I booked this trip with Marathon Tours (as I have for most of my international races). They are always reliable, though this trip had a surprisingly light itinerary. Our hotel … MORE
I booked this trip with Marathon Tours (as I have for most of my international races). They are always reliable, though this trip had a surprisingly light itinerary. Our hotel (Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon) was convenient to the start and finish. There was a pre-race dinner the night before and a cocktail reception following the race. Marathon Tours also picked up participant bibs so we didn’t have to go to the expo.
The race swag was nice. I registered for the “unforgettable” package so I received a “flocked” shirt (my name on the back of the shirt), free photos & videos, and (in theory) the race will be sending me a personalized time piece that can be added to my medal. The shirt and medal are nice. And post finish line the race provided a really nice race branded small duffle bag.
Paris is a beautiful city with lots to see and do. Unfortunately runners see very little of that on race day. While the course is mostly flat there is very little scenery. It is a very large race (almost 48,000 in 2024) and it is organized well. Of course, it is always tough being in the last wave (11 AM start) and seeing so many finishers (who started as early as 8 AM) as you are walking to the start!
As you are walking to the start you will see some port-o-potties. Use them! Don’t assume there will be more. There were surprisingly few of them in the start area and on the course.
As I was waiting to start the race, I turned to my friends and asked if we should be concerned that so many people were either holding water bottles or wearing hydration vests. We decided, “No, there have to be aid stations on the course.” We then panicked as we still hadn’t seen an aid station by the 5k. There was finally water near mile 4. That seemed late and it was only on one side (runner left) so it was a little chaotic. The next aid station was after mile 7. Then there was one final one. Be prepared for that.
Bottom line: I was happy to be visiting Paris (for the 1st time) and being with my friends. The race itself, though, will not be one that remember.
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Great city, so-so race
I booked this trip with Marathon Tours (as I have for most of my international races). They are always reliable, though this trip had a surprisingly light itinerary. Our hotel … MORE
I booked this trip with Marathon Tours (as I have for most of my international races). They are always reliable, though this trip had a surprisingly light itinerary. Our hotel (Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon) was convenient to the start and finish. There was a pre-race dinner the night before and a cocktail reception following the race. Marathon Tours also picked up participant bibs so we didn’t have to go to the expo.
The race swag was nice. I registered for the “unforgettable” package so I received a “flocked” shirt (my name on the back of the shirt), free photos & videos, and (in theory) the race will be sending me a personalized time piece that can be added to my medal. The shirt and medal are nice. And post finish line the race provided a really nice race branded small duffle bag.
Paris is a beautiful city with lots to see and do. Unfortunately runners see very little of that on race day. While the course is mostly flat there is very little scenery. It is a very large race (almost 48,000 in 2024) and it is organized well. Of course, it is always tough being in the last wave (11 AM start) and seeing so many finishers (who started as early as 8 AM) as you are walking to the start!
As you are walking to the start you will see some port-o-potties. Use them! Don’t assume there will be more. There were surprisingly few of them in the start area and on the course.
As I was waiting to start the race, I turned to my friends and asked if we should be concerned that so many people were either holding water bottles or wearing hydration vests. We decided, “No, there have to be aid stations on the course.” We then panicked as we still hadn’t seen an aid station by the 5k. There was finally water near mile 4. That seemed late and it was only on one side (runner left) so it was a little chaotic. The next aid station was after mile 7. Then there was one final one. Be prepared for that.
Bottom line: I was happy to be visiting Paris (for the 1st time) and being with my friends. The race itself, though, will not be one that remember.
Where are the monuments ?
I was disapointed by the route as most part of the race is actually outside of the city, in the Bois de Vincennes. Come on Paris, you have so much … MORE
I was disapointed by the route as most part of the race is actually outside of the city, in the Bois de Vincennes. Come on Paris, you have so much more to show for your half marathon ! This is a massive event with 40 000 runners, and I have to admit that it is well organized on race day, with successive departure, you do not feel the mass of people. Disapointed by the race pack as well, with just the t-shirt from the race, for 55 € they can do better ! Also, the expo is not well located, at the far north east part of the city, at the parc de la Villette. On the plus side, the medal is nice with a beautiful design every year.
Flat and Fast!
Paris Semi-Marathon is a fast and flat race through the eastern part of the city. The course is quite nice and the race is very well organized. If you haven´t … MORE
Paris Semi-Marathon is a fast and flat race through the eastern part of the city. The course is quite nice and the race is very well organized. If you haven´t started the spring season in February this early March race is a good race to kick off!
Big city Halfmarathon. Felt generic
Not that many halfmarathons in Europe in early spring. Paris is often still cold then. Expo is relatively big. Start= finish, passing some sights of eastern Paris like hotel de … MORE
Not that many halfmarathons in Europe in early spring. Paris is often still cold then. Expo is relatively big. Start= finish, passing some sights of eastern Paris like hotel de vile and place de la Bastille.