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Discover the unique challenges and historical significance of the Paris Olympics marathon course, where legends will race against time.
Nearly two decades since the legendary track rivalry between Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele began in the French capital, both long-distance titans return to the very city where they first clashed for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
But this time, they are competing on a different battlefield: the marathon course.
This iconic event will not only test the world’s top marathoners but also captivate audiences with its unique blend of historical significance, challenging terrain, and scenic beauty.
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Here are five essential things to know about the Paris Olympics marathon course:
1. A journey through history and culture
The Paris 2024 marathon course is more than just a race; it is a journey through some of France’s most iconic historical sites.
The route begins at the Hôtel de Ville, Paris’s city hall, a structure steeped in the city’s history, and winds through nine arrondissements along the banks of the Seine.
Runners will pass landmarks like the Palais Garnier opera house, the Place Vendôme, and the world-renowned Louvre museum.
As they leave the city, the athletes will tread through historic French towns like Sevres on their way to Versailles.
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The return to Paris brings them through the Forêt Domaniale de Meudon, a lush forest that contrasts sharply with the urban landscapes they have left behind.
The race ends in grand style at the Esplanade des Invalides, where Napoleon Bonaparte rests.
2. A tribute to the French revolution
The Paris 2024 marathon course is inspired by a significant event in French history—the Women’s March on Versailles in October 1789.
Over 6,000 Parisian women, joined by men, marched from the Hôtel de Ville to Versailles to demand that King Louis XVI ratify the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens.
The marathoners will symbolically run in the footsteps of these historical figures, tracing their route and commemorating their fight for freedom and equality.
This connection to the past adds a layer of depth and meaning to the race, making it not just a physical challenge but a tribute to the resilience and determination of those who came before.
3. A full loop course with varying terrain
Unlike recent Olympic marathons and U.S. Marathon Trials, the Paris 2024 course is not a repetitive circuit but a single, continuous loop that begins and ends in the heart of the city.
The course stretches from Paris to Versailles and back offering runners a diverse and challenging experience.
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This route design allows athletes to experience the full spectrum of Paris’s urban beauty and the natural splendor of the surrounding areas.
However, it also means that runners will need to be prepared for a wide range of conditions and terrains, from the flat streets of central Paris to the steep hills outside the city.
4. Challenging elevation changes
The Paris 2024 marathon course is not for the faint of heart as it has a total elevation gain of 436 meters (1,430 feet) and an equally daunting descent of 438 meters (1,437 feet).
The first 15 kilometers of the course are relatively flat but the landscape changes dramatically after that.
The first major hill comes just before the 16-kilometer mark, with a climb of 2 kilometers at a 4 percent grade, similar to the famous Newton hills of the Boston Marathon.
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This is followed by an even steeper 5 percent grade hill at the 19-kilometer mark, stretching for 900 meters.
But the real challenge comes just after the 29-kilometer mark: a brutal 600-meter climb at an average grade of 10.5 percent.
To put that into perspective, it is like running on a treadmill set to 10 percent incline—except you’re doing it outdoors, in a marathon, surrounded by competitors.
5. The descent challenge
While the uphill sections of the Paris 2024 marathon course are formidable, the descent might be even more challenging.
After the final steep climb, runners will face a 13.5 percent gradient downhill.
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This steep descent will require runners to be efficient and controlled to avoid trashing their quads before the final flat stretch leading to the finish line.
Managing this descent will be crucial as a reckless approach could lead to severe muscle fatigue or even injury, jeopardizing an athlete’s chance of a strong finish. However, those who can master this section will be well-positioned for a successful race.
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