For his 31st birthday this Saturday night, Duncan Perrillat, 31, received the best gift of all: a Marathon for All! “It’s an incredible atmosphere. The most amazing part is that there are spectators all along the course. It’s an experience everyone should have at least once in their life; it gives you so much adrenaline,” he exclaimed moments after crossing the finish line at Les Invalides around 11:30 p.m.
He was among the first to complete this historic race, which had no official rankings. He aimed to “make the most of” this immersive experience, noting how “impressive the first ten kilometers were on both sides of the track.” “I felt like I was joining the Olympic Games marathon,” he added. He didn’t mind the lack of an official ranking at the end of this event, which held no competitive significance.
“An atmosphere like this is worth more than any rankings,” he declared, his tank top soaked after enduring various challenges, including the Pavé-des-Gardes hill in Chaville (Hauts-de-Seine). All the “finishers” were welcomed by a lively mascot, Phryge, who energetically celebrated alongside a master of ceremonies with boundless enthusiasm.
American Athlete Takes First Place
The first participant in the Marathon for All, who started at 9 p.m. from the Hôtel de Ville, arrived at Les Invalides precisely at 11:24 p.m., completing 42.195 km of intense effort. His name is Jared Ward, a 35-year-old professional athlete from Salt Lake City, Utah, who participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics and finished sixth in the marathon. He outpaced a Polish runner.
His first words, between sips of refreshing water? “Paris is beautiful.” For this evening race, he enjoyed the encouragement of his children. He, too, was taken by the crowd’s cheers, which rivaled those at the New York marathon, known as the “loudest” on the planet due to the support of tens of thousands of spectators. He may not have taken home a gold medal, but he was there “just for fun.”
Robin Feigné, 35, also among the first group of runners to finish, was on cloud nine. “The first ten kilometers are extraordinary,” enthused this Parisian, a member of the Barbès Runners club. Unlike some of his fellow runners, who needed assistance from the Red Cross, were in wheelchairs, or even collapsed on the blue carpet laid out for the participants, he stood tall.
Saturday Night Heroes
However, he did struggle with the heat “at the beginning.” “You have to drink a lot and pace yourself,” he smiled. During his run, he took the opportunity to appreciate the scenery, noting that “the Eiffel Tower is magnificent.” His best memory? “A bustling Rue de Rivoli,” which, fueled by the fervor, turned every marathon runner into a Saturday night hero.
British athlete Paula Radcliffe, a former world record holder in the marathon (2h15), was also in high spirits. She enjoyed the view of the hot air balloon basin, accompanied by the Iron Lady. “I will never forget this,” she promised before quickly heading off to recover. Because this Sunday morning, an early morning marathon awaits her: she will be commenting on the women’s marathon for the British channel BBC.
Celebrating a Night to Remember: Marathon for All in Paris
A Night of Celebration and Community Spirit
For his 31st birthday this Saturday night, Duncan Perrillat, 31, received an unforgettable gift: the chance to participate in the Marathon for All. “It’s a crazy atmosphere. The craziest thing is that there are people all along the course. It’s an atmosphere that everyone should experience at least once in their life; it gives you so much adrenaline,” he shared just seconds after crossing the finish line at Les Invalides around 11:30 p.m.
Duncan was among the first to complete this historic race, which was notable for being unranked. “I tried to make the most of this crowd bath, very impressive the first ten kilometers on both sides of the track,” he added. The experience made him feel like he was partaking in the Olympic Games marathon, showcasing the event’s ability to transform an ordinary night into an extraordinary one.
The Unique Atmosphere of the Marathon for All
“An atmosphere like this is worth all the rankings,” Duncan exclaimed, his tank top soaked from the excitement and effort. Competing against time and the challenging course, which included the infamous Pavé-des-Gardes hill in Chaville (Hauts-de-Seine), he was greeted at the finish by a lively mascot Phryge and an animated master of ceremonies, creating a festive environment filled with encouragement.
