42,195

so yesterday was the big day and i ran the paris marathon together with around 40 000 other runners. out of the now eight marathons i have participated in this one was probably the most enjoyable, as well as memorable; it really is quite something to start a race in a huge crowd covering the majority of champs-elysees, followed by a route travelling alongside some of the best known landmarks in whole europe, if not the world. 

the only downside was the huge amount of runners (for example it took me almost half an hour from the official start time to actually cross the start line; and behind me there were still over one third of the runners waiting for their turn) which resulted in the unfortunate fact that big parts of the run were a bit overcrowded. a lot of time you weren't able to pass slower runners, which was every now and then a bit frustrating; but then again, you don't participate in an event of this scale and expect to break your personal best. the thing to do, really, is just to enjoy the amazing atmosphere and the beautiful city around you; and this is what i did. 

all in all i enjoyed the whole thing thoroughly, and am very happy with both the ease of the run and my result of 3 hours and 43 minutes. i would absolutely recommend running the paris marathon to anyone considering it; the event is well organized, the route easy with little elevations as well as extremely beautiful and, what is maybe just my personal preference, ran in one stretch instead of running the practically same 21 kilometre lap twice, as it often happens. 

now it is time to take it easy a few days; a well-deserved rest, i think.