A few days before a marathon, the runners are already in the starting blocks ready to face the 42.195 km of the course. There remains one final step, as symbolic as it is practical. A rite: the withdrawal of the bib. At the Paris marathon, this stage is an event since it takes place within the framework of RunExperience.
“It’s not just a simple withdrawal zone, it’s a real ‘running’ show”, underlines Charles Mabille, in charge of the shows at ASO, organizer of Sunday’s race. Owner of sporting events such as the Tour de France or the Dakar, the company does not do things by halves with more than 150 exhibitors spread over 26,500 m2 at the Parc des Expositions at Porte de Versailles.
Medical certificate, equipment and food
In addition to being able to obtain a medical certificate on site, runners will find everything they need to eat well, for preparation, racing and recovery. Intended for neophytes as well as seasoned runners, the numerous stands also offer all possible equipment for runners: textiles, shoes, connected watches, bags and even headlamps and swimming suits… “It’s a meeting place for all outdoor practices, explains Charles Mabille, it is also aimed at trail runners and triathletes. »
The show even offers specific spaces to test the products, including a 200-meter-long running track. And because nothing beats the advice of experts to prepare for a race, in addition to the brands present on site, thematic conferences (race, recovery, etc.) will take place throughout these two and a half days.
Advice from a specialist
20 minutes therefore took the opportunity to ask Yohan Durand, 2021 French half-marathon champion and 15th in the Paris marathon the same year, his advice for Sunday’s event. “As the riders were able to do during their preparation, the most important thing is to put yourself in your bubble. Also, the champion recommends taking the time to prepare the day before the race: “Pack your bag quietly. Check your shoes and your outfit. Watch the course for tricky spots and aid stations. All this helps to reduce stress. “A material that the runners will have taken care to test before embarking on the marathon: “You should not discover your shoes or your outfit on the day of the race, this avoids unpleasant surprises. »
In the same way, a runner must know his diet plan before the start, know how he will eat, when he will eat, whether he prefers solids or liquids, etc.
Work the head as much as the legs
Once on the asphalt, the head counts as much as the legs. First mistake to avoid, especially for beginners, leaving too quickly: “You must not get carried away by faster runners at the start, warns Yohan Durand, we have often been waiting for this for three or four months, a start on the Champs- Élysées, a crazy atmosphere with brass bands… don’t let yourself be carried away by the event. Otherwise it pays off in the end. »
On the contrary, the specialist advises rather to cut the race into “four times ten” and to leave quietly: “The first ten kilometers are those of discovery, you have to find your pace, and perhaps even stay a little below her goals. Between 10 and 20, we put ourselves a little more in the race. Between the 20th and the 30th kilometer, we accelerate, and after the 30th, we resist. »
Because it is from this famous thirtieth kilometer that things get tough. “This is when the mind takes precedence over the legs,” confirms Yohan Durand who advises everyone to find the psychological keys to hold on. “You have to think about the difficult moments that you have already overcome and transcribe that in the race. Remember why you are doing it. For many runners, it’s often a challenge that got us there. For others, it’s wanting to become a “finisher”.
Run Experience at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center. Free admission, Friday (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.).