, which supports young people from underserved neighborhoods in Paris through sport and art.
The journey to the starting line has been a rapid one. The women only began training three months ago, a testament to their dedication and the supportive environment fostered by Etendart. The semi-marathon, a 21-kilometer (approximately 13.1 miles) race, represents a significant challenge for these first-time runners, but one they are embracing with courage and determination.
A Dream Realized Through Running
For Marion, a 20-year-old student from the 19th arrondissement of Paris, the race is both exhilarating and daunting. “I had never run before,” she said, according to reporting from Le Parisien. “I’m more of an artist, coming from dance. At first, it was particularly difficult, but thanks to the encouragement of the others, I was pushed not to give up.” Despite the support, Marion admits to feeling stressed and fearful about tackling the 13.1-mile distance. Her story encapsulates the emotional journey of many first-time marathoners – the blend of excitement, anxiety, and the unwavering support of a community.
Etendart’s approach utilizes both sport and art as tools for “emancipation and confidence,” providing opportunities for young people in Paris’s quartiers populaires (PQV) to develop valuable life skills and build self-esteem. The semi-marathon is a tangible demonstration of this philosophy, offering a goal to strive for and a platform to showcase their achievements.
The HOKA Semi de Paris: A Growing Event
The HOKA Semi de Paris, as it will be known from the 2026 edition thanks to sponsorship from HOKA, is a major event on the Parisian sporting calendar. According to Wikipedia, the race typically attracts around 45,000 participants annually and serves as a popular preparation race for the full Paris Marathon, which takes place a few weeks later. In 2024, the event saw a record-breaking 47,856 finishers, solidifying its position as the largest half marathon in France.
The course itself is a single loop of 21.097 kilometers (13.1 miles) through eastern Paris, starting on Boulevard Saint-Germain and finishing on Place de la Bastille. A change to the start location was implemented in 2024 due to issues affecting the Pont de Sully bridge, demonstrating the organizers’ adaptability.
More Than Just a Race
The participation of these nine women from Etendart adds a particularly inspiring dimension to this year’s HOKA Semi de Paris. Their story highlights the transformative power of sport, offering a pathway to personal growth and community building. It’s a reminder that running isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s about overcoming challenges, pushing boundaries, and achieving dreams.
The HOKA Semi de Paris is set to take place on March 8th, and will undoubtedly be a vibrant event for the city. For Marion and her teammates, it’s a culmination of months of hard function and a symbol of their newfound confidence. It’s a dream becoming a reality, one step at a time.
Following the HOKA Semi de Paris, many participants will utilize the race as a stepping stone towards the full Paris Marathon. Details regarding registration and race information can be found on the official HOKA Semi de Paris website.
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