Back to Paris Int'l Marathon Information & Reviews
A Runner from NYC USA
(4/26/2001)
"Love Paris, Almost" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Except for some very narrow parts (runners literally falling over each other in muddy park roads) I thought the course was pretty great. Could have done without the constant upward climb at 35-37K but who wants it to be easy? Organization I thought was okay, but the water bottles have to go. People were falling all over those too (picture wet cobblestones and plastic half-full Vittel bottles). Really recommend it for scenery and to do something quite different. Spectators often encouraging, especially around various Seine bridges where they cheer you on and under each structure. Could have used some more support in the last 10K, where a deathly silence seemed to accompany the rest of the race. Oh, and don't expect to be a hero the rest of the day; most of Paris won't even know there was a marathon that morning! But well, well worth it anyway. Just bring your own fans. | |
A Runner from Washington, DC, USA
(4/18/2001)
"great course, poor organization" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I loved the race course, very scenic & historic. Spectators were great. Organization was not the best. Could have used more frequent water stops with small cups instead of bottles. The mind boggles at the recycling effort. Needed more toilets. Weather was rainy, windy and cold. But hey, you're in Paris, which makes up for it. Also is not a race for slower runners. They started taking up the course and dismantling water stops before the scheduled time for each location. Will run the course again, but will take my own water and 2F pieces for the public toilets. | |
Harry Frost from Massachusetts, USA
(4/18/2001)
"It's a very scenic but now a very crowded race." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The 2001 edition had 27,000 runners on a beautiful course that is too narrow for such numbers. The final two-thirds or more is often two-lanes wide, and there's a brief stretch where it reduces to one lane. There were constant bottlenecks all the way through. It's a spectacular city, though. You'll enjoy the marathon so long as you can tolerate the mob and a slow pace. | |
A Runner from Den Bosch, The Netherlands
(4/14/2001)
"Who said the French are rude?" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My favorite marathon! The people, the crowds, the organization! All of it was so well done that I tell everyone to run this marathon! | |
E. Bustos from Sevilla, Spain
(3/25/2001)
"The best in Europe" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run the most important marathons all around Europe, London included, and definitively, in my opinion, Paris is the best one. I ran it in '99 and I'll do it again next 8th april. | |
J.Antonio Pozas Qro.Mexico. from Queretaro-Mexico
(3/21/2001)
"It was an excellent marathon" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 It was an exellent marathon and a big history lesson, since the starting point passes through the Champs Elysee, Guillotine, Bastille Place, Seine river, etc.. It really was a big support. I strong recommend this marathon. Je suis tres content d'avoir participe pour moi avait ete tres jolie. | |
Jenny Reeve from Adelaide Australia
(3/18/2001)
"No better place to run a Marathon" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I trained for my first marathon and chose Paris. I love the place and what better excuse to train for a marathon but a trip to Paris. I am going this year also and hope it is as perfect as last year. | |
raul candeloro ( ) from curitiba - brasil
(12/8/2000)
"recommended but not for personal best" (about: 1996)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Weather was perfect. No traffic. Lots of nice people from all over the world. Nice city. Watering stations were fantastic. They had lots of pee holes in the middle of the street, but protected, using the regular sewer lines, courtesy of Carrefour. The T-shirt I got in the kit was of superb quality and of very good taste. Registering from brasil and giving the name of the hotel where I had registration, they sent me the kit to the hotel ! It was there when I arrived ! The only objection I make is with the medal : has corroded in parts and changed colors in others. Is ugly now and a pain for the eyes. My only trophy is now the T-shirt... | |
A Runner from Laredo, Texas
(7/27/2000)
"Beautiful Paris" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 A beautiful course in a beautiful city. The expo/packet pickup was disorganized, but, hey, whoever said that the French know what a line is? The race mix was rather homogeneous, but I've never had so many other runners strike up a conversation; very, very friendly people. | |
A Runner from Brooklyn, NY
(7/26/2000)
"Terrific race!" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I would recommend the Paris Marathon to anyone interested in running a challenging, yet scenic course through a beautiful city. A mid-April run through Paris -- what could be better? I was a little disappointed at the lack of diversity amongst the runners. Most of the runners were French men. I personally like more of an international crowd. Beyond that, I found the whole thing quite enjoyable. |
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