Paris Marathon Week

I was in Paris for the 2016 marathon completely by coincidence (I had no idea that the marathon was even happening) and it had zero impact on us. I only realized the marathon had happened when I went over to the Champs Elysees on the race day late in the afternoon and saw signs that the race had happened.

You probably already know this, but if you are planning on running the marathon (or any athletic event in France), you will need a letter from a doctor specifically stating you are healthy enough to participate.

I ran the Paris Marathon about 10 years ago, and really didn’t notice much different in the crowds in Paris as compared to my other Paris visits. I would stay relatively close to the start or a short metro ride away. If I recall the metro was packed on race morning prior to the race.

I was in Paris about 5 years ago during the marathon. I almost didn't see it, even though I walked right over it. They run along the Seine below street level, so if you are on a bridge you get a good view . . . if you look down.

Some of the crowding in Paris at that time will be due to French school vacations. Many "tourists" in Paris are French.

We were in Paris this year in April-May and Paris was its usual busy self. I will pass along what my friend’s daughter did a couple of years ago when she ran the marathon. She stayed in an aparthotel with a kitchenette so she could fix and eat the types of foods she needed prior to the race. I think she had other dietary considerations though like being gluten intolerant. She also wanted to stay somewhere within an easy metro connection to the race finish line.

Thanks for the insights, everyone. I replied to this thread earlier, but I don't see it here, so I'm attempting again. My primary concern is for the additional crowds that week due to the marathon. I plan to visit for about eight days and will want to see as much as possible during that time. While I would love to run this particular marathon, I also want to enjoy my first time in Paris. If I do decide to run, I need to determine if the event should begin or end my visit, knowing fully how exhausted and sore I'll be. Walking around the city for a week would be excellent for muscle recovery but not very comfortable. Much to think about...race registration opens next Tuesday...

I’ve run several marathons in Europe including Paris. I always prefer to do them at the beginning of the trip. Upon arrival, I stay up to get acclimated with the time. Perhaps, go to packet pickup and the expo. I sleep in and the following day I will visit sites that limit walking. The following day I run the marathon.

I have also run in the middle of the trip and end of the trip when logistics didn’t work out, but really prefer the beginning. Then you don’t have to worry about walking in the hard cobblestones and on your feet time in museums. You can also be more adventurous with meals as you don’t have to worry about effects on your GI system from rich or unusual foods.

I’ve run several marathons in Europe including Paris. I always prefer to do them at the beginning of the trip. Upon arrival, I stay up to get acclimated with the time. Perhaps, go to packet pickup and the expo. I sleep in and the following day I will visit sites that limit walking. The following day I run the marathon.

I have also run in the middle of the trip and end of the trip when logistics didn’t work out, but really prefer the beginning. Then you don’t have to worry about walking in the hard cobblestones and on your feet time in museums. You can also be more adventurous with meals as you don’t have to worry about effects on your GI system from rich or unusual foods.