Paris is set to host an inspiring event this Saturday, welcoming over 40,000 amateur runners to participate in the inaugural \"Marathon Pour Tous\" or \"Marathon for All.\" This long-distance running event offers enthusiasts the unique opportunity to traverse the iconic marathon routes used during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Participants can choose between a challenging 42-kilometer marathon or a more accessible 10-kilometer race, both designed to accommodate tens of thousands of runners. The event pays homage to a significant moment in French history—the Women’s March on Versailles—adding a rich historical layer to the athletic endeavor. As runners make their way past landmarks such as the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower, they will experience a route that celebrates both French heritage and Olympic spirit. The journey concludes at the Esplanade des Invalides, where participants will cross the finish line alongside Olympic athletes.
\"In 2019, we conceptualized the Marathon Pour Tous, and for the first time in history, we are bringing this vision to life,\" said Aurelie Merle, Executive Director of Sport Competitions for Paris 2024. \"Our goal is to empower spectators to become active participants, giving them the chance to run the same course and on the same day as the Olympic athletes.\"
Merle emphasized the symbolic significance of the marathon as the most emblematic event of the Olympic Games. \"By offering this unique opportunity to 40,048 people—20,024 per course—we are fostering a sense of community and shared achievement,\" she added.
The Marathon for All not only celebrates athleticism but also promotes inclusivity and engagement among diverse communities. As runners from around the world come together in Paris, the event underscores the unifying power of sports and its ability to bridge cultural and geographical divides.
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More than 40,000 set to run Paris Olympic routes in 'Marathon for All'
cgtn.com
