Run My City is the kind of event that we love a lot. Picture it: mixing sport and culture, discovery and fun. For this edition, we were not less than 10,000 runners at the starting line of this original and pressure-free race. Indeed, no timer nor pressure, it’s all about being relaxed and cool when we enter the magnificent places to discover.
The event has been increasing: 4,000 runners were present in 2017 and 7,000 last year. This race has been more and more appreciated since it makes us discover beautiful things. On the menu of this race, 2 distances – 9km or 15km – about twenty monuments to run through and 3 options: solo, duo or as a group of four. Experienced runners, families and occasional runners met for this event as entertaining as physical.
The starting line and the finishing line were once again set at the Paris Hôtel de Ville. An excellent spot that enabled us to discover the sumptuous lounges of this legendary building.
Athletes running the 9km loop have had the chance to run through the Hôtel de Sully, the headquarter of the Centre des monuments nationaux [National monuments center], not far from the Place des Vosges. Then, they have been amazed by the splendid wooden ceilings of the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris [City of Paris’ historical library] in the heart of the Marais neighborhood. Then, they ran to the Musée Cognacq-Jay, the Forum des Halles, the 2nd arrondissement town hall and the Passage des Panoramas and its typically Parisian restaurants following one another.
The route took them to the Ecole Grange Batelière, the 9th arrondissement town hall and under the incredible glass cupola ceiling of the Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris Richelieu [Paris Richelieu National Library] before making them run towards one of the most beautiful parks in Paris, the Palais Royal’s.
Last step before returning to the Hôtel de Ville, they have had the chance to admire the gothic façades of the 1st arrondissement town hall, the only place crossed over by the two races.
The 15km loop took us to the left bank! The race started with a high place of education and research: the Collège de France, new for the edition 2019 of Run My City by Salomon. A bit further, we’ve been amazed by the prosperous décor of the Petit Palais and its flamboyant gildings before visiting the 5th arrondissement town hall before running to the Maison des Pratiques Artistiques Amateurs in Saint-Germain.
We loved the picturesque landscape of the Commerce Saint-André courtyard, filled with noticeable buildings. And what a pleasure to come into the Monnaie de Paris and the Beaux-Arts, two places packed with history.
After a small detour via the 7th arrondissement town hall, we went to entertain ourselves in the Musée Rodin garden where entertainments were provided. We then went to the UNESCO and the 1st arrondissement town hall before moving on to the finish line in front of the Hôtel de Ville.
In other words, that was a lovely race we hope to run again next year!
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
