The validity of the medical certificate in running (to participate in a race in France)

The medical certificate of non-contraindication for competitive running is a mandatory requirement for participating in an official race in France or for joining a club in the country. A 2016 law relaxed this requirement for club members. This provides an overview of the various obligations associated with this French specificity, as few countries globally require a medical certificate to participate in a race.

The requirements for the medical certificate to participate in a race are detailed as follows:

• Non-Contraindication Certificate: French law mandates that all participants provide a certificate of non-contraindication for engaging in sports or competitive running.

• Validity Period: The certificate must be issued within one year prior to the event date to be considered valid. For instance, for participation in the Paris Marathon scheduled on April 2, 2023, participants must present a certificate dated no earlier than April 3, 2022.

This stipulation ensures that medical professionals clear all race participants for competition, emphasizing their health and safety.

To obtain a license in a club, is a medical certificate required?

Yes, presenting a medical certificate is necessary for the creation of any license. If you wish to participate in competitions, you must request a competition license from your club. Additionally, the French Athletics Federation offers the Pass Running, which allows you to bypass the need for a separate medical certificate for each race for a period of one year.

I want to re-license in a club, do I need to provide a medical certificate?

Not necessarily. Since 2016, participants only need to obtain a certificate of non-contraindication every three years, according to the Ministry of the City, Youth, and Sports website. However, participants must complete a health questionnaire to identify any risk factors. If the questionnaire reveals a risk, then a new medical certificate will be necessary. For example, if you provide a certificate in September 2019 and continue to renew your license annually, you won’t need another medical examination until September 2022, unless you declare a risk factor, such as asthma.

I have a license for a sport other than running, is it accepted?

As of November 1, 2018, running events no longer accept licenses from other sports like triathlon or orienteering. Organizers now require a specific medical certificate of non-contraindication for the practice of competitive sport or competitive running.

If you need to obtain a certificate for a license in a different sport, ensure that you request a medical certificate of non-contraindication for the practice of competitive sport in general. This type of certificate will also be valid for running events.

It’s crucial to understand that presenting a false medical certificate can lead to serious legal consequences in the event of an accident or injury. Under Article 441-8, you could face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros.

For a compliant certificate, consider using Dokeop. This sports document management platform offers a medical certificate generator. That includes all mandatory information, and your doctor can sign it.

Remember, it’s not just a formality. A medical visit with a sports doctor or cardiologist every five years is advisable. Especially for individuals over 50 years old or those engaged in intensive practice. This is to ensure your body is capable of handling intense physical exertion.

If you’re gearing up for your next race and want to be well-prepared for the big day, the RunMotion Coach mobile app can help. It creates a personalized training plan for you and helps keep you motivated throughout your preparation!

Mailis Durif-Varambon Mailis grew up in the mountains, where she went hiking and biking every weekend. She loves outdoor activities where she can relax at the end of the day. At RunMotion Coach, she is responsible for communication management.