Get ready, runners and fans! Paris is gearing up for its iconic 20 km race, and this year’s 47th edition on Sunday, October 12th, is set to transform the City of Lights into a vibrant running circuit. With an estimated 30,000 participants expected, this event, a staple since its inception in 1979, offers a unique blend of athletic challenge and breathtaking Parisian scenery. Think of it as the Paris equivalent of a major city marathon, but condensed into a thrilling 20-kilometer journey.

The Scenic Route: A Runner’s Dream

The starting gun fires at 9:00 AM from the Pont d’Iéna, launching participants on a course that winds through some of Paris’s most legendary landmarks. Runners will experience the grandeur of the trocadéro, the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the lush expanses of the bois de Boulogne, the hallowed grounds of roland-Garros (home of the French Open tennis tournament), the impressive Maison de la Radio, the elegant Grand Palais, the historic Tuileries Garden, the charming Pont Royal, and the picturesque Berges de Seine. The finish line? It’s none other than the foot of the splendid Eiffel Tower – a truly unforgettable spectacle for any finisher.

Navigating the Road Closures: Essential Information

For those planning to attend or simply trying to get around the city, understanding the road closures is crucial.The Paris police are implementing significant traffic restrictions to ensure the safety of the runners. early risers will notice initial closures beginning around 7:00 AM. A substantial sector, including the Saint-Exupéry quays, Tuileries, aimé Césaire, and the Alma and Concorde underground passages, will become inaccessible. Several Seine riverbanks will also be closed to traffic.

The Core Race Route: Major Street Impacts

The most extensive closures will directly impact the race course itself. From 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, vehicles will be fully prohibited from circulating on key Parisian arteries. This includes the Place de l’Alma, avenue Marceau, rue de Presbourg, avenue Foch, Place du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, and the boulevards d’Auteuil and murat. This is a critical window for