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The Marathon for All, a major challenge for amateur athletes
The Paris Olympic Games allow for the first time amateurs to take the same route as Olympic athletes. On Saturday, August 10, the Marathon for All crosses Paris in a relaxed atmosphere, which does not prevent some from taking the challenge seriously.
(France 2)
The Paris Olympic Games allow for the first time amateurs to take the same route as Olympic athletes. On Saturday, August 10, the Marathon for All crosses Paris in a relaxed atmosphere, which does not prevent some from taking the challenge seriously.
The Marathon for All was one of the major new features of the Paris Games on Saturday, August 10. A participant came specially from Switzerland to experience this unique experience. “I really wanted to feel the Olympic spirit. It’s magical to walk the same course”she confides, as she prepares to do the same marathon as the specialists in the discipline.
To make the 42 kilometers a little scary, some even thought of bringing accessories, like tutus. After a stroll at the foot of historic monuments of Paris like the Louvre, the Place Vendôme or the Eiffel Tower, things got tougher just before the 30th kilometer, on the steep slopes of Hauts-de-Seine. Some supporters settled in early to encourage their loved ones. “I want him to finish, I want him to have the medal tonight,” a woman jokes on the side of the road. Others have more reasonable goals. “My mother hopes she won’t be disqualified. Her goal is to be under 6 hours.”explains a man. Another 10-kilometer race is also offered to amateur athletes.