A Marathon of Sightseeing

For fans of long-distance running, there might not be a better way to see a city than to tour it over the course of 26.2 miles. On April 11th, the Paris Marathon winds around some of the most famous architectural marvels in the world. Whether you’re decked out in sneakers or just want to cheer on the runners, this course is a tour de force of unparalleled, marathon sightseeing.

Marathoners take to the streets of Paris

The course starts off at the Arc de Triomphe and runs straight down the Champs-Elysees, before turning left at the Place de la Concorde on to the Rue de Rivoli, all within the first mile of the race. The runners then head toward the Château de Vincennes, passing the Louvre, Hôtel de Ville, and the Place de la Bastille. At mile 9, the the course heads back toward the Left Bank of the the Seine, offering great views of the Notre-Dame, Musée de Orsay and the Eiffel Tower. As the race approaches the Bois de Boulogne and mile 22, crowds become notoriously thin until the last quarter mile and the Porte Dauphine – and the end of the race – is in sight.

Enjoying the spoils of victory near the Arch de Triomphe

Runners may enjoy the usual variety of refreshments every three miles, including water, oranges and bananas, however some tables have been known to hand out wine, beer and even oysters. Too late to participate in the race this year? Then save your strength for 2011 and cheer on the runners with other Parisians with boisterous shouts of “Allez!”

[photos by Josiah Mackenzie and Eric Brecheimer]