In Paris, it's an atmosphere that can only be found during a race: on public transport, where fluorescent T-shirts fill the passenger cars, running shoes and trail bags take over the common space, in a form of effervescence, mixed with stress and excitement. Numerous supporters accompany the champions of the day, who also get up very early to be on time for the start. This Sunday, October 13, the meeting point is opposite the Eiffel Tower, first on the Quai Jacques Chirac, then on the Pont d'Iéna for the start of the race.
Dossiers proudly pinned on, some of them do a series of laps to warm up - heel-buttocks, knee lifts, pas chassés - before entering their respective SAS. And they're off! The whistle blows in waves of runners to avoid the jostling at the start, the first kilometer passes, and then it's time to climbAvenue Marceau, which has the steepest gradient of the entire course. Then it's down toAvenue Foch, and on to Bois de Boulogne, where the next few kilometers unfold: the runners are making good progress, and the energy is still high!
At kilometer 9, the supporters are present as we cross the 16th arrondissement towards Porte d'Auteuil, and the passage to kilometer 10 goes smoothly: the legs start to pull, and that's only the half of it... From the 11th to the 15th kilometers, the peloton follows the banks of the Seine: the opportunity to enjoy a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower, and just as well, today the sky is blue and clear, ideal for such a race.
The passage is a little long, then comes the - in my opinion - most difficult part: the passage through the Paris tunnels. A stage already dreaded by runners on the Paris Marathon course, I had no idea that the 20km course also passed through here, in the other direction... It's hard, the fatigue is now well underway, and we pass the signs indicating the 15th kilometer, thinking that there are still five to go. All that 's left to do is cross the Pont Royal and turn around on the quays on the other side of the Seine: the final straight is here, with the 18th kilometer just passed and only two more to go before the finishing arch.
At the 19th kilometer, the peloton accelerates: with just one kilometer to go, it's time to give it all you've got! So, the runners get a little more energy to reach the finish and try to beat their PR (personal best over the distance) for the luckiest ones in the time trial lottery. Only 100 meters to go, and the final sprint: that's it, the Paris 20km is behind us, time for refreshments (or souvenir selfies), and medals. My phone vibrates, the official time is now validated: well done to all today's finishers!
If you too would like to take part in this emblematic race in Paris, stay tuned: registration will open very soon for the 47th edition, in October 2025!
