The Herculis EBS Meeting 2026 takes place on Friday 10 July 2026 at 7 pm at Stade Louis-II in Monaco (Fontvieille) — the 40th edition of the Diamond League. Tickets available from €15 at monaco-diamond-league.com. Armand Duplantis, now a Monaco resident, will target the world record (6.31 m); Faith Kipyegon runs the 3,000 m. Travel by train from Nice in 22 minutes for an unmissable evening of athletics.
On a July evening in Monaco, Stade Louis-II becomes the epicentre of world athletics. Forty years after the inaugural edition in 1987, the Herculis EBS Meeting remains one of the most coveted fixtures on the Wanda Diamond League circuit — 18,000 spectators packed into a stadium that places you just metres from the track where the world’s best sprinters, pole vaulters and distance runners compete. The 40th edition in 2026 promises an extraordinary line-up: 15 confirmed Olympic or world champions, a world first (two simultaneous pole vault competitions), and an Armand Duplantis who is now competing on home turf — he relocated to Monaco in spring 2026. This guide covers everything you need to know before 10 July: the full programme, tickets, how to get there from Nice and practical tips for making the most of the evening.
1. A legendary meeting in a stadium built on the sea
Stade Louis-II — a unique venue in Europe
Founded on 17 September 1987 at the initiative of the Fédération Monégasque d’Athlétisme (chaired by H.S.H. Prince Albert II since 1984), the Herculis Meeting grew from a simple conviction held by historic director Jean-Pierre Schoebel: « The public wants to see the best — the stars. » According to Code Sport Monaco, the first two editions in 1985–86 were standard international matches; by 1987, the star meeting format had taken hold.
Stade Louis-II is itself a feat of engineering: inaugurated on 25 January 1985 by Prince Rainier III, it stands on land reclaimed from the Mediterranean, with the pitch sitting 8.35 m above road level. Its nine characteristic arches shelter 18,523 seats, a certified athletics track and an aquatic centre. The stadium’s compact configuration — stands wrapped tightly around the track — creates a closeness between spectators and athletes that is rare in elite athletics. According to Wikipedia, it is one of the few stadiums in the world built partially over the sea.
Over thirty-nine editions under Jean-Pierre Schoebel (an Olympic medallist at Munich 1972), the meeting accumulated 7 titles of best meeting in the world, joined the Golden League in 1998 and the Wanda Diamond League from its inception in 2010. Ranked 4th best meeting in the world in 2025 by World Athletics standards, it has been crowned « best meeting » in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2020. For 2026, it is Frédéric Choquard — current director of the FMA — who takes over the reins following Schoebel’s retirement, honoured at the 2025 edition with a final lap of honour in a 1950s Mercedes gifted by Prince Albert II.
Key facts
- Three current world records set at Stade Louis-II (men’s 5,000 m, women’s 3,000 m steeplechase, women’s mile)
- The only Diamond League meeting to hold this many active world records across distinct disciplines
- Broadcast on 30 national TV channels, 350 accredited journalists every year
- Silver Label « Athletics for a Better World Standard » awarded by World Athletics
2. The 2026 line-up: 15 champions and a world first
Duplantis, Kipyegon, Gressier — the headline acts
Armand « Mondo » Duplantis leads the headline names. Now a Monaco resident since spring 2026, the Swedish vaulter holds the world record at 6.31 m (Uppsala, 12 March 2026 — his 15th personal best). In Monaco in 2025, he already cleared 6.05 m. According to Monaco Tribune, he has said: « It seems a world record is necessary » and « competing next to my home on this track is something truly special ».
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) will race the 3,000 m — rather than the 1,500 m this season. A three-time Olympic 1,500 m champion, she holds the world mile record set here in 2023 (4:07.64, slashing five seconds off the previous world record by Sifan Hassan, also set in Monaco in 2019). According to Wanda Diamond League, Kipyegon has broken five world records at Diamond League meetings over the past three years.
