Running through the heart of Paris on an Olympic track
It is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience that every runner dreams of, and on August 10th, during the Olympic Games in Paris, it became a reality for Tess Roche.
Read Tess's experience running the Marathon Pour Tous.
I had the extraordinary privilege of participating in the Marathon Pour Tous, a groundbreaking event that opened the doors of Olympic history to the public. Unlike any other olympic race, this event allowed amateur runners like myself to lace up our shoes and tackle the same course that had just seen the world’s top athletes competing for Olympic glory. The significance of the moment was not lost on me; it felt as if the entire city was draped in the spirit of the Games, and I was a part of it.
The Marathon Pour Tous was not just a single race; it was split into two distinct events: the full marathon, which challenged seasoned runners with its grueling 42.195 kilometers, and a more accessible yet equally thrilling 10 kilometers. I chose to run the 10K, a distance that was perfect for both me and my boyfriend, who joined me on this journey. The excitement leading up to the race was palpable - we were not just running through Paris; we were following in the footsteps of Olympians, sharing the same pavement, and feeling the same energy that had charged the air just hours before.
The route was truly spectacular, offering a runner's dream tour through the heart of Paris. Our 10K journey began late at night under a dark sky, with the city glowing around us. Starting at the Hôtel de Ville, we joined thousands of other runners, also motivated by the concept of the race: every section featured an Olympic athlete running alongside the public. In our section, we had the thrill of knowing that Marie-José Pérec, the French triple Olympic champion, was among us. As we stood at the departure line, eager to start, we found ourselves scanning the crowd, trying to spot her!
As we dashed through Paris, we passed some of its most iconic landmarks - the majestic Opéra Garnier, the historic Rue de Rivoli, and the grand Louvre - each one beautifully illuminated in the night. The atmosphere was electric, with crowds of Parisians and tourists lining the streets, cheering us on with genuine enthusiasm. They even called out our names, reading them from our bibs, which made the experience feel all the more personal and uplifting. One of the most magical moments was seeing the Olympic flame as we ran past the Tuileries - it was the first time I had seen it, and knowing it would be extinguished the next day during the closing ceremony made it even more unique. As we continued along the Seine, the Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance, serving as a guiding light through the city.
Written by Tess Roche
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