You’ll be able to take a strolling tour, river cruise, or bus tour to see France, however how about one other method….by operating in France? Let me make clear. I’m not suggesting you run AROUND France to see the websites. I’m suggesting that if you’re travelling to France, that you simply contemplate including in a operating 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].
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Working In France: Some Races I’ve Performed
Once I journey to France I like so as to add in a operating race if I can. Of the 37 journeys I’ve taken to France, I’ve performed 11 races:
In case you don’t need to do a race however are simply fascinated by doing a little operating, take a look at my publish on the very best spots to run: The place To Go Working In Paris: 10 Greatest Spots
Right here’s how you are able to do a race and revel in your journey.
Signing Up
Many French race web sites have English websites the place you may join on-line. You may be required to submit a physician’s certificates earlier than the race verifying that you’re in ok well being to do the race. The certificates is often in French; nonetheless, it’s pretty simple to translate.
Jet Lag
I’ve performed 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 night time earlier than to verify I sleep.
You may also prefer 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 stunning villages in France
–How (And The place) To Spend 2 Weeks In The Dordogne
The Races
Le Semi-Marathon Pegasus (June)
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 individuals (ie. for the half marathon the race is restricted to five,000 racers).
Two fascinating issues about this race:-You don’t get your t-shirt whenever you choose up your bib. You solely get your T-shirt if you happen to end the race!
– This race has a time restrict. You must end the half marathon in beneath 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’ll (supposedly) be taken out of the race. Unsure in the event that they actually did this as I ran beneath these instances; nonetheless, discuss motivation!
For the half marathon, I parked on the Caen Exhibition Middle and took a shuttle to the beginning, situated in Bénouville, which is the place British troopers liberated the well-known Pegasus Bridge in World Conflict II. While 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 the entire races have a good time and honour the troopers who fought for our freedom on June 6, 1944 and through World Conflict 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 operating by the Canal de Caen å la Mer, you do run by some small cities and thru the countryside, so there was typically 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 operating on the monitor. After crossing the end line, you choose up your finisher’s t-shirt after which line up for the “Saveurs de Normandie”….meals from the Normandy area. They supplied Livarot cheese, crostinis with jam, Teurgoule de Janville (rice pudding with cinnamon), cookies, and naturally Normandy cider! It was one of many extra fascinating post-race meals alternatives I’ve had.
The subsequent Marathon de la Liberté is scheduled for Might 31-June 2, 2024. This will likely be an particularly memorable occasion as a result of it’s the eightieth anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
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 around the globe 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 implies “Jogging with the sailors”. This 6-kilometre race is restricted to 2000 individuals and it isn’t thought of a aggressive race however slightly a “enjoyable” race.
The day earlier than the race the organizers determined to vary the race to a stroll and to shorten the space 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 can 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 once they arrived, they carried out a beautiful chant for us. All of us walked collectively throughout the bridge to the opposite facet of the harbour and onto an space the place they’d refreshments resembling croissants, apples, and Teurgoule, Normandy rice pudding.
Some freebies received handed out (ie hats and water bottles) and I received a very nice Seine-Maritime 76 hoodie [76 is the number for the Seine-Maritime department]. They’d a band taking part in and the sailors joined in so it was a enjoyable occasion to participate in. Hopefully, for the following Armada, they’ll even have a operating race!
Essential observe: The knowledge for choosing up the t-shirt and bib was complicated. Along with submitting your physician’s observe, you can solely choose up your race equipment the previous couple of days of Might, regardless that the race wasn’t till June 16! I emailed the organizer and was reassured I may choose it up the day I arrived in Paris (June 1) on my method to Bayeux. Had I not been fortunate sufficient to move by Rouen, I wouldn’t have gotten my race equipment. Form 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)
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 help 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 equipment pick-up was out there 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 can be sports activities distributors there, like different races. Sadly, there have been simply tables set as much as get your race equipment and t-shirt. That’s all.
On the day of the race, a baggage examine was out there, 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 grew to become very crowded and troublesome to heat up and even transfer. In case you do that race, heat up earlier than you drop off your bag and enter the safe space. The luggage tag will likely be hooked up to your bag and the receipt stapled to your bib.
Through 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 performed in France. I believe as a result of the roads have been often not very huge, 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 imagine the incline was about 7 levels.
While you end the race you’re on Avenue de Paris. Additional down the highway is the doorway to the Palais de Versailles. You might be 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 need to meet up with the runners on the finish of the race. There are designated assembly factors on Avenue de Paris indicated by massive indicators with names in keeping with European cities resembling 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 upfront. The RER station in Versailles (“Versailles Château Rive Gauche” station) was very crowded so having already bought your ticket will prevent time. Simply remember that on the practice you’ll be packed in like sardines and also you’ll probably stand the whole method. Not enjoyable after operating 16.2 km.
The subsequent La Grand Classique: Paris To Versailles race will likely be on September 29, 2024.
La Course Effiage du Viaduc de Millau-23.7 km (Might)
My first journey, post-Covid, took me to the Aveyron division as a result of I wished 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 performed 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 performed (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 operating race on the Viaduc is the one method pedestrians are allowed ON the Millau Viaduc. While you’re crossing the bridge in your automotive 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 also be the placement of the end line. It was nicely 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’re designated to the relevant corral. My ending time didn’t matter as a result of, with the warmth, I knew I’d be sluggish and I ended quite a few instances to take photographs.
I used to be disillusioned 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 plenty of meals and water on the stations: oranges, cookies, sugar cubes, and so forth. Many because of 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 is just not close to the beginning line, there are shuttles in numerous 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 subsequent La Course Effiage du Viaduc de Millau is scheduled for September 22, 2024.