Top Finishers: A Glimpse of Athletic Excellence
The first participant in the Marathon for All commenced their run at 9 p.m. from the Hôtel de Ville, and arrived at Les Invalides at precisely 11:24 p.m. This fast-paced runner was Jared Ward, a 35-year-old professional athlete from Salt Lake City, Utah. Having previously represented the USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he finished sixth in the marathon, Jared embraced the event’s unique setup, saying, “Paris is beautiful.” His excitement was palpable as he was motivated by the crowd’s support, which reminded him of the New York marathon, known for its enthusiastic spectators.
Despite not winning a gold medal, Jared emphasized his participation “just for fun,” marking the spirit of the Marathon for All as inclusive and community-driven. Many of the competitors shared a similar sentiment, celebrating the camaraderie and energy that the event inspired.
Local Champions: Stories from the Race
Another enthusiastic participant was Robin Feigné, also 35, who shared his elation after finishing. “The first ten kilometers are extraordinary,” exclaimed this Parisian member of the Barbès Runners club. He enjoyed the race despite facing heat challenges and emphasized the importance of hydration and pacing.
Robin took time during the marathon to appreciate the breathtaking scenery, particularly admiring the stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. He remarked on the vibrant atmosphere, recalling a “crowded Rue de Rivoli” that transformed every marathon runner into a Saturday night hero.
Legends of the Marathon: Paula Radcliffe
Paula Radcliffe, the former world record holder in the marathon with an astounding time of 2:15, also participated in the excitement. She relished the views of Paris, especially the picturesque hot air balloon basin. “I will never forget it,” she promised, highlighting the event’s memorable experience. Post-race, she prepared to commentate on the women’s marathon for the BBC, showcasing her commitment to promoting athletics and inspiring future generations.
Benefits of Participating in the Marathon for All
- Adrenaline Rush: Experience an exhilarating surge of energy from participating in a spirited marathon with a cheering crowd.
- Community Spirit: Embrace the camaraderie that develops among runners, supporters, and volunteers.
- Scenic Views: Run through iconic landmarks of Paris, creating unforgettable memories.
- Fitness Goals: A perfect opportunity to challenge yourself physically while developing a healthy habit.
- Fun and Enjoyment: Participate without the pressure of rankings and competition, focusing instead on enjoyment.
Preparing for Your First Marathon: Practical Tips
Participating in a marathon, especially one as lively as the Marathon for All, is an exhilarating experience that requires some preparation. Here are some essential tips to get you started:
- Training: Incorporate a balanced training regimen focusing on endurance, speed, and strength. Gradually increase your mileage to prepare your body.
- Nutrition: Fuel your body with a healthy diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients to build stamina.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated leading up to the race, and learn how to hydrate during the marathon by sipping water at regular intervals.
- Gear: Invest in comfortable running shoes and breathable clothing suitable for varying weather conditions.
- Mental Preparation: Visualize the course and remind yourself of the enjoyment of participating; a positive mindset can enhance your experience.
Real Experiences: Testimonials from Participants
| Runner | Experience | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Duncan Perrillat | Excited about the atmosphere, loved the crowd support. | Felt like an Olympic athlete! |
| Jared Ward | Participated for fun, enjoyed beautiful views of Paris. | Encouraged by his children’s cheers. |
| Robin Feigné | Faced heat challenges but enjoyed the scenery. | The magnificent Eiffel Tower view. |
| Paula Radcliffe | Relished the public support and atmosphere. | Made lifelong memories and prepared for commentary. |
Conclusion: A Meaningful Experience Awaits
The Marathon for All is not only a race; it’s a celebration of athleticism, community, and the beautiful city of Paris. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a first-time runner, the joy and adrenaline of the event create lasting memories that go beyond mere competition. Join the ranks of Saturday night heroes and plan your participation in the next Marathon for All!
