They answered present. After two years of absence due to the Covid, the La Rochelle marathon (Charente-Maritime) attracted 30,000 spectators this Sunday, November 28, 2021. With family or friends, we went to meet them.
A few meters from the starting line, they don’t want to miss a thing. Laetitia and Marilou are placed in the front row to encourage their loved ones. “We met at the marathon five years ago over breakfast at the hotel”says Laetitia, who came from the Paris region. “Since then, it’s been our little ritual!”
Like them, 30,000 spectators made the trip to watch the La Rochelle marathon (Charente-Maritime). After the race was canceled last year due to Covid, the event celebrates its 30th anniversary this Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Nine o’clock sharp, the starting signal is launched. “Go dad!”shouts Marilou, phone in hand. “He didn’t see me, he remains very focused”. No time to waste, the two friends rush to Espace Encan. “As the course is in two loops, you can see them pass this place several times!”they rejoice.
Others follow the performance of their loved ones live on the marathon site. Like Nathalie, who walks quietly on the Quai Duperré. “There, I see that my husband will soon pass the 10 kilometer mark”she shows on her phone.
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She can also see her average pace and estimated time. “It’s very practical, because he gave me an appointment between 12:45 p.m. and 1 p.m. on arrival, but with the live I will be able to know more precisely what time to get there!”
A few meters away, the Clock Tower sees the crowd flocking. Including many supporters wearing the “Tous pour Sam” bib, in tribute to this Angevin who died of a work accident in January 2021. “He had to run the half marathon with his wife”explains, very moved, a cousin of Sam. “We managed to get 130 friends and family members to run with her or cheer her on!”
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Moments later, Sam’s niece, tears in her eyes, walks past her supporters’ club, a few meters from the finish of the 10 kilometer event. “She never runs, it’s a very intense moment!”launches one of the supporters.
Cheering on loved ones during a race is always very moving. For Liliana, this is a first. Originally from Rochefort, she attends for the first time a marathon of her partner. “I’m a little stressed for her!” admits the young woman. “She likes a challenge, she likes to surpass herself so I try to support her mentally!”
And his support seems to be paying off. His companion, Mélanie, 24, who was afraid of not finishing the marathon, finally finished it in 4 hours and 51 minutes.
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