The Paris Half-Marathon (March)
On September 12, 2017 I received up at 2:00 am within the morning (8:00 am Paris time) to register for this extremely popular 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 following worth of 54 Euros.
You might be required to point your anticipated ending time as this determines what corral you may be in. They’re very strict about once 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.
On the race expo, situated on the Parc Floral de Paris by Chateau de Vincennes, it is advisable deliver all of your identification and papers. There you choose up your bib and t-shirt. There have been plenty of 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 the whole race within the rain. Whereas supposedly 45,000 individuals signed up, solely 36,510 completed the race. I don’t blame the others for not ending. It was a tricky race.
It’s also a lot totally different from the Paris Marathon because it takes place within the japanese a part of Paris. You gained’t be seeing the Arc de Triumph or the Louvre, however you’ll move by Place de la Bastille and run alongside the Seine and rue de Rivoli. The Eiffel Tower will likely be within the distance and half of the race will likely be in Bois de Vincennes, by the Chateau. It’s a really flat race with many, many bands taking part in (even within the rain) so the help for the runners is great.
The subsequent Paris Half Marathon is scheduled for March 3, 2024.
The Semi-marathon d’Avranches (Might)
[Registration is in November] The Semi-marathon d’Avranches is a comparatively flat race on the finish of Might that gives plenty of 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 will get a (pay as you go) shuttle to the place to begin in Avranches situated 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 a lot of 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 consuming or washing one’s fingers after utilizing the porta-potty (observe: there weren’t a lot of these both)
- you don’t finish AT the Abbey, however slightly on the town close to the automotive park. You’ll nonetheless get excellent views of the Abbey within the background, however will probably be additional away. While 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
Working in France MUST embody doing The Paris Marathon. The race that I ran had roughly 40,000 runners and it’s an superior method 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 subsequent Paris Marathon is scheduled for April 7, 2024.
The Marathon du Medoc
The Marathon du Medoc has you passing by a number of the most scenic vineyards in France resembling Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Lynche-Bages. I stayed in Bordeaux and spent a number of days touring round there earlier than doing the race in Pauillac. That is the very best half about doing a race; you tie in some sightseeing earlier than and after the race. A marathon solely takes a number 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)
I’ve performed this race 3 times 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, if you happen to’d prefer to sightsee, that is one other method to see Paris!
The subsequent 20km de Paris race will likely be on October 13, 2024.
Semi-marathon de Rambouillet (March)
For my March break vacation, I actually wished to go to Paris. The bonus was discovering a operating 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 subsequent day I received 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 moreover muffins, fruit and granola bars, we got scorching chocolate which was vastly 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 following day to go again to Paris, so I actually didn’t see a lot of the city.
The subsequent Semi-marathon de Rambouillet is scheduled for March 10, 2024.
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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 also 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 ravishing, 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 straightforward race to do. [The 5.5 km race has now replaced the 7 km race.]
The subsequent 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 possibly a sports activities drink like Gatorade. In France, water is supplied together with sugar cubes, raisins, and orange segments. I discovered it odd (and never environmentally pleasant) and slightly harmful that water was not served in cups, however slightly bottles. Think about operating over and round a whole lot of bottles and hoping you don’t slip on one!
The BEST water stations have been through the Marathon du Medoc in Bordeaux wine nation the place every water station had wine and meals resembling chips, granola bars, beef, paté, oysters, and ice cream. I didn’t get drunk as my technique was to sip a bit of wine, sip a bit of water and eat. I crossed the end line with out collapsing.
The Marathon du Medoc is just not a race the place individuals hope to get their finest time. It’s a celebration and plenty 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 numerous 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
Crossing the end line and getting a finisher’s medal is without doubt one of the finest components of operating 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 obtained 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!
If you wish to have a memorable expertise travelling, significantly contemplate operating in France and doing a race. You’ll haven’t solely have an amazing achievement however additionally, you will have seen France in a barely totally different method.
And if you happen to can’t fathom a race, contemplate doing a Paris Working Excursions tour. You’ll not solely get a tricky or simple exercise (your alternative), however you’ll be taught all concerning the historical past in Paris in a really fascinating method.
Final Piece Of Recommendation, Particularly If You Don’t Need To Do A Working Race In France
In case you don’t need to do a operating race in France, however you’re travelling to Paris, I extremely recommend both operating earlier than 8:30 am or operating 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 may be stopping and beginning always. You’ll be able to 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.
An alternate is to run in Luxembourg gardens. You’ll discover plenty of 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 way in which. I’ve run up and down the Champs Elysee as nicely. Simply do it earlier than the crowds come out!
Try my publish about operating in Paris. I’ve chosen 10 of the very 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 performed in France?
In case you’d prefer to have an lively trip in France you should definitely take a look at these different posts:
Journey Assets
Reserving.com and Expedia: are the businesses I exploit for locating lodging.
VRBO: is tremendous for reserving flats and homes.
AutoEurope: is the one automotive rental provider that I’ll use–with the very best costs, and they’ll refund the distinction if the value goes down.
Trainline: provides a straightforward method to ebook practice tickets.
Get Your Information and Viator: Each provide excursions, metropolis playing cards, tickets, airport pickups, and so many different belongings you’ll want at your vacation spot.
Orange SIM Card-this is the corporate I exploit after I desire a bodily SIM card
Orange e-SIM and Airalo e-SIM-both corporations provide e-SIMS and get nice evaluations
