A Spectacular Sixth Edition of La Grande Course du Grand Paris

✔ Our journalist Sabine was out on the course and at the finish to capture the finishers’ raw emotions!

Distances to suit every runner

Four races took centre stage. Runners of all levels could choose between a half marathon starting at Paris-Vincennes racecourse, a 10K from the historic start line on Place de la République, an untimed 5K through the streets of the Pleyel district, and a children’s race. Making its debut that morning, the 5 km Matmut donated all its proceeds to the Premiers de Cordée charity. Its aim was to bring everyone together around a shared experience and collective physical effort, without focusing on performance. Runners and walkers alike took part at their own pace, in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Young and old line up for the 5 km Matmut #NésPourBouger

After their exploits in the children’s race, Lola and her little brother Pablo were back for more, delighted to extend the experience. Other runners had the same idea. Maryse and Elodie, two sisters reunited for a concert that weekend, one travelling from Réunion Island and the other from the Landes, took the opportunity to lace up their running shoes. At the other end of the spectrum, RMA athletes Marie-Amélie and Victoire were focused on their warm-up and moved to the front of the field, ready to pace the race and target a sub-20-minute finish. In a more relaxed mood, Mario and Luigi were ready to accompany a friend in her very first race.

A unique half marathon through iconic landmarks

Keen above all to soak up the Paris experience, Adrien and Maxence had to dig deep, just like their 8,000 fellow competitors. “It was tough, like every race,” they admitted. The Parisians felt as though they had been running through “an endless tunnel before reaching the stadium,” but the iconic view, the music and the spectators’ cheers gave them the energy to sprint to the finish in under 1:25. Also tackling the 21.1 km, Romane loved getting closer to the stadium with every stride. “It was really classy!” she exclaimed alongside her friend Pierre as she looked back on finishing in such a legendary venue. Bordeaux residents Julie and Clément signed up at the last minute and missed the start of their assigned wave, but took it in their stride. Marie, who had travelled from the south of France, crossed the finish line just ahead of her boyfriend Mathis. The couple from Marseille loved the course, even though it was a serious challenge because “it was their first time” running that distance.

Unexpected wins and promising young talent on the 10K

Not the only ones united by the effort, Laëticia finished second in the 10K thanks to her “boyfriend, who supported her all the way to the finish”, an invaluable pacer. A runner for just one year and recently sidelined by injury, she surprised herself by setting a personal best and “feeling like a star” in the stadium, crossing in 38:49. The woman ahead of her, Lison, a seasoned U23 runner who “runs every day”, had absolutely not expected to win that morning, finishing in 37:32. Used to “winning small village races”, the 21-year-old from Bourges had travelled specially for the event, and it proved well worth it. In the men’s race, Théo returned for the second year in a row and was beaten by stronger runners, but still set a personal best. The level of his rivals, 22-year-old Lahoucine and Saddam, helped him clock 31:25, compared with the 32:40 that won him the race the previous year. First and second respectively, the leading pair said they were “happy” despite “an average time”. For others, the win mattered less, “as long as the goal is achieved”. Romane and Quentin motivated each other, bringing out the best in one another, and were delighted to join the 6,000 10K finishers. The course was full of life, with brass bands providing the soundtrack throughout.

RATP joins the event as a prestigious new partner

As title partner, RATP made its presence felt from the start, with representatives sporting light-blue T-shirts emblazoned with “Groupe RATP” in large letters. They were clearly enjoying the occasion, proudly wearing their complimentary race bibs and big smiles across the various courses. Cyril was one of them, delighted to represent ASB Course à pied and put in a strong performance in an environment designed for enjoyment, complete with a “little stand” just for them and a dedicated space for their belongings in the “changing room” truck. He will be back in two weeks at the Marathon de Paris, where he will once again enjoy the benefits offered by his employer. Might as well make the most of them!

Love, togetherness and a grand finale

With the sun peeking through and smiles stretching from ear to ear, the finishers savoured the moment together. Two friends were spotted holding hands, while a father and son crossed the finish line shoulder to shoulder. High fives, endless hugs and victory gestures brought the event to life. A final straight on a champions’ track deserved to be celebrated like a win, especially after the excitement of that Olympic summer. The supporters deserved plenty of credit too. They had been there since 8 a.m., ready to cheer and try to make it across to the other side. They gave it everything. The heroes of the day were rewarded in countless ways: bouquets of flowers for their efforts, signs and posters packed with messages of support, ringing cheers and applause all around, with everyone determined to celebrate them properly.

There is no doubt that the record turnout only seems surprising if you forget the adrenaline finishers feel as they hit the purple track in the final metres.