Paris Half Marathon 2013

I've just signed up with a friend, so excited! Anyone else heading over for this?

I would be tempted but the whole having to book an appointment with a doctor, go and see him, get all the tests done, just to get a certificate saying Im allowed to run is putting me off ...... compare and contrast to the Gosport half where you just fill out a form online and youre good to go. Although I'll be the first to admit that as nice as Im sure Gosport is, it probably isnt in the same league as Paris ....... (just in case any Gosport residents read this and take offense)

The whole health certificate thing is a little annoying but it's Paris and I love Paris so I'm sure it'll be worth the fuss. Berlin HM requires a certificate too, is this common with European races? Paris HM will be the first 'foregin' race I've done.

Wahoooo I'm excited to be joining hansyhobs for this! I think it is pretty common to need a certificate, but if you're affiliated you don't need one? Makes joining a club even more appealing just to avoid the hassle and cost! I'm on good terms with local GPs so hope I won't get charged for one.

"but if you're affiliated you don't need one"

Reading the rules on the site, apparently unless youre affiliated with the French running association you will need a medical certificate. Don't think being affiliated with a British club counts, unless Im mistaken.

Main problem for me, is I find it hard to justify taking a weekday off to sit in a doctors surgery to get a certificate (im a contractor so it would cost me a lot of money to take a day off). I don't get why if other half marathons are prepared to accept you as is, on a run at your own peril basis, they can't. Surely when you register they should just have a box that absolves the organisers from being sued if you drop dead during the race ... but then Im no lawyer.

I'm hoping I can just make a phone appointment and explain what I need the letter to say. Perhaps naive. Will investigate.

Georgina, have a read of this thread ...... apparently a lot of people are skipping the middle man and just outright forging their doctors certificate ...... I might be tempted to do that as a work around.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/events/paris-marathon-medical-certificate/133637.html

When I go scuba diving (OK so I know it's totally different) you have to tick all these boxes like 'have you had a heart attack' etc. If you tick yes to any then you need to provide a certificate but if you tick no to everything then that's it, don't understand why you can't do the same for a race. Seeing as I can't remember the last time I went to the GP I bet I'll have to go in for a check up or something, such a waste of time...

I would have thought scuba diving would be far more dangerous than running ...... if you collapse while running, at least you are above ground, usually with help nearby and at least you have access to oxygen at all times ....... scuba if you run into problems you cant even surface really quickly ..... so if its good enough for scuba it should be good enough for runners. I think the Daily Mail would term all of this malarky as 'elf and safety'

'Afternoon, all. I'm in for the Half, too. I've done it a few times.

From experience....'Download the Medical Certificate from the website and get it signed AND stamped. It's the French way or no way and the wording has to include the bit they specifically point out.

The course is, basically, flat and is the eastern half of the marathon course. Lots of it is in the Bois de Vincennes.

If you can avoid the baggage-drop, avoid the baggage-drop..

Anyone got any decent hotel recommendations? I wanted to stay in mama shelter but all the cheap rooms are gone now

Hi guys I have just registered ... my first overseas event - reeeeeeeeeeally looking forward to it. My first post on the forum , great to find you already chatting about it and hope we will be able to share a bit of info on here! Same as you hansyhobs, just need to sort the small matter of somewhere to stay now .. minor detail !! How are you guys getting over there?

@ATM - re the medical certificate - is the certificate ok in English ?

Yes, Dave. *They've changed the system this year and will not accept posted or emailed certificates.You have to take it with you when you collect your bib and so have only one chance to get it right.*  Using their pro-forma will save you any hassle and the 'stamped' bit is important. Nearer the date, we'll probably be emailed a ' Confirmation of Registration' letter. They'll want to see this, and your Passport, too.

And you're right, David, being a member of your Home association doesn't exempt you.

I'm not staying near the Start/Finish but hotels around there should be a bit cheaper than in the city centre...and Line 1 takes you right into the centre anyway.

This   is an invaluable tool for planning trips around the place.

Thanks for the link ATM, hopefully we will catch up on here some more nearer the time!

I live in Paris (but am British) and Paris HM 2013 will be my first half!  

I'm afraid the doctor's certificate is a feature of any timed race here in France, but they're valid for a year so keep a copy in case you fancy any more French races!  

The route is flat and the Eastern part of the marathon route, starting and finishing in the Bois de Vincennes.  The nearest metro station is Chateau de Vincennes at the eastern end of line 1.  Staying anywhere which connects with Line 1 will have you there within half an hour.  Happy to answer any Paris questions!

I have to say I'm v tempted by this one. I'm planning to go to Malta for the half marathon the weekend before though! - decisions, decisions...

BTW - I did the Rome Marathon last year and I just sent the form into my docs and he signed it - no charge too

yippeeee.... i am really looking forward to this paris half marathon this year as its my first overseas half marathon.... yippppeeee its only 20 days to go.... till i arrive in paris... can not wait heeeeee good luck to all runners who is doing this.... from lorraine and bonnie scotland ha ha

jings...3 weeks to go. This has come round fast... Lorraine, I'll be running in my Irn-Bru vest You'll have a great time. Top Tip: Use a loo in one of the cafes near the Metro stop before you get into the pens.. There are only ever half a dozen portaloos at the Start....ghastly state by the finish...and none on the route.

I'm flying from Glasgow.Anyone else?

Not long to go. My training took a turn for the worst over Chrsitmas when I badly sprained my ankle but I'm slowly getting back into training. May be hobbling over the finish line but I think I'll be able to just about do it. Getting Eurostar on the Friday.

We are taking the eurostar on Friday too hansyhobs hoping to head to the park on the Saturday. thanks for more info ATM. Just waiting to sort out the docs certificate then its all systems go!!