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Operating In France


You may take a strolling tour, river cruise, or bus tour to see France, however how about one other method….by working in France? Let me make clear. I’m not suggesting you run AROUND France to see the websites. I’m suggesting that in case you are travelling to France, that you simply think about including in a working race in France….5 km, 10km, half-marathon or perhaps a marathon. Earlier than you say, “I can’t even run 1 mile/kilometre”, I ought to level out that many races have entries for walkers, so it’s not out of the query.

[This post was originally published in November, 2015 but is constantly updated to included additional races and advice. Latest update: January 20, 2024].

*This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks. If you happen to make a purchase order by these hyperlinks, I get a small fee at no additional cost to you. It helps assist the working of this web site and I do recognize your assist.*

Operating In France: Some Races I’ve Finished

Once I journey to France I like so as to add in a working race if I can.  Of the 37 journeys I’ve taken to France, I’ve executed 11 races:

If you happen to don’t wish to do a race however are simply concerned about doing a little working, try my submit on one of the best spots to run: The place To Go Operating In Paris: 10 Greatest Spots

Running Race Finisher Medals France
Operating Race Finisher Medals

Right here’s how you are able to do a race and revel in your journey.

Paris Marathon start on the Champs Elysee Running in France
Paris Marathon begins on the Champs Elysee

Signing Up

Many French race web sites have English websites the place you possibly can enroll on-line. You may be required to submit a health care provider’s certificates earlier than the race verifying that you’re in adequate well being to do the race. The certificates is often in French; nonetheless, it’s pretty simple to translate.

Jet Lag

I’ve executed many of those races quickly after arriving in France from North America. Sure, I had jet lag…there’s a 6-hour time distinction so a 9:00 am race is definitely 3:00 am EST for me. Don’t let that dissuade you. You’ll be so excited that getting up early (6:30 am—-so 12:30 am) isn’t that dangerous. Actually! I often take a gravol the evening earlier than to verify I sleep.

You may additionally wish to learn these posts:                  
The place To Take French Immersion Programs In France    
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France—the place to search out essentially the most lovely villages in France
How (And The place) To Spend 2 Weeks In The Dordogne  

The Races

Paris Marathon Route
Paris Marathon Route

Le Semi-Marathon Pegasus (June)

Scottish bagpipers opening Le Semi-marathon Pegasus-Marathon de la Liberte
Scottish bagpipers opening Le Semi-marathon Pegasus (J .Chung)

The Semi-Marathon Pegasus is a part of the “Le Marathon de la Liberté” (aka “Freedom Marathon”) collection of races that takes place in Normandy across the time of the D-Day anniversary. Along with the half marathon, there’s a marathon, relay marathon, 10km race, a girls’s 5km race (La Rochambelle), a rollerblading race, and a youngsters’s race. They do restrict the variety of members (ie. for the half marathon the race is proscribed to five,000 racers).

Two attention-grabbing issues about this race:-You don’t get your t-shirt once you decide up your bib. You solely get your T-shirt for those who end the race!

– This race has a time restrict. It’s a must to end the half marathon in below 2.5 hours. Plus, you needed to cross the 10km and 15km mark inside sure instances (lower than 1h15 and 1hr50 respectively) or else you’d (supposedly) be taken out of the race.  Undecided in the event that they actually did this as I ran below these instances; nonetheless, speak about motivation!

For the half marathon, I parked on the Caen Exhibition Heart and took a shuttle to the beginning, positioned in Bénouville, which is the place British troopers liberated the well-known Pegasus Bridge in World Struggle II. Once you arrive, there’s a bag examine. On the day of the race the temperature was perfect-early morning it was 11° Celsius and by the top of the race, it was 18° Celsius.

Scottish bagpipers opened the race and all the races rejoice and honour the troopers who fought for our freedom on June 6, 1944 and through World Struggle II, which is why they are saying of their promotional materials, 

“A singular expertise within the footsteps of historical past’s heroes”.

The primary 5 kilometres have been very crowded, particularly at Château de Bénouville. Everybody needed to stroll to enter the park. The route goes from Bénouville to Caen and it’s pretty flat, with solely an ascent of 115 metres. Along with working by the Canal de Caen å la Mer, you do run by some small cities and thru the countryside, so there was usually shade. There have been solely 3 or 4 water stations with bottled water, oranges, and bananas.

The final kilometer has you getting into Stade Hélitas (stadium) again in Caen and working on the observe. After crossing the end line, you decide up your finisher’s t-shirt after which line up for the “Saveurs de Normandie”….meals from the Normandy area. They provided Livarot cheese, crostinis with jam, Teurgoule de Janville (rice pudding with cinnamon), cookies, and naturally Normandy cider! It was one of many extra attention-grabbing post-race meals choices I’ve had.

