Runner’s Guide

This year, the Expo-Marathon will be held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal! Starting Thursday, dive into the exciting atmosphere that brings together running enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Your one-stop destination to:

• Pick up your bib
• Discover your start corral and chat with our pace bunnies
• Explore our partners’ booths and discover the latest innovations
• Grab some official merch: the PRAISE x Marathon Beneva de Montréal 2026 collection is calling your name
• Connect with our team: we’re here to make your marathon an unforgettable experience!

Address:  

Palais des congrès de Montréal, 2nd floor
200 Rue Viger Ouest, downtown Montréal

• Thursday, October 8, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday, October 9, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Explore the Exhibitors 

Bibs and runner kits will only be available at the Marathon Expo.

Address:  

Palais des congrès de Montréal, 2nd floor
200 Rue Viger Ouest, downtown Montréal

• Thursday, October 8, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday, October 9, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What you need to pick up your bib:

• A valid ID
• The QR code you received by email when you registered

Can’t pick up your bib in person?

You can authorize someone else to pick it up for you. They’ll need to bring:

• A signed authorization letter from you
• A copy or photo of one of your IDs
• Their own valid ID

Where to wear your bib?

Pin it to the front of your shirt using the safety pins provided in your runner kit. Alternatively, if you have a running belt, you can attach your bib to it instead.

You can transfer your bib to another person until October 7 at 11:59 p.m. directly through our online Race Roster platform, subject to availability at the time of the request.

After this date, transfers can only be made during bib pickup at the Expo-Marathon, subject to availability and approval by the organizer.

Transfer fees:

• Before October 8 (online): $18 + service fees + taxes

Online transfer tutorial

On-site transfer

• Starting October 8 at the Expo-Marathon: $30 + service fees + taxes (payable on site).

The person taking over the registration must present:

• written authorization (printed or digital) confirming the consent of the person originally registered;
• a photo of the original registrant’s ID;
• their own ID.

You don’t become a runner at the start of a race. You become one on a Tuesday night. When you close the door behind you. When you walk down the stairs. When you decide to go for a run.

The 2026 Official Runner Shirt is a tribute to Montréal, its staircases… and all those first steps.

Created and designed in collaboration with PRAISE, the Official Runner Shirt is still available for pre-order on Race Roster until October 8.

I want my shirt

The complete Marathon Beneva de Montréal collection, created in collaboration with PRAISE, will also be available for purchase at the Expo-Marathon.

Did you purchase the PRAISE shirt when you registered? It will be included in your race kit at the Expo-Marathon when you pick up your bib.

COURONS now has its own app, bringing together the season’s two main events: the Marathon Beneva de Montréal and the 21K Nespresso de Montréal.

It includes all the essential information you need:

•  Details about your race
• Real-time tracking for runners
• Practical info: course maps, water station locations, start times
• Live results

Coming out to cheer on the athletes? Follow your favourites in real time so you won’t miss them on the course!

Now available :

• iOS
• Android

Want to run for a cause? It’s not too late! The Run with Heart program by the Marathon Beneva de Montréal allows you to create your own fundraiser to support one of the 60 causes in our program.

Turn every stride into something meaningful: choose a cause that speaks to you, set your fundraising goal, share your personalized campaign page, and rally your network. Each training session will take on new meaning—and your motivation will double as you gear up for race day!

Join our community of runners who are committed to making a difference and add a meaningful dimension to your challenge. Your marathon becomes much more than a personal achievement—it becomes an action that makes a difference in our community.

Discover how to take part

Commitment makes a difference

By supporting community-driven foundations, Beneva helps increase their impact and advance their missions. By participating, you give organizations in the charity program a chance to win one of nine grants offered by Beneva, worth a total of $25,000.

Learn more

This year, our overall fundraising goal is over $1.3 million!

And if you don’t want to run for a cause, you can still make a donation to one of our beneficiary organizations!

Make a donation

Whether you’re chasing a personal best at the Marathon or simply keeping your running season going strong, your best ally is Campus.

• A 100% personalized training program that adjusts in real time to your progress.
• Technology built into your daily routine for optimal monitoring.
• A dedicated community to keep you motivated at every stage.

With race day just around the corner, every workout counts. Campus is here to support you with tailored plans that will help you show up at the start line in your best shape yet.

Choose my program

This is where it all begins—and ends! The start and finish sites of the Marathon Beneva de Montréal are much more than meeting points: they’re the emotional backdrop of your journey. From the pre-race buzz to the finish-line euphoria, these iconic locations will witness your greatest achievement.

📍 Check out the site map to locate the start areas 

Public transit and biking: your best bets!

We strongly recommend using public transit or biking to get to the event sites.

By metro

To ensure a smooth experience throughout the weekend, we recommend using Montreal’s public transit system. Here are the key locations:

Starts : Parc Jean-Drapeau

Jean-Drapeau Station

Finish : Parc Maisonneuve

Pie-IX Station or Viau Station

Plan your route using the STM website.

