The Paris Marathon stands as the pinnacle of running events in France. Although not known for speed due to challenging inclines, the Paris Marathon attracts nearly 50,000 runners who journey through Paris, passing iconic landmarks. Join us as we delve into some fascinating details about the Paris Marathon.
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Unveiling the history of the Paris Marathon
Since its inception in 1976, the Paris Marathon has evolved into a prominent event, exclusively weaving its way along the right bank of the Seine River. This captivating route guides runners through iconic landmarks such as the Champs-Elysées, Place de la Concorde, Place de la Bastille, Bois de Vincennes, the road facing the Eiffel Tower, and the enchanting Bois de Boulogne. While the Paris Marathon may not boast the same prestige as marathons in Boston, New York, London, Berlin, or Tokyo, its charm lies in the scenic backdrop of the capital’s most beautiful monuments.
Interestingly, the roots of the Paris Marathon stretch back to 1896 when the first edition took place just days after the conclusion of the Olympic Games in Athens. Drawing a modest crowd of 191 runners, this early version paved the way for the marathon we know today. The current format of the Paris Marathon officially launched in 1976, with a modest 126 participants completing the race. Since then, its success has been on an upward trajectory, reaching over 10,000 arrivals in 1984 and an impressive 40,000 arrivals by 2015.
Navigating the Paris Marathon: route and profile
Boasting impressive records of 2h05’04 for men (achieved by Kenenisa Bekele in 2014) and 2h20’55 for women (set by Purity Rionoripo in 2017), the Paris Marathon showcases not only speed but the spirit of self-discovery and personal achievement. While there are certainly flatter courses out there, the marathon journey is a profound experience that encourages self-reflection and the pursuit of one’s limits. It’s an opportunity to fine-tune your timing, aiming to achieve milestones like breaking the 3-hour, 3:30, 4-hour, or 4:30 marks.
The primary challenge in this marathon unfolds at the 34th kilometer with a notable hill, followed by the last 3 kilometers on a gently sloping terrain ascending through the scenic Bois de Boulogne. These elements contribute to the unique character of the Paris Marathon, making it a memorable and fulfilling adventure for every participant.
The Paris Marathon in figures
- 42.195 km, the classic marathon distance 😉
- 3,000 dedicated volunteers
- A cheering crowd of 250,000 spectators
- Fuel for the runners: 24 tonnes of bananas, 19 tonnes of oranges, 7 tonnes of apples, and 3 tonnes of dried fruit
- Hydration on the go: 520,000 bottles of water
- An impressive 97% completion rate among participants
- Approximately 60% of runners achieve a finishing time exceeding 4 hours
- Cumulative distance covered by competitors: about 1,800,000 km, equivalent to more than 2 round trips between Earth and the Moon
How to enlist for the Paris Marathon?
To secure your spot in the Paris Marathon, registration fees range from 89 euros to 119 euros, contingent on your registration date. Additionally, you can explore various VIP or tourist packages for an enhanced experience.
For detailed information and registration, visit the official Paris Marathon website.
Despite the modest undulations in its course, the Paris Marathon is renowned for its scenic route. Participants are drawn not only to its small hills but, more importantly, to the unique atmosphere and the chance to discover the capital from a distinctive perspective. With the right training regimen, you can certainly achieve your marathon aspirations.
If you’re gearing up for this monumental event, consider leveraging the expertise of the RunMotion Coach, your digital running coach, to help you prepare effectively!
