Run Experience sets the stage for three days of excitement before the Paris Marathon

✔ Our journalist Sabine was there to capture the atmosphere and hear from some inspiring future finishers!

Many runners had already arrived fully kitted out, travelling from all over the world for the occasion. They were often joined by training partners or loved ones, all wearing broad smiles. The warm atmosphere and infectious good humour boded well for the big day ahead.

The world comes together for an unforgettable sporting and human experience

Suitcases, whether parked nearby or dragged along by hand, were impossible to miss as soon as we entered the expo. Just hours after landing, many international runners had wasted no time getting there. That was the case for Wojciech, a Polish runner who had come straight to the venue with a group of friends. A regular runner, he was preparing for his first Paris experience, as was Julia, an English runner set to take on her 12th marathon: « I’ve always run, but not for the past five years », she explained.

Weiwei and Yun Cao, who had travelled from China, were there to « enjoy the beautiful sights of Paris », hoping they would help them keep going when the effort began to bite. Yun Cao laughed when asked whether she was ready for race day: « It’s a challenge », she admitted. For her, though, the most important thing was the pride of taking part in this legendary marathon. Lithuanians, Mexicans, Spaniards... dozens of nationalities were represented that weekend. Easy to spot by their club vests, caps in their national colours or distinctive accents, many stopped to take photos beneath the cardboard « Champs-Élysées arch », in front of the Schneider gold medal and the white « Paris 42k » letters.

Parisians, and plenty of others, turn up to make history of their own

Parisians were well represented around the Run Experience course too. Some had chosen to stay local for their first marathon. « With friends », Djiby, Marouame and Ikram had « hyped each other up » for the 42 km. Two of them took on the challenge, despite having only started running last August. Naturally, they trained « for it », either by joining « groups » or going « solo », depending on their preferences. They were nervous, and they were far from the only ones. Grégoire, relaxed by comparison, admitted he was « excited, but mostly excited for it to be over ». Others were more focused, like Laurine, who had been preparing for her marathon since December: « For a month now, I’ve been living, sleeping and eating marathon », she said.

Colin, accompanied by his friend Kenzo, for whom « running is a chore », wanted to « experience this unique event » before turning his attention to trail running. For this laid-back amateur, « it was a way to prove a lot of things to myself ». Hélène and Grégoire, meanwhile, had found a way to reconnect. Registered separately, these « long-time friends » said they were excited. Hélène was relieved that race day had finally arrived after « a long training block », as she targeted 3:50 without putting herself under too much pressure.

A couple from Marseille had also made the trip for the event. Anaïs felt ready to run her very first marathon alongside André, her partner and weekend pacer, who runs for the ASICS Front Runner team. After an intense three-month build-up and a 3:15 target, she was both worried and eager to finally reach the end of the tunnel. Once she crosses the finish line, though, there is every chance she will come back for more.

A wide range of stands let everyone experience running in their own way

The crowd around the Team Orange Running stand was impossible to miss. Supporters could create signs featuring the faces of their favourite athletes. The runner was photographed, then the image was printed in close-up and pasted onto the sign. It was far from the only creative workshop. Another was set up in the Schneider section, where Ikram, Djiby and Marouame’s group made posters like a team of artists. « They put our hands there so we could hit it as we ran past », Ikram explained.

Beyond the creative activities, other stands offered the chance to discover new brands and win prizes. Grégoire, who rarely goes shopping, enjoyed « checking out new exhibitors », particularly the ASICS area, which was impossible to overlook with all its latest releases. Hélène, who had been fully immersed in running for four months, said she wanted to buy everything.

The marathon partners had plenty to offer too. «HiPRO has a good range of yoghurts, milk, desserts and protein bars that are too high in protein for me », said Kenzo, a future marathoner's friend. Colin, delighted by the variety of exhibitors, added: « I love that there are so many clothes, shoes and nutrition products to compare ». André, attending for the sixth time, agreed: « Every year it gets better, with new innovations and new photo spots. »

The FFA and « J’aime Courir » platform stand still managed to attract attention despite its less central location. Its partners included Ochy and RunnrZ, apps designed to improve runners’ practice through AI-powered video analysis and the creation of bespoke routes.

Plenty of chances to connect through the conference programme

Alongside its wide range of high-quality stands, the expo featured a dedicated conference area. The programme was packed, with a line-up of prominent speakers. On Friday, the audience heard from Mathilde Castres, founder of the Sine Qua Non association, and Aurélie Bresson of the Alice Millat Foundation, discussing « women in running ».

The expo also gave visitors the chance to hear from Nicolas Vandenelsken, an eco-adventurer who ran 110 marathons in 110 days and is preparing a film about the adventure. Key figures from the running world, including Yohan Durand, Méline Rollin and Yoann Kowal, also took turns on stage to share their expertise and experience.

With its activities and conferences, Run Experience once again brought together parents, children, friends and couples for an essential preview of the Paris Marathon. With the right preparation, everyone already agreed on one thing: this marathon is something you have to experience once in your life, if only to make sure you never regret missing it.

Three days of celebration, encounters and passion set the tone. Just hours before the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris got under way, Run Experience served as the perfect launchpad, blending emotion, connection and excitement. Whether first-timers or seasoned marathoners, travelling from the other side of the world or from the neighbourhood next door, everyone found far more than a simple bib pick-up at the event. With its fun workshops, equipment discoveries, inspiring conversations and final checks before race day, the excitement was at fever pitch.

Now it’s time for the race, the city in celebration and the 42.195 km each runner is about to cover with their dreams, doubts and that unique energy only Paris can offer.