Paris Marathon 2009

Lets get the discussion started.. 

Sunday 5th April 2009...

Be there...!!

Entries open, as always, first week in September 2008...  beat the rush for all those who don't get into London by booking your place early....

September will be here before you know it.......   

Boing..  can't let our favorite marathon drop to the back pages...

Before I lose the url...

Cheap accommodation , here . OK, so it's out at Vincennes...but it's on Line1, direct to the Start.

* But we're all cosy on the old thread, DV. There's no chance of luring anyone here 'til September...We need some Paris-first-timers who are vaguely thinking about entering...Go get 'em! *

Hoping to enter with the family - but I have a few questions

1. how easy is it to get in?

2. do you really need a GP's cert?

3. what is the organisation like, ie getting to the start, baggage, finish etc?

4. Is there a good website with details? (the official website didn't seem that great!)

any other info or comments would be very welcome.

thanks in advance. 

Bonsoir, Stephan..* just getting in the mood...*

1. Dead easy. Get in the queue at the beginning of September. 

2. Yes...and in the presribed form. Some doctors charge. Others don't. Lots of thread chat on this. e-mail me if you want a  proforma.

3. I think it's great but other threaders say it's nothing liike London. 

4. mmm the official site's pretty good...but we help each other. Some threaders live in Paris...and that's a real help. What do you want to know? 

Have a look at the Paris 2008 thread... It's full of info' and a great laugh. We're still hanging out there...until registration opens, I think. Meantime, welcome to Paris 2009!

DV, I want to do a Tri-before-I-die. Tell me all about yours... 

Stephen, I mean that you can enter , online...unless you want a Preferential bib..from September. There's no ballot. It's first-come-first-served until the race is full...late October/early November, last year.

Medical certificate must be produced before the run but you don't need it to register.

We share info' and opinions on hotels handy for the start or on Line 1 of the Metro (  goes direct to the Start )

Hmmm...

I've been wanting to do another marathon since Leicester 2007. Paris has slightly more 'appeal'...Plus I know my way around much of it....

And I wouldn't have to fly to get there...

Is there PB potential? Is it less congested and horrific-looking than FLM?

You're all tempting me with this early thread!!

Hi Buns!

 Have done this one five or six times in recent years and it certainly has its attractions. But there's other really good ones around the same time , e.g. Monaco and Barcelona, and they also have Easyjet to take you there.

btw.  Monaco is hilly, Barca is flat.

I done the 2008 race, brilliant.  Well organised, fantastic sights.  Expect to pay about £250 for accom and travel for 2 people.  The metro is as good at London Underground and easier to get around than London.

 Hate to say it the French put on a good show.

Hi all

I'm thinking of doing this next year - I'm behind you guys because i can't even find the offical website - please can someone point me in the right direction .....

Okay dumb question the £250 accom and travel - that was one night right ?....I've heard that because it has broad roads it's not as crowded as FLM .....

So I need to wait until Sept to enter  - I'm doing the Abingdon Marathon in Mid Oct if i wait to after that to apply am i pushing it ?

Thanks

Dave

Hello, Dave.

Here's the 2008 site. From memory, the 2009 one won't be up 'til entries open. Again, the 2008 one was very much like the 2007 one so I suspect much of the info' will be the same. The number of remaining places will be shown on the homepage . You could keep an eye on it...

Accommodation? Some people got good deals , nearer the time, especially if willing to travel in on the Metro. Scroll back to the beginning of this thread for a post on cheap accomodation further out. Hotels within walking distance were not too bad, either...although a quick look at current prices makes me think that everything's gone up!  * But in Paris, you pay for the room not per person. *

I only found one bottleneck...at the Bastille water station..but, then, walking through it suited me fine. Here's last year's thread for lots of info 'and rambling...

Here's a video from 2007 for some idea of the route.

See you on the Champs Elysees. *You are not going to tell me that Abinbdon has the same ring.... *

Thinking of entering if I dont get into FLM again.  It fits nicely in the middle of my easter hols so suits me well.  OH likes FLM (as a supporter) and prefers me to do that, I would be happy to just enter this and if I get into FLM defer but OH really enjoyed our trip to London this year and last and would be annoyed if I got in and didnt take the place.  He is happy for me to do Paris (and suppport ) if I dont get into FLM.

What is Paris like for supporters. At FLM he got to see me 3 times (I am quite slow), will it be poss to see me that much in Paris?

thanks for the info - is it right that i can get in on a "made up" medical cert? anyway really looking forward to it.  Is it best to stay within walking distance from the start or is the metro/trains less crowded than the undergound/trains for the FLM.

Really intrigued by the wine and oysters!

Snoop - Those other maras do sound good....except I'm a big wuss and hate flying. It's not something I elect to do. Conversely I love the train, so Paris seems ideal in the 'its abroad but there's no leaving land to get there'...

 I know a few lovely cheap hotels in Paris, one near the Gare Du Nord. Where's the race actually start from?

Hello, Hellen and Buuyphobia.

H, your OH could use the Metro to see you at different point...route here  Googlemap hybrid  will show the Metro stations. It's a lovely course.He'll have plenty to look at , apart from you of course. Support was thinnest in the Bois de Boulogne.

Bunny it starts on the Champs Elysees and finishes on Avenue Foch.

S, I hear that some false certificates are lodged...and some rejected * See 2007 thread*...and the medical turned out quite handy for the people who didn't know they had problems. The big debate was, of course, over charges There's lots of food on offer after 35 k...including wine, beer,cheese, sausages etc..For the brave..

I think it's fair to say we had a good time,  hares and tortoises, especially meeting face to face in the pub afterwards. * You still owe us that drink, PP! ( Can the Scots hold a grudge or what....)*

howdy guys- im defo up for paris 2009. want to do it as my first marathon for my 30th.

Entries open 15.09.2008- is that right? im doing the bristol half the day before so entering this will cheer me up after the post race blues i always seem to get!!

As this is my first i will be asking for loads of training tips and advice- any takers?!! 

I shall see you all there!