The following Marathon de la Liberté is scheduled for Might 31-June 2, 2024. This will probably be an particularly memorable occasion as a result of it’s the eightieth anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

Indonesian sailors join Le Footing des Marins at the Rouen Armada
Indonesian sailors be part of Le Footing des Marins on the Rouen Armada (J. Chung)

An important occasion in Normandy is the Rouen Armada, which solely occurs each 4 or 5 years. This fabulous occasion runs for 11 days in early June the place tall ships from all over the world collect at Rouen. There are particular (many free) occasions together with alternatives to board the ships, concert events, cruises, fireworks and extra. On the final day, a Grand Parade takes place the place the ships depart Rouen and sail down the Seine River.

One particular occasion is “Le Footing des Marins” which suggests “Jogging with the sailors”. This 6-kilometre race is proscribed to 2000 members and it isn’t thought of a aggressive race however moderately a “enjoyable” race.

The day earlier than the race the organizers determined to vary the race to a stroll and to shorten the gap as a result of warmth. In all honesty, it wasn’t as scorching as another races I’ve been in; nonetheless, I assume they didn’t need anybody fainting!

The beginning was at Parc de la Presqu’île Rollet, alongside the Seine River in Rouen. Simply earlier than the “stroll” began, you could possibly hear singing from throughout the water. It was the sailors from the Indonesian ship, the Bima Suci! They have been marching to the beginning of the race and after they arrived, they carried out an exquisite chant for us. All of us walked collectively throughout the bridge to the opposite facet of the harbour and onto an space the place that they had refreshments corresponding to croissants, apples, and Teurgoule, Normandy rice pudding.

Some freebies bought handed out (ie hats and water bottles) and I bought a very nice Seine-Maritime 76 hoodie [76 is the number for the Seine-Maritime department]. That they had a band enjoying and the sailors joined in so it was a enjoyable occasion to participate in. Hopefully, for the subsequent Armada, they’ll even have a working race!

Essential word: The data for selecting up the t-shirt and bib was complicated. Along with submitting your physician’s word, you could possibly solely decide up your race package the previous couple of days of Might, though the race wasn’t till June 16! I emailed the organizer and was reassured I might decide it up the day I arrived in Paris (June 1) on my approach to Bayeux. Had I not been fortunate sufficient to go by Rouen, I wouldn’t have gotten my race package. Sort of odd they didn’t present it the day or two earlier than the race.

No date has been set for the 2027 race.

La Grande Classique: Paris to Versailles-16.2 km (September)

La Grande Classique Paris Versailles Race 2022

I took half within the 16.2-kilometer “La Grande Classique” race which takes you from Paris to Versailles. The route goes by the Meudon Forest and has some steep hills to climb. The assist from 1800 volunteers and musical teams/bands (15) was excellent. Many locals, even of us from one of many city’s retirement properties have been there cheering us on. The ultimate outcomes present that there have been 20,102 finishers.

The race package pick-up was obtainable the Friday and Saturday earlier than the race. Sadly, it took me about 50 minutes to get to the Palais des Sports activities the place I had hoped there could be sports activities distributors there, like different races. Sadly, there have been simply tables set as much as get your race package and t-shirt. That’s all.

On the day of the race, a baggage examine was obtainable, however my bag needed to be dropped off earlier than 9:30. This meant that I used to be within the fenced-in space till the race began. It turned very crowded and troublesome to heat up and even transfer. If you happen to do that race, heat up earlier than you drop off your bag and enter the safe space. The bags tag will probably be connected to your bag and the receipt stapled to your bib.

Throughout the race, there have been “feeding stations”; nonetheless, there was no meals, solely water. I discovered this race to be extra aggressive or “pushy” than different races I’ve executed in France. I feel as a result of the roads have been often not very large, we have been extra crowded in and this meant there was extra maneuvering to get forward. I felt there have been greater than the standard variety of “aggressive” runners. The steep incline started simply earlier than the 6km mark and lasted till about 8 km. I consider the incline was about 7 levels.

Once you end the race you might be on Avenue de Paris. Additional down the highway is the doorway to the Palais de Versailles. You’re handed a big bottle of water and a drawstring bag that comprises 2 granola bars and 1 apple sauce pouch. You additionally get a medal. I used to be impressed with how the race organizers designed the assembly space for family and friends who wish to meet up with the runners on the finish of the race.  There are designated assembly factors on Avenue de Paris indicated by huge indicators with names in line with European cities corresponding to  Dublin, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Brussels, Lisbon, and Rome.

