Run2Paris 2024

Our first-ever sold-out event as a very wet spring was replaced by sunshine as the teams gathered.

DAY 1

The excitement was palpable as the teams gathered at the start. Runner 1 from each team signed in and we were ready to go. The 4 remaining team mates had time to enjoy a pastry and coffee before jumping in their car to Checkpoint 1. The ground conditions were challenging with plenty of standing water and mud from a very wet spring but spirits were high as teams bunny-hopped towards the sea. Day 1 finish line was almost in sight but there were some challenging hills for Runners 4 and 5 to navigate. Finally, all of the teams arrived at the Finish of Day 1 overlooking the ferry terminal, a tough but brilliant day. Time to recover with some fish and chips and perhaps a beer or two before the overnight ferry.

DAY 2

Nothing sums up Run2Paris more than the saying ‘it’s about the journey not the destination’, although to be fair to us the destination is pretty impressive too. The ferry is as much a part of this as anything else as crew and runners grabbed a few hours sleep ahead of day 2.

An enterprising team found the soft play and there were a fair few envious glances from the rest of us. There were a few nerves around as breakfast was served and the sun came up. After yesterday’s efforts how would the body hold up?

Luckily, today’s legs are short, flat and stunning. We are running in France.

Chateaux, cafe, chateaux, cafe, I could get used to this.

We get into basecamp just after lunch and the afternoon is our own. A chance to chill and recover. Some napped, some joined our yoga session and some headed into the town to sample some local treats.

We gathered back together at the village hall hosted by the amazing Melanie and joined by the mayor herself who congratulated everyone on what they had achieved so far and wished them luck for what lay ahead.

DAY 3

This is the morning where you can feel the fear across the start line. It’s day three, its barely light yet, the longest toughest day awaits and we already have two days running in our legs.

The first runners of the day however are treated to perhaps the best running experience possible, the sunrise, the French countryside and villages, the stunning route. If you have routes on your bucket list get this on their fast, its truly stunning.

As the sun continues to rise the temperature creeps up as well, it’s warm out there and each leg is challenging but with three hour cut off times there is no need for a PB today. The camaraderie out on the route is incredible, teams set up impromptu water stops and the checkpoints are buzzing. This is where Run2Paris is different, this is a real adventure, running as a team sport. It’s unlike anything else out there.

The is constant debate about the toughest leg but D3L5 is a real contender. Lots of climbing, exposed to the sun and having spent most of the day travelling and celebrating with the team.

Getting into the event hub at the end of the day though is something special, in the shadow of a stunning chateau we come together for a BBQ on the lawn, perhaps a beer or two and we can guarantee a great night sleep in your tent tonight.

DAY 4

This is it, the day we get into Paris and it all starts to become real. This is the third time we have completed the whole event and today is the day where the runners find a second wind. The Eiffel Tower is a real draw and the chance to all run together as a team seems to spur everyone to the end of their own leg.

Each checkpoint today becomes a party zone as strangers on Wednesday evening are lifelong friends by Sunday lunchtime. We’ve all been through a lot together, early starts, long days, a lot of sunshine but Paris awaits.

The first sight of the Seine is thrilling and then following it all the way to Paris makes each leg a dream run. Leg 5 today is tough but truly stunning and this runner gets the first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. It’s time to hit the last mile.

If you think you have seen it all in running then think again. Running this final mile together with your team, after 4 days of sweat and toil is unlike anything else. As the Eiffel Tower comes into view and the friends and family waiting is an indescribable feeling. Some pop champagne, some have a little cry but we all know its time to celebrate. Le Frog is once again taken over by the runners, the crew and supporters, Run2Paris 2024 is done!