By bike

Montreal offers a vast network of bike paths and a convenient BIXI bike-sharing service — a great way to get to us or explore the city before and after the event.

By car

This is a large-scale event, and several street closures are planned. Car access will be very limited.

• Download the road closure map right here.
• If you absolutely must drive, a few paid parking lots will be available at Parc Olympique and Parc Jean-Drapeau (limited spaces).

This year, the half-marathon and marathon start is organized into three waves, each divided into five corrals.

• Your wave determines when you need to arrive on site and enter the start area.
• Your corral determines your exact start time.

Here’s how it works.

#1 Find your wave and corral

Your wave and corral were assigned based on the estimated finish time you provided at registration. Both will be printed on your bib, which you’ll pick up at the Expo-Marathon.

#2 Check your wave schedule

Once you know your wave, refer to the table for your wave number to find your pre-race schedule and exact start time.

Run with peace of mind! Take advantage of our bag drop service to safely leave your personal belongings during the race.

Sunday, October 11

Bag drop-off at Parc Jean-Drapeau starting at:

• Wave 1: 6:30 a.m.
• Wave 2: 7:00 a.m.
• Wave 3: 7:45 a.m.

Bag pickup after the race: Parc Maisonneuve parking lot.

Closing time: 2:30 p.m.

How to check your bag?

Use only the official clear bag provided with your bib.

• Identify your bag using the detachable tag on your bib.
• Secure the tag using the plastic tie provided.
• Find the bus corresponding to your bib number.
• Drop off your bag at the back of the bus before the start.

After the race:

• Find the bus corresponding to your bib number.
• Show your bib to collect your belongings.

📍 Check the site map to locate the drop-off and pick-up areas

This is where it all begins—and ends! The start and finish sites of the Marathon Beneva de Montréal are much more than meeting points: they’re the emotional backdrop of your journey. From the pre-race buzz to the finish-line euphoria, these iconic locations will witness your greatest achievement.

📍 Check out the site map to locate the start areas 

Public transit and biking: your best bets!

We strongly recommend using public transit or biking to get to the event sites.

By metro:

To ensure a smooth experience throughout the weekend, we recommend using Montreal’s public transit system. Here are the key locations:

Parc Maisonneuve

Start site for the 5K, 10K, and Mile

Finish site for all distances

Pie-IX Station or Viau Station

Plan your route using the STM website.

By bike

Montreal offers a vast network of bike paths and a convenient BIXI bike-sharing service — a great way to get to us or explore the city before and after the event.

By car

This is a large-scale event, and several street closures are planned. Car access will be very limited.

• Road closure map coming soon.
• If you absolutely must drive, a few paid parking lots will be available at Parc Olympique and Parc Jean-Drapeau (limited spaces).

What Time Should You Arrive?

We recommend arriving at least 1:15 before your start time. This will give you enough time to:

• Drop off your bag at the bag check
• Find your corral
• Soak in the atmosphere without stress

The race starts in waves, based on the corral number shown on your bib.

A start corral was assigned to you based on the estimated finish time you provided when you registered. This information is indicated on your bib.

Has your estimated finish time changed since you registered?
No problem! You’ll be able to change your corral when you pick up your bib at the Expo-Marathon.

Friday, October 9

• The start corrals will open 30 minutes before the first Mile On start, at 5:30 p.m., for a 6:00 p.m. start.

Saturday, October 10

Run with peace of mind! Take advantage of our bag drop service to safely leave your personal belongings during the race.

Friday (Mile): 

• Drop-off: Maisonneuve Park, at the Info Kiosk in the Meeting Point area starting at 5:00 p.m.
• Pick-up after the race: Same location where you dropped off your bag.
• Closing time: 7:00 p.m.

Saturday (5 K and 10 K):

• Drop-off: Maisonneuve Park parking lot starting at 7:00 a.m.
• Pick-up after the race: Same location where you dropped off your bag.
• Closing time: 12:30 p.m.

How to check your bag?

• Use only the official clear bag provided with your bib.
• Identify your bag using the detachable tag on your bib.
• Secure the tag using the plastic tie provided.
• Find the bus corresponding to your bib number.
• Drop off your bag at the back of the bus before the start.

After the race:

• Find the bus corresponding to your bib number.
• Show your bib to collect your belongings.

📍Check the site map to locate the drop-off and pick-up areas 

We’ve thought of everything so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your race and giving it your all!

Plan your refuelling strategy!

📍 Check your course map to find the location of each station 

Aid Station Supplies

Items are always distributed in the following order: electrolytes or energy bars first, followed by water. Look for the XACT cups for electrolytes!

Here are the options offered by XACT Nutrition along the course:

Energy fruit bars:

XACT ENERGY Abricot
XACT ENERGY Cerise

Electrolytes :
XACT ELECTROLYTES Citron – NEW
XACT ELECTROLYTES Fruits Rouges – NEW

Running through the beautiful streets of Montreal is a privilege. Help us keep them just as beautiful as when we arrived! On the course, hold on to your wrappers until the next aid station, where bins will be available. Because the only thing we want to leave behind on the Montreal pavement is our best times!