Recommendation: assuming you’re staying in central Paris and going to return from Versailles utilizing the RER and Metro, buy your RER/Metro ticket prematurely. The RER station in Versailles (“Versailles Château Rive Gauche” station) was very crowded so having already bought your ticket will prevent time. Simply remember the fact that on the practice you’ll be packed in like sardines and also you’ll seemingly stand your entire method. Not enjoyable after working 16.2 km.

The following La Grand Classique: Paris To Versailles race will probably be on September 29, 2024.

La Course Effiage du Viaduc de Millau-23.7 km (Might)

La Course Effiage du Viaduc de Millau

My first journey, post-Covid, took me to the Aveyron division as a result of I needed to run throughout the tallest bridge on this planet: the Millau Viaduct. Structurally, it’s 1104 toes or 336.4 metres tall. Of all of the races I’ve executed in France, the La Course Effiage du Viaduc de Millau was essentially the most scenic. It crosses the Tarn valley and gorge and the views from many instructions are breathtaking. At one level the elevation reaches 390 meters (1300 toes).

Whereas the race wasn’t the longest I’ve executed (it’s solely 23.7 km), it was essentially the most troublesome. Central France was in the midst of a warmth wave and on the day of the race it was very sunny and the temperature reached 32° C. Plus, there have been 5 kilometres of very steep hills (50-60% incline??). Nobody ran up these hills. However these obstacles didn’t matter.

The views of the Viaduct have been spectacular and doing a working race on the Viaduc is the one method pedestrians are allowed ON the Millau Viaduc. Once you’re crossing the bridge in your automobile you aren’t allowed to get out and take photographs.

I registered for the race, which solely had round 6000 runners, in January for 45 €. The race expo is held on the Millau city corridor, which can be the situation of the end line. It was effectively organized and also you do get a t-shirt!

Like the opposite races, you must point out your anticipated end time and for the place to begin, you might be designated to the relevant corral. My ending time didn’t matter as a result of, with the warmth, I knew I might be sluggish and I finished quite a few instances to take photographs.

I used to be dissatisfied that there have been not further water stations. There was actually only one spot, on the 9km/14km marks (you circled again). I used to be so glad I introduced additional water and gels. There was numerous meals and water on the stations: oranges, cookies, sugar cubes, and so on. Many due to the locals throughout the previous couple of kilometers who introduced out the water hoses to chill us down. We actually wanted it.

In case your lodging will not be close to the beginning line, there are shuttles in varied areas of town that may take you to the race and again; nonetheless, I missed the final shuttle after the race and needed to stroll again. It wasn’t lengthy (ie. 2 km), however after having run nearly 24km I didn’t have a lot power left!

The following La Course Effiage du Viaduc de Millau is scheduled for September 22, 2024.

The Paris Half-Marathon (March)

Jan at Semi Marathon de Paris Race Expo
Jan at Semi Marathon de Paris Race Expo

On September 12, 2017 I bought up at 2:00 am within the morning (8:00 am Paris time) to register for this very fashionable race that doesn’t happen till March 5-the Semi-marathon de Paris. The price was 49 Euros however after a sure threshold, the value goes as much as the subsequent value of 54 Euros.

You’re required to point your anticipated ending time as this determines what corral you’ll be in. They’re very strict about after they let the runners into the beginning space. On this method, nonetheless, it is vitally organized. Your bib has a sure color on it and designates your entry time.

Semi Marathon de Paris starting time chart (J. Chung)
Semi Marathon de Paris beginning time chart (J. Chung)

On the race expo, positioned on the Parc Floral de Paris by Chateau de Vincennes, it is advisable convey all of your identification and papers. There you decide up your bib and t-shirt. There have been numerous cubicles promoting garments and power and hydration dietary supplements.

The day of the semi-marathon on March 5, 2018, was chilly (5 levels Celsius) and wet. Sadly, I did your entire race within the rain. Whereas supposedly 45,000 members signed up, solely 36,510 completed the race. I don’t blame the others for not ending. It was a troublesome race.

Colonne de Juillet at Place de la Bastille during the Semi Marathon de Paris (J. Chung)
Colonne de Juillet at Place de la Bastille throughout the Semi Marathon de Paris (J. Chung)

It is usually a lot totally different from the Paris Marathon because it takes place within the jap a part of Paris. You received’t be seeing the Arc de Triumph or the Louvre, however you’ll go by Place de la Bastille and run alongside the Seine and rue de Rivoli. The Eiffel Tower will probably be within the distance and half of the race will probably be in Bois de Vincennes, by the Chateau. It’s a really flat race with many, many bands enjoying (even within the rain) so the assist for the runners is superb.

