This thread has been rolling since 2005-2006 times and renews itself every year. We're a friendly, supportive bunch. Many people keep coming back to run the same marathon and there are always new 'faces' on the thread. So join in, introduce yourself. We've always got lots to talk about and sometimes it even has to do with running and Paris. Welcome
Paris Marathon official website
ASO Challenges website - you need to have an account with ASO to register for the race
Medical Certificate
You will need a certificate signed and stamped from your doctor, download the certificate from the Paris Marathon website. http://www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/us/registration/medical-certificate
Some doctors do it for free, others a minimum consultancy charge. Take it with you if you have to see the doctor between now and the race.
Travel
Eurostar is a personal favourite to Gare du Nord as you arrive in the centre of Paris. Tickets available begining of October.
EXPO
If possible arrive on the Friday as the Expo is extremely busy on the Saturday. If you must go to the Expo on the Saturday, don’t worry, others have and they survived.
To get to the Expo. GARE DU NORD, take Metro 4 direction Maire de Monterouge, change at MONTPARNASSE, Metro 12 to PORTE DE VERSAILLES.
You will require; ???
You will be given your bib, a ticket for the bag drop and 4 safety pins. Also a basic goody bag; plastic bin liner, sponge, water bottle, bumbag….
Saturday Evening
We have our own meet up at a pasta restaurant, numbers are confirmed a couple of weeks before the race.
Race Day
The Arc de Triomphe. Metro station Charles de Gaulle Etoile. RER A. Metro lines 1, 2, 6
Bag drop.
You can take any bag to the drop zone, attach your ticket to the handle. Allow 15 minutes to walk from the Arc to the bag drop and back.
Group Photo.
Our second meeting point, at 8am we have a group photo. Facing the Arc with back to the Champs, we’ll be by the right leg. This gives the fast runners time to get to their pens.
There are limited portaloos in the pens and urinals. Some go in the side streets and even in the pen. It happens, if you get caught short you’ll understand.
Start Area
The Champs Eylsées is in the shade, it can be very cold, bring throw away clothes to discard in the pen. Wait until last minute because there are staggered starts.
The pens are split in two, each pen goes one after the other then one side of the pen, then the other. Last pen leaves just after 10 am.
The Race
The course is fairly flat however start is downhill for 2km, it is easy to get carried away and start too fast. There is a small climb at 32km depending on your race, you’ll either not notice it or it will seem like Everest. Save Energy, not time.
There are makers every kilometre and mile.
Water stations every 5km. 33cl bottled water.
There are two sports drink stations one at 28km, this year it was Isostar in small cups.
You start on the Champs Elysées, down to the Concorde, pass the Louvre, around the Bastille, around the Bois de Vincennes back along the Seine, Trocadero and the Eiffel Tower, up to to Roland Garros and the Longchamps race course, around Bois de Boulogne and finishing along avenue Foch with the Arc de Triomphe in the background. The support is great and your own supporters can cheer you on 3-6 occasions along the route. In the two woods (Bois), the support is sparse but generally there is a great atmosphere.
Sunday night
Come to the pub, 3rd meet up, wear your medal with pride. No matter your time, you have earned that medal. Everyone will be sharing their race stories. Please say hello, tell us your pen and bib number, perhaps a little about yourselves. If the thread moves on or life gets in the way, doesn’t matter join in when you can.
Comments
I'd thoroughly recommend everyone who is running Paris to join this thread. There's a great amount of knowledge and support :-)
I won't be joining next year but hope to be back in 2019!
I know come the race weekend my heart will be in Paris though. Nothing but good memories of the Paris meet ups.
One thing looking at the course description, it's slightly out of date. Last year they altered the route into the park of death, so you no longer run past Roland Garros.
I am signed up ...all I need to do now is get back to doing some running:) Thanks for bringing this thread alive The Jimbob .. great stuff!!
I did Paris as my first marathon in 2014 and have now run it three times. It can be addictive!
What a way to start StephaA.....I am a big fan of Paris and like a lot of others keep on coming back .
Thanks The Jimbob I am Green 44777.
The route looks pretty good for supporters to be able to cheer you on in a few locations - any thoughts as to the best supporter spots?
The Jimbob, I am Pink 69194 - thanks!!
We've booked flights and airbnb so just a small matter of training now. Bring on April!
StephA - Running Rodent is correct that anywhere near to the Arc is easiest for the start/finish. That said, I've stayed in Montmartre for all five of my Paris marathons and the Metro has been quick and easy for getting to and from the marathon.
Will still have to use the baggage drop though as we're checking out on the Sunday and flying home that evening! We'll have been away since Friday and can't really leave the children for longer than that. Just hope I finish in time to get the flight!
Steph (I'm a steph too)
<div class="QuoteAuthor"><a href="/profile/danthevan">danthevan</a> said:</div>
<div class="QuoteText">Hi All, I'll be way back in Green 68716. Did London in 2015 and 2016 and am hoping to do it again next year for a charity, so going for two in two weeks (I know!!) I believe it should be possible :)</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="Quote">
<div class="QuoteAuthor"><a href="/profile/Fleet%20Girl">Fleet Girl</a> said:</div>
<div class="QuoteText">Dan - I've entered the ballot as usual but unlikely to be running 2 in 2 weeks! If by some miracle I get in I'll join you. </div>
</blockquote>
Going for the same -- fingers crossed!!
I'm returning for some unfinished business with the patisseries of Paris, red 3451.
I'm also doing the "double".
Good luck to anyone even considering the "double", that sounds a stretch to far for me!!
Maccatheknacca, love your attitude, I think it will be the promise of the patisseries that will get me round...