Jimmy Gressier (France) will also be on the start list in the 5,000 m. The 2025 World 10,000 m champion from Tokyo (28:55.77) — the first Frenchman to win this world title — set his French 5,000 m record in Monaco in 2025 (12:56.09). « I can’t wait to be back in Monaco, » he said according to Wanda Diamond League.
Other eagerly awaited clashes: in the men’s 100 m, 2025 world champion Oblique Seville (Jamaica, 9.77 s in Tokyo) takes on Jordan Anthony (USA, 2026 World Indoor 60 m champion in 6.41 s). In the women’s 100 m hurdles, Masai Russell (USA, Paris 2024 Olympic champion, 12.14 s) faces Ditaji Kambundji (Switzerland, 2025 world champion, 12.24 s). The women’s pole vault pits Katie Moon (USA, joint gold Budapest 2023) against Nina Kennedy (Australia, Paris 2024 Olympic champion).
The big innovation: two simultaneous pole vault pits
For the first time in Diamond League history, two pole vault competitions will run in parallel: women from 6 pm to 8 pm, men from 8 pm to 9:45 pm. This innovation — proposed by Duplantis himself — allows spectators to experience the atmosphere of both competitions from the stands at the same time. The full programme of 16 disciplines is available at monaco.diamondleague.com.
Key facts
- Duplantis targeting the world record on « his home track » (Monaco resident since 2026)
- Kipyegon in the 3,000 m — could another world record fall in Monaco?
- Simultaneous dual pole vault pits — a world first in circuit history
- Jimmy Gressier, 2025 world champion, competing on the French Riviera
- Wanyonyi (800 m), Kebinatshipi (400 m), Beamish (steeplechase), Ehammer (long jump) — confirmed 2025 world champions
3. A track built for records — the legacy of Stade Louis-II
Three current world records, generations of performances
Stade Louis-II is one of the most prolific athletics venues for world records. According to World Athletics, three current world records were set here:
| Athlete | Event | Performance | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) | 5,000 m (M) | 12:35.36 | 2020 |
| Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) | Mile (W) | 4:07.64 | 2023 |
| Beatrice Chepkoech (Kenya) | 3,000 m steeplechase (W) | 8:44.32 | 2018 |
In 2024, Jessica Hull (Australia) smashed the world 2,000 m record with 5:19.70, and Quincy Hall (USA) dipped under 44 seconds in the 400 m (43.80) — the 13th performance of all time according to World Athletics. In 2025, Dutch athlete Femke Bol set the year’s world-leading mark in the 400 m hurdles (51.95), Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Kenya) ran 1:41.44 in the 800 m (meeting record and 2025 world lead), and Duplantis cleared 6.05 m in the pole vault.
The record-breaking tradition stretches back to 2008, when Yelena Isinbayeva set the women’s pole vault world record at 5.04 m under the stadium’s arches. Monaco is the only Diamond League meeting where three current world records across three distinct events were all set on the same track.
Key facts
- Only Diamond League meeting with 3 current world records set on its track
- 2025 edition: 3 meeting records broken in a single evening (Bol, Wanyonyi, Duplantis)
- 7 titles of best meeting in the world across 39 editions
4. Tickets and getting there — everything you need before 10 July
Tickets, transport, accommodation — the practical guide
Tickets
Tickets for the 2026 Herculis Meeting are available from €15 at monaco-diamond-league.com. The box office at Stade Louis-II opens from 29 June to 10 July (10 am–12:30 pm and 1:30–6:30 pm). Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more, company committees and associations (contact: [email protected] or +377 92 05 42 60). Tickets are non-personalised, non-refundable and non-exchangeable. All exits from 6 pm onwards are final.
For VIP packages — seats with a gourmet buffet by Chef Philippe Joannès (Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Private Dining by Fairmont Monte-Carlo) — contact [email protected]. The official merchandise store is open on the day from 9 am to 5 pm (Gate F), then in the evening near Hall AB.
