2024-08-13 21:55:38
From Saturday to Sunday, August 11, from 9 pm to 12:40 am, nearly 35,000 amateur runners set off from the Paris City Hall to participate in the National Marathon (marathon and 10km). An extraordinary race held at night on the same track as the Olympic athletes was a huge success.
The skies of Paris were filled with soft air as thousands of runners came from all directions to take part in the event, which was open to the public for the first time in Olympic history. Close to the town hall, Orange dominatesa T-shirt worn by countless runners in solidarity orange team runningthe main partner of this event.
For the marathon 10km format, approximately 35,000 runners are spread across 8 different airlocks. Every 10 minutes providing dedicated animations for each wave of beginners. Music, warm-up, countdown, light show… we all knew we were in for a unique and exciting immersive experience.
The French-American Basketball Finals await on your smartphone
Signing up for the 10km race – not quite ready for the marathon yet – and arriving early, I waited patiently. This was great because I could follow the end of the Olympic basketball final between France and the United States on my smartphone. There was a roar in the square in front of City Hall as Golden State Warriors leader Stephen Curry drained back-to-back three-pointers in the final minutes of the game to extinguish France’s hopes. “Too bad, no miracles, but we really have nothing to be ashamed of with our performance” said a young man following the debate behind me.
AC/DC “Thunderball” warms up well
After a few stretches, it’s time to return to the starting point at Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville. It’s been a while since the first marathon runners set off. Departure times for major routes are from 9:00 pm to 10:10 pm. As for the 10km race, the race time is from 11:30 pm to 12:40 am. Over several hundred meters I climbed up different airlocks to reach Airlock 6, where I had to take my position. The colorful crowd and endless array of participants was incredible. What a success!
It was long past nightfall. The Paris City Hall sparkles in the colors of Paris 2024. The warm-up is done to music. AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” sounds great. A sports coach sits on a ring in the middle of the road, setting the tone for the game. We sensed that the big night had arrived.
They set off chanting “Mary Jo, Mary Jo!”
According to the requirements of the organization, Various celebrities who have left their mark on sports history take the microphone at every start. Their encouragement is precious to us. We are lucky to have three-time Olympic champion Marie-José Perec as our godmother, as well as judoka Teddy Riina, who completed the last Olympic torch relay. She received a standing ovation. The line chanted “Mary Jo, Mary Jo.” Notice several famous athletes (Alistair Brownlee, Paula Radcliffe, Michael Jeremias, Emily Mauresmo, Camille Lacourt, Dorothea Weller, Mo Farah, Colin Kaepernick, Gu Ailing…) Don’t hesitate to put on your sneakers and head out among a group of unknown people.
At 11:20 p.m., just like that, it was time to let the beast loose. ” procession The official Olympic anthem, composed by Victor Le Masne, echoed above our heads. It’s beautiful and powerful. “Airlock Six, are you ready to make history? » Send speaker. “5, 4, 3, 2, 1… let’s start iii”. Due to the large number of attendees, the departure ceremony took place on the red carpet with a smaller pace. The sound and light effects are inspiring. The kind of detail that adds gravitas and emotion to the moment.
immersed in collective joy
From the first hundred meters, I was surprised by this Cheering crowds gather behind barriers. How many people are there? Unable to answer. The audience came in endless streams. They were reluctant to sleep and experienced this national marathon in their own way. Runners from all over France and some from abroad reveled in the collective joy.
As you run, you can clearly hear the enthusiasm rising from the Parisian sidewalks. It screams! It screams! hands outstretched. We can’t afford not to check. “Come on David, you’re the best.” When my name was written on my bib, I felt like a star. Of course I’m not the only one. But it still gives you chills. A little further on, olas started. What Incredible adrenaline shot !
The magical moment when the Olympic cauldron appears
Starting from the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville and arriving at the Place des Invalides in the evening, runners have the privilege of passing through some of the most beautiful sights and monuments in Paris and its region: For marathon runners, the Louvre Pyramid, the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower and even the Palace of Versailles are all great options. I personally want to freeze Near Tuileries Garden. It is here that, like the Virgin Mary, The bowl of the Olympic flame and its golden reflection sparkled in the bright sky. A moment of pure emotion. Simply amazing. real. It’s no coincidence that many runners stopped to record this timeless sequence on their smartphones.
The kilometers passed. Now everyone has found their own rhythm. It was hot but we had to finish. A little water, a piece of gingerbread and a quarter of a banana and that’s a little extra energy. Aside from the public recognition, it’s also very rewarding. As an official sponsor, Orange hosts a number of events throughout the show course. Various orchestras create a party atmosphere and fully immerse participants in the marathon world. The police are also friendly, encouraging and applauding you on the side of the road.
“The marathon is on the right and the 10km is on the left.”
The game is coming to an end. “The marathon is on the right, and the 10km is on the left,” shouted a voice we couldn’t locate. Both races end at Les Invalides Square. Again, what a wonderful place for everyone to complete this 10km race. Just like a pro. My time: a little over 55 minutes, but that’s not the point. The most important thing is to participate. Be a finisher, not a performer. Furthermore, participants were not categorized.
The volunteers were very friendly and they were there to reward us with medals. It’s heavy and mentions today’s date, Saturday, August 10, and the year 2024. An extraordinary sports, festival and fashion experience in festive Paris at night. I tell you, unique. Memories that will last a lifetime My thoughts on experiencing the Olympics up close.
« We brought the audience from the stands to the pitch.”
“We write a new page in Olympic history as the inaugural event opens to the public. This success is also due to our partners – Orange, official sponsors, Bridgestone and Fitness Park – A success for the city of Paris, the communities it spans, and all the teams and public institutions that mobilized throughout the night. Through the National Marathon, we brought the audience from the stands to the scene. Together, we open the door to the Olympic Games! » President Tony Estanguet declares 2024 Paris Olympics.
*A special mention goes to our colleague Bruno Cammalleri (Sportsmarketing.fr), who we followed during his preparations for the marathon and whose triumphant adventure we will review in a future article.
Congratulations also to Christophe Pacaud, host broadcast sportswho completed a distance of 10 kilometers. You can find his interview with Orange Sponsorship Manager Claude-Henri Duriez at: this link (Starts at 15:38).
Find our article here: “Olympics 2024: Paris is a party! »
Our photo album is here “Photos and Games”
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#Marathon #Pour #Tous #wonderful #summary #healthy #emotions
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