The work is done. The kilometers flew by despite the heat, the fatigue, the exhaustion sometimes. But the game is worth it.
8 runners from the association Grasse in New York created in 2016 by Emmanuel Delgrange to bring as many people from Grasse to the famous Big Apple marathon…
And after several events since then (Berlin marathon, Great Wall of China, UT4M, trails in Sardinia, etc.), they are giving themselves a new challenge: the marathon for the entire Paris 2024 Olympics!
20,024 non-professional athletes will take the same route as the Olympic marathon, allowing as many people as possible to follow in the footsteps of the athletes.
The event will take place on the night of August 10 (departure at 9pm for the first wave), the emotions should increase tenfold on a new and original course with an elevation gain of almost 470m!
It is not easy to understand for the 8 runners from Grasse (who were lucky to be drawn and on a bib!) who are more used to participating in rather flat marathons.
A scary trip
But for this event, unique in the history of the Games, it was necessary to celebrate the event.
After weeks of preparation, endless long walks, exhausting split sessions with one goal: to have fun and finish. And wear the medal of the historic finisher around your neck for this festive marathon, without ranking or time.
For Philippe, a big celebration is ahead: “After the preparation that Ingrid set up (Lopergolo knows mates), take care of your diet in the past month with grain, a lot of slow sugar and take care of the minor illnesses, we are ready! This marathon is very innovative, very nice and we will not be simple spectators of the Olympics. We have the vision that we are going to participate! It’s a great opportunity, we’re going to take advantage of it. Especially since there will be 9 of us at the GANY marathon, a group of friends with whom we have participated in other marathons, other events. A great new adventure with the GANY. It is unbelievable. Even if it’s still a marathon, very difficult, it will be a party.”
Saturday 10 August, near the Town Hall, there will be excitement, anxiety and a crazy desire to finish this unique marathon.
>> Grasse Group in New York on August 10: Sylvie, Ingrid, Delphine, Virginie, Roselyne, Philippe, Olivier, Emmanuel, Rudy (marathon); Pascale, Sandrine, Julie and Philippe (10 kilometers).
