Running / Marathons, Paris

From the Jardin des Tuilleries to the Parc du Camps de Mars amidst the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers so many marvelous parks in which to run. Not to mention scenic routes along the banks of the Seine or near it allow you the opportunity to get your cardio in while absorbing the sights and sounds. (The length of the Seine through Paris: 13 km.)

You won't be alone as in my last visit it seemed as if everywhere I turned - morning, noon, or night - there was somebody burning off the baguette they had for lunch. So squeeze those running shoes in the remaining space of your suit case and run with Paris.

Equipment: Running shoes. Cold weather gear for the season.

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Something I'd never noticed before were the joggers in Paris but this trip I saw a slew of them. Apparently, favored areas to jog include the Marais, especially around Place des Vosges and on the Ile St-Louis. Obviously, you'll wish to jog in areas that are relatively traffic-free such as along the quais and down on the quai level of the Ile St-Louis & Ile de la Cite.

Obviously, other excellent places to jog include the many parks throughout Paris such the Jardin des Plantes where I saw a group of joggers and a single jogger in one of the biggest central parks, the Jardin du Luxembourg at Place Edmond Rostand.

Photos: November 2007 & February 2006

You can pay to go up the South tower using only your legs and spirit. If you prepare properly you can run up in double quick time and beat the maddening crowds. If you strike it lucky you can walk the bit from level 2 to level 3 however this is not for the faint hearted - believe me as I have made the journey and it is very freaky!!

Equipment: Lots of water, camera and choc bars.

The run - part of the "See All Tourists' Stuff" is (un)organised every day (except tuesdays of course because 'if it's tuesday, it must be Belgium' (not Paris)) in the Musee du Louvre - Aile Denon - first floor - Italian paintings department.

Your goal - in this adventure - is to see (have a look at, pass in front off, breeze along....) Mona Lisa
Your concurrents (hey, you didn't think you'd be alone ?) are the finest selection of the best international tourists, coached by the most famous travel agencies.

What ?
You don't know why you are here ?
You aren't an art lover ?
Leonard de Vinci - who's that guy ?
Mona Lisa - errr ...hmmm... what ? when ?
It doesn't matter : this is on your TO DO list !! I

So :
On your marks, ready, GOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!

Once done (no need to realy see it, you just have say you did it after all) DON'T forget to tick your list !!! (DONE)

PS : this run can be taken as a part of a more important challenge : The Louvre in 6 minutes (featuring also the Venus de Milo and the Victoire de Samothrace)

PPS : for juniors, seniors and chickens (like me), a less taxing competition is possible on thursdays, after 18h (February is a good month for it too)

Equipment: A camera (forbidden by the museum rules but i heard you can score some more points with it)
A helmet
Non slippery shoes (rubber soles recommended, the wopdden floor is treacherous)
Disposable clothing (not sure it will survive, bring a change set)
Good elbows
Padding
First aid kit (ask a non participant to hold it for you)
NB : No doping control

Yearly, there is a complete marathon and a half marathon. Both mixed high level racers and amateurs.
It is an occasion to visit Paris.

Equipment: A small amount for the registration.
A medical certificate.
A number given by the organisators.
A lace with a chip inside to determinate the rank at the arrival.

Each year in September, there is the run race Paris - Versailles (16km), famous for its ascent just after leaving Paris.
In 2003, it was the 28e occurrence with 19.500 competitors.

Equipment: Each competitor has a ship in his lace to be registrated at the departure and at the arrival.