Getting there from Nice (recommended)
The TER SNCF regional train is the most practical option: Nice–Ventimiglia line, ~22 minutes, from €5 one way, with up to 60 trains per day. From Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, allow 15–20 minutes on foot or hop on bus 4 or 6 — free for everyone on meeting day. Extra trains are added after the event (last return towards Nice at 11:53 pm). This same TER line serves other summer events in Monaco — our Nice–Monaco train guide covers all transport options in detail. According to Herculis EBS, driving is strongly discouraged in the evening: heavy congestion and limited parking (discounted rate of €6 for Stade Louis-II and Salines car parks — Salines is preferred for a smoother exit). The Monacair/Blade helicopter from Nice Côte d’Azur airport (7 minutes, from €195 per person) remains a premium transfer option for those after something memorable.
Accommodation
In July, Monaco commands high prices (€150–300/night for a standard hotel). The budget-friendly alternative: Nice (hotels from €80/night, 22 minutes by train) or Beausoleil (a French commune a 5-minute walk from the Monaco border, hotels from €82/night). Cap d’Ail, just across the border, offers hotels from €140/night in a French Riviera setting, according to MdameNinie.
What you can bring into the stadium
Sealed water bottles, food and a backpack are all permitted. Glasses, cans and alcohol are not allowed inside. All stands are covered except the Tribune Populaire. Numbered seating applies only to premium and VIP sections; all other areas are open seating.
5. Monaco in July — making the most of the Principality before or after the meeting
Monaco-Ville, Port Hercule and the Monaco Athletics Festival
July is one of the best months to visit Monaco — daytime temperatures of 26–30°C, 21–23°C in the evenings, a sea temperature of 24°C and barely three days of rain on average. According to Visit Monaco, evening music events at Square Gastaud and Larvotto enliven the Principality from 8 July to 19 August. The « Summer at Port Hercule » programme runs free events from 10 July to 9 August, and fireworks light up Port Hercule on 25 July at 10 pm and 1 August at 9:30 pm.
For a day-of visit to the Principality, the recommended itinerary: morning on the Rock (Monaco-Ville, Prince’s Palace — changing of the guard at 11:55 am, Cathedral), lunch in Fontvieille (La Salière, Amici Miei — cheaper than Monte-Carlo), afternoon at the Oceanographic Museum or by the port, evening at Stade Louis-II from 6 pm. The stadium is a 5-minute walk from Fontvieille port and 20 minutes from the Rock. If you’d like to extend your trip along the French Riviera, our 3-day Monaco and Côte d’Azur itinerary offers a full programme taking in Nice, Eze and Monte-Carlo.
For athletics enthusiasts
The Monaco Athletics Festival returns on 5 August 2026 (Quai Albert Ier, 6 pm) featuring the world’s 12 best high jumpers as part of the « What Gravity Tour », organised by Prince Albert II and Mutaz Barshim (three-time world champion and Olympic champion). According to Stadion-Actu, entry is entirely free. Monaco is effectively offering a full « month of athletics » in 2026: 10 July (Diamond League), 5 August (Festival).
Key facts
- Monaco is outside the EU — standard European roaming doesn’t apply. An eSIM is worth considering
- Fontvieille (stadium) and Port Hercule are separate districts — double-check your route
- Monaco Athletics Festival on 5 August 2026 — free entry to watch the world’s 12 best high jumpers
Practical essentials for the 2026 Herculis Meeting
Monaco is outside the EU, so standard European roaming doesn’t apply. An Airalo eSIM covers the Principality and the entire French Riviera — no bill shock when you get home.
From €5 for 1 GBNomad Insurance: global coverage from $56/4 weeks — covers your French Riviera trip including unexpected medical costs, cancellations and lost baggage. 10% off via our link.
From $56 / 4 weeksFrequently asked questions — Herculis Meeting 2026
Where does the 2026 Herculis Meeting take place?
The Herculis EBS Meeting 2026 is held at Stade Louis-II, 7 Avenue des Castelans, in the Fontvieille district of Monaco. Note: this is not Port Hercule (the large harbour used for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, located in the La Condamine district, a 10–15-minute walk from the stadium). From Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, allow 15–20 minutes on foot or take bus 4 or 6. Source: monaco.diamondleague.com.
