Rules & Race Information

Registration is completed online via the official website. You must provide personal information, an emergency contact, and accept the waiver and rules. Payment is handled securely through the gateways on the site. Requests to change information will not be accepted once the event has started. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Only registered participants who complete their category receive the official finisher entitlements. Entry fees are non-refundable, non-deferrable and non-transferable. From 4 October 2027, late registration pricing applies. From 4 November 2027, bibs are printed with the number only (no name or nationality flag).

Participants must be in good health and physically fit, and meet the minimum age for their category (age on race day): Marathon 18+, Half Marathon 16+, 10km 15+, 5km Community Run 17+. The Kids races (ages 6-13) and the Youth 5km (up to 16) are free, and the child must be accompanied by an adult. Any participant under 18 must obtain parent or guardian consent at registration.

Kit collection dates, venue and hours will be communicated by email, SMS and social media. A photo ID matching the registration name is required. The kit includes your bib with timing chip and the event t-shirt. No bib collection or registration on Sunday: the expo and registration close on 4 December 2027. Bibs are non-transferable.

Your official bib must be fully visible on the front at all times. The timing chip is attached to the bib, so avoid folding or covering it. A bib worn improperly may prevent your time from being recorded. Bibs are personal and non-transferable: lending, selling, or using another person’s bib results in disqualification and a ban from future editions.

The 5km, 10km, 21km and 42km races are timed with an RFID chip, with checkpoints staggered along each route. Official time is measured from the start mat to the finish line. Anyone who does not cross the start timing mat is recorded as DNS (Did Not Start). Anyone who does not complete the distance or misses a checkpoint is recorded as DNF (Did Not Finish). Participants who breach the rules may be disqualified (DSQ).

The course is flat, fast and runs along Cotonou’s Atlantic coastline. The marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km will be measured and certified by a World Athletics-certified course measurer. Stay within the course boundaries marked by barriers and signage; leaving the course leads to disqualification. A participant who leaves the course may not rejoin it. Unofficial pacers and outside assistance (other than medical personnel) are prohibited.

Water and aid stations are placed at regular intervals along the route. Dispose of waste in the bins provided; please respect the environment.

Medical teams and ambulances are stationed at the start, finish and along the course, ready to respond. Approach the nearest medical personnel if you need assistance. It is the participant’s responsibility to inform officials of any pre-existing medical condition. Always follow the instructions of officials, medical staff and security personnel.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of the marathon, half marathon and 10km, for both men’s and women’s categories. Amounts, the number of paid places and eligibility will be determined with partners and announced later. Winners must be present at the awarding ceremony to receive their prize.

Every finisher receives a finisher medal unique to their category, plus a certificate showing their name and performance. For the Saturday events (Kids, Youth and Community runs), every participant receives a participation medal and certificate.

All participants receive an event t-shirt, a bag, a chipped bib and other items that may be donated by sponsors. Race-day refreshments and post-race celebrations are provided. Music from different cultures is placed along the course.

Invited world-class (Gold status) athletes are provided free accommodation and local transport by the organisers. Other participants arrange their own stay in Cotonou. Several water and aid stations are positioned along the course.

Participants must respect fellow runners, volunteers and event staff. Any unsportsmanlike or offensive behaviour, or any form of harassment, results in disqualification. Headphones or audio devices that obstruct hearing are discouraged for your safety.

Official photographers and videographers capture participants during the race. By participating, you consent to the use of your image for promotional purposes, in line with the waiver.

Official results will be available 1-2 days after the race on the official website. You will be able to download your personalised certificate, a lasting memento of your performance.

The organiser may change, without prior notice, any rule deemed necessary for the success of the race, including postponing, cancelling or suspending the event for safety or weather reasons. The organiser’s decision is final. It is the participants’ responsibility to know and follow these rules.