The following Paris Half Marathon is scheduled for March 3, 2024.

The Semi-marathon d’Avranches (Might)

Jan at the Semi d'Avranches finish
Jan on the Semi d’Avranches end

[Registration is in November] The Semi-marathon d’Avranches is a comparatively flat race on the finish of Might that gives numerous alternatives to get photographs of Mont Saint-Michel which is the island on which stands the well-known Eleventh-century Benedictine abbey. After parking at Mont Saint-Michel, you may get a (pay as you go) shuttle to the place to begin in Avranches positioned simply north-east of Mont Saint-Michel. Sadly, we needed to wait 2 hours earlier than the race started; nonetheless, the climate was good. There are various totally different races on the Marathon du Mont Saint-Michel together with a full marathon, 10km, 5.5 km, 58.9 km path, and a Duo Marathon with two runners forming a staff.

There have been a few surprises with this race:

  • there was no water for ingesting or washing one’s fingers after utilizing the porta-potty (word: there weren’t a lot of these both)
  • you don’t finish AT the Abbey, however moderately on the town close to the automobile park. You’ll nonetheless get good views of the Abbey within the background, however it is going to be additional away. Once you cross the end line, you’ll get your medal and t-shirt, which is kind of frequent with French races.

No date has been set for the 2024 race.

The Paris Marathon

Walking to the start line at the Paris Marathon (J. Chung)
Strolling to the beginning line on the Paris Marathon (J. Chung)

Operating in France MUST embrace doing The Paris Marathon. The race that I ran had roughly 40,000 runners and it’s an superior approach to see Paris. The Paris Marathon route begins on the Arc de Triomphe. You run down the Champs Elysée, alongside Rue de Rivoli, after which by many Paris neighbourhoods the place the aroma of roasted chickens actually drove me loopy. My different races in Paris began and completed on the Eiffel Tower and we ran alongside the Seine for lots of the race.

The following Paris Marathon is scheduled for April 7, 2024.

The Marathon du Medoc

Janice Chung at the Marathon du Medoc running race
Jan with Flash Gordons on the Marathon du Medoc
Marathon du Medoc Chateau Another way to see France
Marathon du Medoc Chateau

The Marathon du Medoc has you passing by among the most scenic vineyards in France corresponding to Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Lynche-Bages. I stayed in Bordeaux and spent a couple of days touring round there earlier than doing the race in Pauillac. That is one of the best half about doing a race; you tie in some sightseeing earlier than and after the race. A marathon solely takes a couple of (OK, 3-6) hours so it’s not an excessive amount of trip of your itinerary.

The Marathon du Medoc is scheduled for September 7, 2024.

Les 20 Km de Paris (October)

20km de Paris start line at the Eiffel Tower (J, Chung)
20km de Paris begin line on the Eiffel Tower (J, Chung)

I’ve executed this race thrice and it’s held in October within the coronary heart of Paris when the climate is ideal: not too scorching and never too chilly. The race begins on the foot of the Eiffel Tower and the route follows alongside the Seine river and passes the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and thru Bois de Boulogne, a stunning forested space. So, for those who’d wish to sightsee, that is one other approach to see Paris!

The following 20km de Paris race will probably be on October 13, 2024.

Semi-marathon de Rambouillet (March)

For my March break vacation, I actually needed to go to Paris. The bonus was discovering a working race close by. This race was in Rambouillet, a brief practice trip simply outdoors of Paris. After arriving Paris from an in a single day flight from Canada, I took a practice to Rambouillet and checked into my lodge. However, no relaxation for the depraved. I needed to get to the race expo to select up my race bib, so it was an extremely tiring day (aka jet lag).

The following day I bought up early (up at 6:00 am was actually like getting up at midnight), had breakfast and headed off to the race. It was chilly however not freezing. The route took us partly by city and previous the well-known Chateau de Rambouillet. There was a wooded space that was good and on the finish apart from truffles, fruit and granola bars, we got scorching chocolate which was drastically appreciated! Later that day, after having showered and rested, I headed again into city to discover. Sadly the Chateau wasn’t open and I used to be leaving the subsequent day to move again to Paris, so I actually didn’t see a lot of the city.

The following Semi-marathon de Rambouillet is scheduled for March 10, 2024.

top 10 Paris Photo location stamp
High 10 Picture Places In Paris

E-newsletter group members get entry to free unique content material like this bonus, “High 10 Picture Places In Paris” cheat sheet. Join now!

