Paris Marathon 2023

By Elaine McGeachy

Getting to the start line of this marathon was a surprise to me after months of injury and not much training at all but I’m taking it as a huge achievement. I’ll be honest, being injured again completely scunnered me this time. So getting to finish line, although finishing around 25 minutes slower than my disappointing Frankfurt 5 months ago, I was delighted!

I had written this marathon off in January when I finished a club run limping. I’d nursed along a glute/high hamstring injury but I’d got to the point where I was in pain walking, sitting, sleeping and the thought of running just wasn’t sensible and really at points not even possible. After weeks of doing absolutely nothing, I increased some cross training – swimming, cycling and strength along with some specific rehab exercises to strengthen core and glutes. This helped me at least mentally to have ‘something’ before introducing some small runs again, slow and still a bit sore. With a few weeks out from Paris I attempted and completed a few long-ish runs and the week before I did 18. Not ideal before a marathon but it gave me confidence to make the decision if I wanted to run for fun or not. And I’m so glad I did!

The start-line atmosphere along the famous Champs Elysee was electric. I felt grateful and it was ‘buzzing’. The music was pumping and crowds were deep already, participants making friendly conversations. This already was miles apart from Frankfurt which was a stressful start. As the race began the atmosphere only got better – thousands lined the streets to cheer you on and you were greeted by famous Paris sights at every corner – Arc de Triomphe, Palace de Versaille, Eiffel Tour, the Louvre to name but a few. There was so many runners running for different reasons and charities and going with no pressure of a time really let me soak it all in and it felt quite emotional. I even met a few Scottish people enroute – one from Oban! And one, Sam, who stayed with me for just over 10k and we blethered our way round the route – kilometre after kilometre went by and before I knew it I had passed 30k – my drop-out point strategy. But there were my friends and my boys cheering me on and how amazing that was! I was feeling good and loving it the whole experience. Knowing I’d see them again at 41k motivated me and I stopped to give them a wee kiss before picking up the pace to enjoy a fantastic downhill last 1km.

I crossed the line with a huge smile on my face and with a little bit of hope. I’d thoroughly recommend this marathon, pros and cons below:

PROS 

• No ballot or qualification

• Spaced out starts and well organized 

• Fast, flat course 

• Atmosphere and sights 

Cons

• Reasonably expensive inc travel

• Need a medical certificate!

• Expo very busy (don’t go on the Saturday!)

• Very busy at finish line – don’t expect to meet family