Am I bothered? by Menton

Well what a great experience the Paris marathon was last weekend.  It might not have the crowds watching that London has but in every other respect it is streets ahead.

The start on the Champs Elysees is just a perfect opportunity to get off to a flying start and into a rhythm it's 3 times as wide as the start in London and downhill and before you know it your at the Bastille with the first refreshment table.

The refreshment tables every 5 KM are infinitely superior to that London offers not only is their plenty of water but the bananas, oranges and dried fruit just mean you aren't wholly reliant on gel's for the whole race.

The route is also nicely split into 4 distinct phases which stops you getting bored.  The first 10K takes you through the centre of Paris, the second through a large wooded park.  The third 10k brings you back through the centre of town and along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower before you head through the Bois du Bologne to the finish.  The crowds aren't significant but the course is so wide that you can just get on with running.

All of the above was a really pleasant surprise because I'd heard so many negative stories about the organisation, but take it from me they really have sorted it out.

So if you don't make the ballot for next years London marathon don't fret sign up for Paris and have a great weekend away, you'll have a smashing time and I reckon a better race experience.