The Paris Marathon is one of the most popular long-distance annual running events in Europe along with the Berlin and London marathons. Every year in April, 35,000 runners crowd the streets of Paris for Marathon de Paris – or Paris International Marathon. This year, the event is going to be held on April 11th, 2010.
The first marathon in Paris was run by 191 participants on July 19th 1896. The official distance was 40 km, but the marathon has been happening in today’s format since 1977. It is limited to 37,000 entrants, and the maximum is reached almost every year. Unlike most other marathons, but like all races in France, the Paris Marathon requires a medical certificate affirming the runner is physically fit to run a marathon.
Throughout the race, runners get a great view of the city and some of its famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Place de la Bastille. The course start in front of the Arc de Triomphe and continues down the famous Champs Elysées. A large part of the course runs along the calmly flowing Seine River. To keep you going, count on the 250,000 onlookers and the 70 music stages. And if that isn’t enough, you can always look forward to the red wine and cheese served at the 35th kilometer.
If you miss the chance to run the marathon but still want to live the spirit of running in a historical city, you can do the 5.2 km Breakfast Run on race day. There is also the possibility of a half marathon, if you plan your trip to Paris in March. The 1/2 marathon shares most of its course with the full marathon. For further information, check the Paris Marathon website.
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