When exactly is the 2026 Herculis Meeting?
The Herculis EBS Meeting 2026 takes place on Friday 10 July 2026. Gates open at 6 pm, events start at 7 pm and the evening typically finishes around 11 pm. It is the 10th leg (of 14) of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League season. Source: Herculis EBS official ticketing.
How much do tickets for Herculis 2026 cost?
Tickets start at €15. Reduced rates are available for groups of 10 or more, company committees and associations (contact [email protected]). VIP packages with a gourmet buffet (catered by Fairmont Monte-Carlo) are also on offer. Buy online at monaco-diamond-league.com or at the Stade Louis-II box office from 29 June to event day.
How do I get to the Herculis Meeting from Nice?
The TER SNCF regional train is the recommended option: Nice–Ventimiglia line, journey time ~22 minutes, from €5, with up to 60 trains per day. From Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, take bus 4 or 6 (free on meeting day) or walk 15–20 minutes. Extra trains run after the event (last return around 11:53 pm). Avoid driving — parking is scarce and leaving Monaco by car in the evening is heavily congested. Source: Herculis EBS access guide.
Could Armand Duplantis break the world record in Monaco in 2026?
That’s clearly his goal. Duplantis, now a Monaco resident since 2026, holds the world record at 6.31 m (Uppsala, March 2026 — his 15th personal best). In Monaco in 2025, he cleared 6.05 m. He has said: « It seems a world record is necessary » and « Monaco is a truly special place for me. » The addition of a second vault pit — an innovation he proposed himself — adds to his motivation on what he calls his home track. Source: Monaco Tribune.
Are there amateur races at the meeting?
Yes! The Herculis 1,000 m (37th edition in 2026) lets any licensed athlete (FFA/FIDAL) aged 8 and over run on the same track as the champions, across around 40 heats with approximately 1,200 participants. Licensed athletes also get free admission to the stands for the elite session. Register at: [email protected].
Where can I stay near Stade Louis-II without breaking the bank?
The most affordable options: Nice (hotels from €80/night, 22 minutes by train) or Beausoleil (a French town a 5-minute walk from Monaco, hotels from €82/night). In Monaco itself, hotels start at €150–250/night in July. Cap d’Ail (right on the Monaco border) offers good options from €140/night in a French Riviera setting. Source: MdameNinie.
Sources
- monaco.diamondleague.com — Official Herculis EBS Meeting website (Fédération Monégasque d’Athlétisme)
- monaco.diamondleague.com — 2026 Disciplines — Official programme, 16 events
- monaco.diamondleague.com — Tickets — 2026 ticketing and hospitality
- monaco.diamondleague.com — Getting there — Access guide to Stade Louis-II
- monaco-diamond-league.com — Official online ticketing
- monaco-diamond-league.com — FAQ — Ticketing frequently asked questions
- diamondleague.com — 12 additional champions announced for Monaco
- diamondleague.com — Kipyegon — Faith Kipyegon to race 3,000 m
- worldathletics.org — 2025 edition results
- worldathletics.org — Hull 2,000 m world record (2024)
- Monaco Tribune — Duplantis, new Monaco resident
- diamondleague.com — Duplantis — Duplantis confirmed for Monaco pole vault 2026
- Wikipedia — Stade Louis II — Architecture and history of the stadium
- Code Sport Monaco — History of the meeting’s founding (1987)
- Stadion-Actu — Monaco Athletics Festival 5 August 2026
- Visit Monaco — What to do in Monaco in July
- MdameNinie — Budget for visiting Monaco in 2026
- Monaco Hebdo — 16 disciplines at Herculis 2026
Sources checked 19 June 2026.
Ready for your athletics evening in Monaco?
On 10 July 2026, Stade Louis-II will come alive like rarely before. If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera this summer, this is the perfect excuse to combine sun, sea and world-class sport. Explore our French Riviera itineraries and build your week around this unmissable event.
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