Need a little help reaching your goal time? Our pace bunnies are here to guide you and help you keep a steady rhythm throughout your race.

Spot them at the start thanks to their signs. You can also meet them at their booth at the Expo-Marathon. They’ll be happy to share tips and advice to help you have a great race!

For the Marathon and Shop Santé Half Marathon, timing points located along the course will record your split times throughout the race.

Time limits by distance

To ensure everyone’s safety, the following time limits must be respected:

• 42.2K Marathon: 6 hours
• 21.1K Shop Santé Half Marathon: 4 hours
• 10K Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation: 2 hours
• 5K Sports Experts : 1 hour

Tell your friends and family to follow you live on the COURONS app!
iOS
Android

Your well-being comes first

Your safety—and that of volunteers and spectators—is our top priority. Everything is in place to ensure a safe race experience with optimal support across all courses.

A medical team ready to respond

• Over 300 healthcare professionals will be on site, including emergency physicians, specialized nurses, physiotherapists, paramedics, and more.
• Medical clinic at the finish line for any needed assistance.
• Collaboration with Urgences-santé to deploy several ambulances along the courses.
• Mobile medical staff in constant contact with the coordination centre to respond quickly when needed.

We’re fully prepared to respond in case of an incident to ensure your safety throughout the event.

What to do in case of emergency
If you witness a situation requiring medical or safety intervention:

• Locate a Marathon Beneva de Montréal staff member and report the issue. They’ll contact the appropriate team.
• If no staff member is nearby, call 911 immediately.

Your awareness can make all the difference. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe!

Crossing the finish line will mark the end of your run—but not the end of your experience. After the effort comes the celebration! Enjoy a lively, festive space to keep the energy going:

• Beneva stage with entertainment
• Beneva Zone
• Maybelline New York Space
• Shop Santé Slush
• Café+ Experience by Nespresso
• Saint-Ambroise Terrace
• Action Sport Physio and its therapists
• Photobooths to capture the moment
• Official Marathon Boutique by PRAISE Endurance
• Food trucks
• Meet-up area to reunite with friends and family
• Youth Activity Zone by Athlétisme Québec
• Run with Heart zone, the charitable side of the Marathon
• Giant screens to follow the race

After your race, refuel with a selection of energizing food and drinks to help you recover.

• XACT electrolyte stations (plus water stations)
• Chocolate milk
• Liberté Greek Yogurt and Yoplait Protein Yogurt
• Krispy Kernels nuts
• Made Good granola bars
• Haribo candy
• Saint-Ambroise non-alcoholic beer at Terrasses Saint-Ambroise (Sunday only)

Results

Timing is provided by Sportstats. Check your time or follow a runner live on the COURONS app, available here:

iOS
Android

Medals & Trophies – Celebrate Your Achievement

Crossing the finish line means earning your reward! If you chose to receive a medal, it will be proudly handed to you as soon as you finish. For participants who opted for an eco-friendly gesture, your commitment will be highlighted with a green rectangle displayed on your bib.

Trophy Ceremonies – Celebrating Excellence

The top three male and female finishers in each distance will be recognized on the main stage:

• Mile On : Friday, October 9 at 6:45 p.m.
• 5 km Sports Experts : Saturday, October 10 at 9:30 a.m.
• 10 km Breast Cancer Foundation : Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 a.m.
• Shop Santé Half-Marathon & Marathon : Sunday, October 11 at 10:45 a.m.

Age Group Awards
Winning your category? You’ll receive a personalized email with all the details on how to claim your prize in the weeks following the race.

Relive your race with official photos from MarathonFoto!

Take advantage of a special rate by pre-purchasing your race photos online through Race Roster before October 7 at 11:59 p.m.

You’ll receive an email with your photos a few days after the event.

You still have questions?
Contact our team at info@couronsmtl.com

Bib pickup is ONLY available on the following dates and locations :

Address:  

Palais des congrès de Montréal, 2nd floor

200 Rue Viger Ouest, downtown Montréal

• Thursday, October 8, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday, October 9, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, October 10 at 11:15 a.m.

Start: Maisonneuve Park, Sherbrooke street

Finish: Maisonneuve Park, Sherbrooke street

Pie-IX Station

We recommend arriving one hour before the start.

Course map

Starts will happen in waves based on the age of each child. Don’t worry about the clock—it only starts when your child crosses the starting line. No need to teach overtaking strategies… not just yet!

Only one accompanying parent per child is permitted, and that person must wear the “Accompanying Adult” bib, which is provided at the same time as the 1 km bib during bib pickup.

Entry into the start corrals

1 km : opens at 10:45 a.m. (départ 11:15 a.m.)

We strongly recommend that a parent accompany younger participants for safety and for a little boost when energy runs low. Accompanying parents do not receive a bib or medal—but those finish-line hugs and proud photos are the best prizes there are!

If you’re not running with your child, clearly explain where to meet up after the finish line. 

📍 Check and review the finish area map with them beforehand