Athletic enthusiasts and spectators alike are gearing up for a remarkable event in Paris this Saturday. The “Marathon Pour Tous,” or “Marathon for All,” will see more than 40,000 amateur runners take to the streets, following the very routes that will be used for the marathon events at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
The event comprises a full 42-kilometer marathon and a 10-kilometer race, offering opportunities for runners of varying abilities to participate. The route is steeped in historical significance, paying tribute to the Women’s March on Versailles—a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. Runners will journey past iconic landmarks such as the Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower before returning to the finish line at the Esplanade des Invalides.
“In 2019, we came up with this concept of the Marathon Pour Tous, and for the first time in history, we’re giving spectators the chance to become participants,” said Aurelie Merle, Executive Director of Sport Competitions for Paris 2024. “It’s an opportunity for them to run on the same course and on the same day as the Olympic athletes.”
Merle emphasized the symbolic significance of the marathon event. “The marathon is the most emblematic event of the Games. It was important for us to provide this unique experience on this exceptional course to 40,048 people—20,024 participants per course, as we have two courses.”
The “Marathon for All” not only celebrates athleticism but also fosters a sense of unity and inclusivity, embodying the Olympic spirit. As the world prepares for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, events like this bring communities together and highlight the enduring appeal of shared human endeavors.
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More than 40,000 set to run Paris Olympic routes in 'Marathon for All'
cgtn.com