Semi-marathon d’Antony (March)

Just like the Semi-marathon de Rambouillet, I discovered that this race happened throughout a March break vacation. Antony can be only a practice trip away. They have been having a Semi-marathon; nonetheless, I simply did their 7 km race. It ran by the city’s streets, so it wasn’t particularly scenic. However it was a stupendous, heat (20 levels) March day, so I didn’t complain. After the race, I hopped on the practice and headed again to Paris, so it was a simple race to do. [The 5.5 km race has now replaced the 7 km race.]

The following Semi-marathon d’Antony is scheduled for March 24, 2024.

The Meals

French races are a bit totally different from North American races the place water stations have cups of water and perhaps a sports activities drink like Gatorade. In France, water is offered together with sugar cubes, raisins, and orange segments. I discovered it odd (and never environmentally pleasant) and moderately harmful that water was not served in cups, however moderately bottles. Think about working over and round tons of of bottles and hoping you don’t slip on one!

Marathon du Medoc

The BEST water stations have been throughout the Marathon du Medoc in Bordeaux wine nation the place every water station had wine and meals corresponding to chips, granola bars, beef, paté, oysters, and ice cream. I didn’t get drunk as my technique was to sip a bit wine, sip a bit water and eat. I crossed the end line with out collapsing.

Marathon du Medoc
Marathon du Medoc

The Marathon du Medoc will not be a race the place members hope to get their finest time. It’s a celebration and lots of are wearing costumes and the yr I ran it, the theme was science fiction. My favorite image exhibits a staff of Flash Gordon racers holding me up…this was on the oyster water station. It’s a really supportive race the place plenty of instances runners wouldn’t solely say, “Allez! Allez!” (“Go! Go!) however would additionally gently information my elbow alongside. Hmmm, did I look that drained?

The End

Marathon du Medoc
Marathon du Medoc

Crossing the end line and getting a finisher’s medal is among the finest components of working a race. In North America, there are often sports activities drinks, bananas, and bagels to eat. In France, I’ve been given: pound cake, prunes, granola bars, cookies, and muffins, however the BEST swag was on the Marathon du Medoc. Every finisher acquired a knapsack containing a field with a bottle of Bordeaux wine, a tasting cup to drink extra wine (or beer) on the finisher’s beer tent. Informed you it was a celebration!

Wine from the Marathon du Medoc (J. Chung)
Wine from the Marathon du Medoc (J. Chung)

If you wish to have a memorable expertise travelling, significantly think about working in France and doing a race. You’ll haven’t solely have a fantastic achievement however additionally, you will have seen France in a barely totally different method.

And for those who can’t fathom a race, think about doing a Paris Operating Excursions tour. You’ll not solely get a troublesome or simple exercise (your alternative), however you’ll study all in regards to the historical past in Paris in a really attention-grabbing method.

Final Piece Of Recommendation, Particularly If You Don’t Need To Do A Operating Race In France

If you happen to don’t wish to do a working race in France,  however you might be travelling to Paris, I extremely recommend both working earlier than 8:30 am or working in a park. The reason being that the site visitors begins to get heavy and sadly you’ll inevitably need to cross some streets which have lights. So, you’ll be stopping and beginning continuously. You may run alongside the banks of the Seine as there are footpaths; nonetheless, as soon as once more you’ll hit a avenue and need to cross.

Another is to run in Luxembourg gardens. You’ll discover numerous joggers and it has a path across the perimeter; nonetheless its solely about 2 kilometers (1.3 miles). Jardin des Plantes is one other one however the perimeter is even smaller. Parc des Buttes Chaumont is gorgeous however a bit out of the best way. I’ve run up and down the Champs Elysee as effectively. Simply do it earlier than the crowds come out!

Take a look at my submit about working in Paris. I’ve chosen 10 of one of the best spots to run in Paris and have indicated what the route is like.

So the place have you ever run throughout your travels? What races have you ever executed in France?

If you happen to’d wish to have an energetic trip in France make sure you try these different posts:

Journey Sources

Reserving.com and Expedia: are the businesses I take advantage of for locating lodging.
VRBO: is tremendous for reserving residences and homes. 
AutoEurope: is the one automobile rental provider that I’ll use–with one of the best costs, and they’re going to refund the distinction if the value goes down. 
Trainline: gives a simple approach to e-book practice tickets.
Get Your Information and Viator: Each provide excursions, metropolis playing cards, tickets, airport pickups, and so many different stuff you’ll want at your vacation spot.
Orange SIM Card-this is the corporate I take advantage of after I desire a bodily SIM card
Orange e-SIM and Airalo e-SIM-both corporations provide e-SIMS and get nice opinions

Running in France

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