While the setting sun bathes the town hall of Caen (Calvados) of pretty autumn glows, dozens of runners massage on the forecourt, this Tuesday, September 30. “We will be more than 160,” we whisper in the rows.
Tuesday is the day of “Run & Drink” at Run’in Paradise. Martin Raynal created this collective in April 2024: “I was injured in football and my physiotherapist asked me to run. I don’t really like it so I preferred to run with people. First friends, then I created the page. “The marketing student knows how to do it: logo, social networks, t-shirts …” At the beginning, there were two or three. We quickly went up to 20, then 30. Each landing surprises me. »»
This last evening in September, 180 people will record the release on their Strava account. A record for the group, which then goes back to his emotions in partner bars. Come who wants.
Last August, the Zava teleconsultation company crowned Caen as the first city in France where it is good to run. A reflection of this study, the city has several dedicated groups or pages on social networks, such as Caen Runners, Run’in Paradise or even running at La Prairie, named the Hippodrome de Caen, high place of runners.
Unexpected, or with a weekly program
“We are looking for training, but also in the world. It is easier to run to others, ”argue Alicia and Margot before their session. “We have new friends and going to have a drink after a thing is something extra. »»
“We are between an association and a club,” explains Jean-Christophe Blavette, social media in Caen Runners. “We try to develop the running spirit. Yes, we try to be efficient but it is without headache. We leave room for meetings. »»
On the Prairie Prairie page, everyone goes from their exit proposal. We also exchange racing bibs in the event of unforeseen absence.
Caen Runners and Run’in Paradise, on the other hand, opt for more framed meetings. “Tuesday is Blabla-Run in Caen and around, 10 to 15 km quietly. On Thursday, we do fractional exercises with a coach. And on Sunday we offer trail outings, ”explains Jean-Christophe, from Caen Runners, who has around 190 members this season. A program which is similar to that of Run’in Paradise, which publishes its meetings of the following week on its networks every weekend.
As a result, the platoons grow, aggregate participants in varied profiles. Students, young workers, experienced runners seeking quieter and friendly exit, Sunday athletes in recovery, novices …
“Running with so many people helps, it reassures”
On the Megaphone, this September 30, the organizers of Run’in Paradise launch their Run & Drink. Participants have the choice between four level groups. On the menu, an exit from 7 to 9 km, and a 50 -hour look per kilometer or an alternation racing/walking. Everyone finds their account there. “And if we see that we are progressing, we go up,” smiles Margot. Like many of her exit companions, she “never signed up for a race. But here, running with so many people helps, it reassures. And it gives the idea to register ”.
We embark with group 1 of Run’in Paradise, sporting an Ajax Amsterdam jersey, opposed the same evening at OM. A few minutes are enough to build a nice exchange with an Olympian supporter and one of his friends. Both come for the sixth time. Redo miles, find a good shape “thanks to a regular meeting”, to meet people … There is no shortage of reasons for their motivation.
The evening -like leader watches her watch and her group. No one has won. We warn bikes, passers -by, obstacles, we know how to expect, we chat and … we cow the other level groups, crossed at the bend of a street.
As expected, quite a few people stop at bars on arrival. “We can clearly feel the social aspect of these outings,” said Mathias, co-manager of the Bayla, very close to the starting and arrival point. “There is a mixture of people and more and more people. »Too many people? A runner passed through these outings now feels less comfortable, given the size of the groups.
After a month of September open to everyone, Caen Runners continues his year with his members. At Run’in Paradise, we think of “dividing departures, creating more groups or events” to manage the influx while “retaining the social dimension. And everyone can pursue their objectives. It is accessible, ”explains Martin Raynal.
By his side, Bastien, faithful of the group for a year, claims to have been “close friends. When you come two or three times, you are integrated ”. A prolonged conviviality in the relations between the collectives of runners, very respectful of each other. A recipe for simplicity for one of the simplest sporting activity. A click and an accelerator for many, which will then drink the short breath.
