In Rouen, the extreme marathon runner completes her World Tour

As if to close the loop, the marathon runner was back in her city of Rouen (Seine-Maritime) on Saturday September 17 for the inauguration of the Rouen’ing system, a weekly and free invitation to come and run in a group on the banks of the Seine. . “The greatest journeys begin and end with a few strides,” said Marie Leautey, appointed ambassador for the city of Rouen and godmother of the city’s candidacy for the European Capital of Culture 2028.

Two years of memories

Overwhelmed by emotion, the Norman returned from Australia two weeks ago: “I still haven’t landed in my head. What remains to me of travel and continents is the density, the variety of cultures, culinary traditions, architecture and in particular the richness in its differences of Europe. I learned so many things. I was amazed every day”.

And this, despite its rhythm of a marathon (42 km) per day over six days a week. She left around 6 o’clock and ran until noon “with curiosity”. “That’s why I’ve never had a breakdown in motivation. With each marathon, I was looking for something new, because it is the thread of my life, ”explains the athlete. Trilingual, she mainly went to meet the inhabitants: “With my stroller, meetings were easier. I was a UFO. I was offered food, accommodation, money for my association. These were incredible encounters, some of which I kept in touch with via social networks. During the period of the pandemic, I represented the symbol of a crazy freedom. In the end, these are two years of accumulated memories”.

Already an editor for his future book

With her head, notebooks and full digital maps, Marie Leautey will embark on writing a book to share her experience, having already found a publisher. “I have already been to my old college and to the Bonne-Nouvelle prison in Rouen, in the minors’ quarter. I want to do my trip justice. Then I’ll think about leaving. This is my first wish”.

She also took her commitment seriously during her journey for the NGO Women for Women International, which helps women survivors of war. At 1 dollar per kilometer, Marie Leautey will pay 28,300 dollars and engage further in their actions.

To congratulate her on her achievement, in a few days, she will enter the private and very closed circle of the World Runners Association: “I would advise her to leave as soon as possible if that is her objective. We are so good on the roads. It’s another life. So, go back Mary! advises him Serge Girard, the other Norman record holder in 2017, who would like to embark on a “1,000 marathons or 42,195 km”.