Green and Golds on Tour (Paris Marathon)
The first weekend in April saw Paul Stretesky fly out to France to join up with our current resident Parisian Joe Colligan. Both were looking to complete their third marathon on the streets of Paris on Sunday 4th April 2016.
First up for the boys was the new Paris Park Run on the Saturday morning; based on part of the officIal marathon course in the Bois de Boulogne. Only in its 10th week! Paul, who was taking it easy came in at 23:59, 32nd from a record 176 runners. Joe meanwhile was volunteering and became the solo scanner for all runners.
Sunday morning meant Paris Marathon, the 2nd biggest in the world. The 42km route, starting on the Champs Elysee would take in world famous landmarks including the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.
Joe was looking to build on 2015 with a target of 3:15 and Paul just behind aiming for 3:45. All the training had been perfected (including a successful NEHL XC and Kev’s Sunday runs for Paul). However the one thing that couldn’t be planned was the 20+ degree heat, which was taking its toll on all the runners along the course.
Joe crossed the finish line in 3:19:30, and Paul followed just over an hour later. No PBs to be had today but a great event all round.
After months of training and a gruelling run; the two from Tynemouth celebrated in style, drinking champagne at the Arc de Triomphe.
Joe Colligan