Do you know about the Coffee Boy Race? It's a race that originally tested the skills of café boys to measure their speed and balance. The goal : to complete the course as quickly as possible, with a tray in hand, without dropping or spilling the glasses placed on it, and without running. This competition dates back to 1914 in Paris, but it had been absent for nearly 13 years in the capital. After a spectacular return in 2024, it’s back this week for a new edition that promises to be athletic, under the slightly more inclusive name: The Coffee Race.
The Spirit of Paris in a Race
What could be more iconic of the capital than its cafés, its bistros, its brasseries and especially its café boys? A true monument of Parisian heritage, the Course des cafés showcases an entire profession with its requests, as well as the French-style service that the whole world envies us: “This is the heritage of Paris and the soul of Paris that we are going to celebrate in a festive, sporting, and popular event,” said Dan Lert, deputy to the mayor of Paris, last year.
The Paris cafe waiters' race, known as the "Course des garçons de café," is a traditional event that dates back to the late 19th century. It involves waiters from various cafes racing through the streets of Paris while balancing trays loaded with glasses and bottles. The race… pic.twitter.com/At1T8ce6UI
— Past To Present Stories (@past2present_x) April 30, 2024
And after the success of the 2024 edition, this time nearly 400 runners are expected at the starting line. Starting at 9:30 AM sharp, professionals will compete on a 4 km course — that’s double the distance from last year — around the City Hall. As tradition dictates, there will be coffee, a glass of water, and a croissant on the runners' trays, with the goal of not spilling their contents (and not giving in to the croissant). All of this will be dressed up with a “traditional” outfit: black socks, white top, and an apron provided by the organizers.
An event open to everyone
This year, the professional servers' race will not be the only event.In the course of the day. Indeed, for this 2025 edition, the organization is going all out by opening the race to the general public! After the 9:30 AM start, there will be another one at 10 AM for enthusiasts, and a third at 2 PM for the children! A new challenge for all Parisians, allowing them to step into the shoes of a café waiter for a few minutes and experience the reality of this iconic profession. A family relay will also be on the program in the afternoon, along with a quiz on The History of Parisian Bistros, a Mölkky tournament, and a concert on the Village stage. So, are you ready to take on the challenge?
Course des garçons de café, place du Tertre à Montmartre
— Paris Paname 😊 (@ParisAMDParis) July 3, 2024
1930. Paris pic.twitter.com/JHFEFCiLWr
Coffee Race 2025
Parvis of the Town Hall – 4th
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Free access (registration required for the race)
More info