Serpie Planner - event reports
Paris-Versailles 'La Grande Classique' - 16k (27 Sep 2009)
Some feedback from the Paris -Versailles race that was held last Sunday under a glorious weather; 16km (just below 10 miles) from the Eiffel tower to the Chateau. The route starts below Paris most famous tower, follow the Seine river heading south. At km 5, a sharp rise - la cote des gardes - puts your hill training in practice over 3 km. Then the route cross the refreshing Meudon forest with downhills and curves to Versailles. The final stage is a 1.5 km sprint (slighty uphill) on the Paris Avenue with the Chateau de Versailles at sight.
Organisation was very good for this ever popular race in Paris - more than 20 000 runners. Bags are dropped near the Eiffel tower before being carried to Versailles. The young's French scout were helping on the organisation all along the route providing fun to the race. The waves of 400 runners every minute at the start was clearly helpful to avoid crowds, 3 water stations packed with energy drinks and goodie bag at arrival with more food and drinks. Not queue for the chip as the organiser decided this year to leave it to runners as a "souvenir". A nice medal was awarded as well.
Tip: After the race and some warm-down exercices, do not forget to head to Versailles' market nearby and buy all your cheese, delicatessen, bread for your picnic in the park around the Chateau. A royal treat for a royal race!