Paris in (double-quick) Springtime

Deemed to be one of the most beautiful marathon courses in the world, the sentiment of Frank Sinatra’s “I love Paris in the Springtime” seemed to fill the capital’s air on 5 April. Yet, as preparations began for the 33rd Paris Marathon, it was its reputation for speed, rather than beauty, that was about to be reaffirmed.

One of Europe's finest
As the 250,000 onlookers began to fill the shady parks and famous streets of Paris, organizers and runners alike could barely contain the excitement at this, since 1976 one of Europe’s most important long-distance running events, alongside the Berlin and London Marathons.

The first Paris Marathon actually took place in 1896, when a big crowd gathered to support the 191 contestants. Back then, Englishman Len Hurst won with an impressive finishing time of 2 hours, 31 minutes and 30 seconds. His prize money for the effort amounted to 200 francs; a modest reward but, of course, for most competitors then as today, it’s about the run. Whether it’s the tenth marathon and about breaking one’s personal best or if it’s that all-important premiere ...



Sightseeing in the fast lane
The starting gun for Le Marathon de Paris is fired right in front of the Arc de Triomphe, with the route continuing down the wide and wonderful Champs-Elysées. The scenic track passes through two Parisian woods and again past more glorious landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and Place de la Bastille. Of course, these are scenic treats perhaps more appreciated by the spectators, who have the added benefit of space at the many wide avenues, which prevent overcrowding.

Spectators also have a job to keep up, though. The general flatness of the course renders it one of the fastest marathons in the world and makes Paris a preferred event for setting PBs. Indeed, this year saw the young Kenyan Vincent Kipru win with an extraordinary time of 2 hours, 5 minutes and 47 seconds, as well as five other athletes come in at less than 2 hours, 7 minutes. To achieve this end, there is only one word to keep in mind at the sound of the starting gun: “Allez!”



Tears, kisses and... oysters
The halfway point of the Paris Marathon is reached at Rue de Charenton. From here, the meandering Seine guides runners through the heart of Paris, allowing them to pass Île de la Cité and go under the Pont Neuf. This is followed by several tunnels, which for this year’s runners offered some welcome cool shade from the stifling 85% humidity. To lift the spirits (and rest those aching feet), there is a large drinks station and foot massage at Trocadéro. More spectacular – and a feature which really sets the Paris Marathon apart – is the serving of wine, cheese and oysters around the 35th kilometer. Just in case you’d ‘hit a wall’ and forgotten you were in beautiful France – a few minutes away from glory.

Oysters finished, the 2009 Paris Marathon sees its 31,000 competitors stream toward the finish line at Avenue Foch and into the arms of their supporters.



The 42 km behind them, the runners – victors – of the 2009 Paris Marathon now slow the pace and take time to collapse, kiss the ground, their medals and their loved ones. Perhaps a phone call to mum: “I did it!”

Thank you, Paris.