In 2022, Ethiopian Nigsti Haftu and Kenyan Boniface Kibiwott triumphed. Many of them dream of succeeding them when the 2023 edition arrives, Sunday March 5, place de la Bastille (IVe) in Paris. High-sounding names will be present on occasion, such as that of Frenchman Jimmy Gressier. But among amateur athletes too, the plateau has undergone changes this year. Presentation of the Paris 2023 half-marathon in a few figures.
First time for Jimmy Gressier
Fresh European record holder in the 5 km in Monaco in February, the Frenchman is embarking on a new distance. For the very first time, the European 10,000m champion will take part in a half-marathon. He will notably be accompanied by Mehdi Frère, third French performer over the distance (1h0′32′’). But formidable opponents will present themselves to the Blues. The Kenyans Roncer Kipkorir (59′38) Collins Koros (1h0′01′’), Edwin Yator (1h0′43′’) or Wesley Kimutai (1h0′45′’), for example.
Among the women, the Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui is the favorite. The runner has held the world record for 10,000m on the road since 2020. On the French side, Marjolaine Nicolas is the headliner. The Breton broke her personal best in the half-marathon in October 2022 in Rennes (1h14′23′’).
25 disabled athletes
As for three years, the Paris half-marathon serves as a support for the French Handisport Half-Marathon Championship. This year, 25 athletes are expected at the start. An opening symbol for the event. But also a way to discover places for athletes, a little over a year before the Paralympic Games in 2024.
43,000 runners
Registrations are closed since January 20th. They will be 43,000 at the start of the event. A figure on the rise since there were 40,000 during the 2022 edition. Above all, a large proportion of neophytes will take part in the event. For 42% of runners, this will be their very first half-marathon. The share of women has increased slightly in recent years, representing 37% of participants compared to 35% in 2019.
34.9 years of average age
The peloton is getting much younger as the average age has dropped since the 2019 edition (36.2 years). The proportion of young people is increasingly important. 18-24 year olds represent 15% (12% in 2019) of registrants this year and 25-34 year olds 44% (39% in 2019). All the runners have an appointment on the Sully bridge (Ve) for the start.
