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The Paris Marathon 2011 travel deals
The Paris Marathon 2011 travel deals
In April every year the streets of Paris are overrun, quite literally, with competitors taking part in the French capital’s very own marathon. And while the idea of intense physical exertion may seem somewhat at odds with the Gallic stereotype of Gauloises and general languidness, the Paris marathon manages to attract 35,000 runners every year from around France and the world.
The Paris marathon has been taking place in its current form since 1977, although the very first time a marathon was run in the city was as early as 1896. At that time the length of the race was measured as 40km, (equivalent to just under 25 miles) making it slightly shorter than today’s official marathon length of 42.195km (or 26 miles and 385 yards). Amazing to think that at some point somebody decided that the original distance just wasn’t quite far enough. The mind truly boggles.
Don’t be put off by the distance though. The Paris marathon has plenty to recommend it, not least the fact that whereas many other city marathons promise a chance to take in the sights on the way, but then guide their runners through their unknown and unkempt wastelands, the Paris marathon actually manages to deliver.
The course itself starts right in the heart of Paris in front of the Arc de Triomphe before continuing down the famed Champs-Élysées. From there it wends its way past some of the city’s most well known landmarks, including Notre Dame cathedral, Place de la Bastille and the Eiffel Tower. What’s more, it also passes through the beautiful woods of Bois de Boulogne to the West of the city and Bois de Vincennes to the East, and a significant section of the route runs alongside the picturesque River Seine, so competitors can be sure they won’t be short of scenery.
Then again, you may find the idea of running the Paris marathon yourself about as appealing as painful root canal surgery. If so you can always feign a minor injury and blame the fact that in order to take part in the Paris marathon all runners must provide a medical certificate stating that they are fit to take part.
Even if you don’t fancy running yourself though, that’s no reason to strike the Paris marathon from your diary. Running is surprisingly effective as a spectator sport, as the huge crowds that gather along the route make for a truly remarkable environment. And, if rather than throwing yourself in at the deep end you feel like just dipping your toe into the running water, you can always take part in the Paris International Breakfast Run. This 5.2km race takes place the day before the full Paris marathon and lives up to its name by finishing with breakfast provided by the organisers.
Bookings can be made up to 120 days in advance
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