The morning of April 6th could not have been more glorious. A 7am start meant that there was a cool spring chill to the air, but the cloudless sky held promise of a brilliant day. There had been rain and even thunderstorms forecast for race day earlier in the week, but the online forum posts I had been reading seemed to be true: "It never rains on race day".
Paris is one of the largest marathons in the world, with almost 40,000 competitors at the start line. We arrived at the Arc de Triomphe at about 8am, after battling our way through the crowds on the Metro. The entire Champs Elyssee and surrounding roads were closed for the event, which meant that there were photo opportunities in front of the Arc de Triomphe, which I hear is very much a tradition for many returning runners. After taking a few snaps, we left the support crew to head off to their first spectator point and Mum and I made our way into the start pens.
We were at the pens by about 8.15am, which left plenty of time for nervous-weeing and all of the other necessary bits that never take place before a training run. Each pen had 4 portaloos and urinals for the boys. Although we joined the queue as soon as we entered the pen, it was at least 20 minutes before we were able to go.
A warm-up was taken by some very energetic French men and by 8.45am when the wheelchair and elite racers crossed the start line I was rearing to go. Unfortunately it wasn't just a case of getting on with it, as we had opted for the last wave (4 hours 30) and didn't get to cross the start line until 9.45am. This wasn't a massive issue, but it was a little annoying being on our feet for hours before we actually had to do any running!
The course itself was incredible and everything was very well organised. It passes by some of the most breath-taking sights of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre and many more. The great thing about running 26.2 miles around the city is that you come across places that you would probably never go to. The park area near Chateau de Vincennes at mile 7 is something I'd never heard of before, but it is absolutely breathtaking.
Every 5km water was provided by Vittel and there were also feed stations at various points throughout the course. These provided orange segments, bananas, dried fruit, sugar cubes and other snacks. Although these feed stations are great, it's very easy to over do it and feel as if you are carrying too much food in your belly. I had to be particularly careful and didn't take anything until the last two feed stations when I really needed the boost. Practicing with similar foods out on training runs is probably your best bet to make sure it doesn't upset your stomach.
As you can imagine, feed and water stations became rather dangerous by the time I made it to them. It was the first time I've ever been able to understand how one can slip on a banana skin! Being careful around these areas was definitely a must.
I entered in September with the intention of running 4 hours and 30 minutes. Unfortunately, commitments to university exams and a knee injury meant I missed some of my longer runs in the training plan and ultimately was not on track for that time. Sub 5 was what I had decided I would be happy with. As with many races these days, Paris has pace makers, or hares as they are called here. There are four hares for each time (4 hours, 4 hours 15, 4 hours 30 etc) and they all make themselves very obvious with massive flags attached to their backs. I began by running with the 4 hour 30 hare and stuck just in front of him. I was really pushing myself in the heat and ran a 2 hour 13 minute half marathon. Although I was keeping a steady pace, the hare would fluctuate his pace, running faster to get to a feed station and stop to walk once getting there. I couldn't keep up with this and found myself frustrated by being passed by the hare and then passing him myself minutes later. He was yelling in French to the group of people around him periodically (motivating them or letting them know his race tactic maybe?), but unfortunately my simple French knowledge didn't pick up on what he was saying. I eventually lost him just after the half marathon stage and felt much happier once I did. From that point I really took in everything around me and enjoyed where I was and what I was doing rather than worrying about the whereabouts of Mr Hare.
The final 5 miles of the marathon are run in Bois de Boulogne and are pretty lonely. Being fairly inaccessible by Metro, it wasn't possible to see our support crew in these final stages and the cobbled roads really hurt. The closer the finish line got, the better it got however, with wine on offer from local vineyards and bands set up along the way to help keep one foot in front of the other.
I sprinted to the finish at 4 hours and 51 minutes, breaking the 5 hour target I had set myself as the race unfolded. For a first marathon it's something I'm pleased with, but I have to hunger to go further and better it. As I made my way through the finishing pen, proudly collected my medal, finishers top and bright green rain jacket I was feeling pretty emotional. This was something that I had set my heart on more than six months ago and I had achieved it. Finishers are offered a massage in the Tiger Balm tent, however the queue was massive, so I gave it a miss and went to find the support crew for a sausage baguette and some champagne!
Quick Hits:
The Good Bits:
- Plenty of water and food stations that are well stocked
- Beautiful course
- Lots of spectator support
- Nice wide Parisian roads
- Great finishers area with powerade, more food and massages
The Not So Good Bits:
- Waiting around at the start line
- Slippery food stations
- Hares weren't so good in my experience
Overall, if you're thinking about doing it.. DO IT. Commit to it completely and you won't regret it one bit.
H x
