Paris Marathon 2017 – our rep Ed’s report

Looking for the perfect running recipe for an experience of a lifetime? Look no further! Add a guided Sports Tours International marathon to “Paris in the Spring” and be prepared to be wowed! Whether it’s the allure of Spring, the flowering wisteria, the quaint cafes, the cobbled streets, the world famous land marks that will make you dizzy, you will experience all of this and more! The 26.2 mile route cuts an impressive swath through the finest of Paris, and in the Spring! Need I say more?

The energy surrounding the lead up to the marathon was palpable! On the Thursday before the race, I met Clement, our French based representative. We ironed out some of the finer details in preparation of the runners. We scouted the Expo, got the lay of the land and were very impressed by the great venue. It’s perhaps one of the best! The wide aisles and well organized lay out showcased running apparel, nutritional products, and many of the latest international marathons. There was even a
chance to win a trip to the Cotes d’A zur Marathon in Nice/Cannes through ourselves! We also did a sweep of the two host hotels, Ibis and Mercure, to insure that everything was up to standard and in place for our runners.

On Friday, I lead runners, some individual and some small groups, to the Expo for registration and all that involves. The runners were impressed by its quality and organisation and picked up some last minute purchases and mementoes.

Saturday began with a short run around Champ de Mass while others took advantage of the Friendship/Breakfast run which finished by the majestic Eiffel Tower and Ecole Militaire. Later in the day there was a briefing on what to expect with regards to transportation to the race start, early breakfast, meeting place and time etc. A complimentary drink was enjoyed on the terrace at the Ibis hotel.

Sunday. Race Day! Game on! The largest field of runners in the marathon’s history, approximately 46,000, descended the Arc de Triomphe under blue skies. The temperature rose to 23 degrees. The marathon route was well organized with water stops every 5 kms and ample portaloos. Spectator support was in full force throughout the event and many bands provided entertainment along the flat and fast course. The route showcased the best of Paris and passed Place de Concorde, The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Champs Elysées (just to name a few) finding its way back to the Arc de Triomphe. The green space was buzzing with runners, several celebrating over champagne, cheese and baguettes.
A most perfect day ended with a post race reception full of good cheer and animated story telling on Sunday evening. This allowed runners to share their race experiences with one another and provide feedback to Sports Tours International.

  

As a matter of interest, Kenyan husband and wife duo Paul Lonyangate and Purity Rionoripo won the men’s and women’s races with respective times of 2:06.10 and 2:20.25 (which is a new ladies record). In the wheelchair event, David Weir of Scotland romped home to victory in under an hour and a half.

Some of our finishers enjoying a post-race beer

I look forward to seeing you next year.

Ed Nicoll, Senior Overseas Sports Tours Representative.

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