Paris, France – A group of five friends from Brittany, France, are preparing to tackle the Paris Half Marathon this Sunday, March 8, 2026. The women, colleagues at a bank in Vannes, have been running together for a decade, and this race marks their first foray into the half marathon distance. Even as they’re focused on completing the 13.1-mile course, their journey is about much more than just finishing time – it’s a testament to friendship, resilience, and finding joy in movement.
The group – Marie-Cécile, Gwenaëlle, Dominique, Morgane, and Stéphanie – initially bonded over their shared workplace. “These women, who met at their workplace, have forged bonds for life through running,” according to reporting from Le Parisien. What began as a way to get fit has blossomed into a decade-long commitment to each other and their health.
Dominique Étienne, the only retiree in the group at 66 years ancient, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having completed the full Paris Marathon in 2012. “It’s how we called running back in my day,” she joked, reflecting on the evolution of their shared passion. The group’s dynamic is built on camaraderie and mutual support, a contrast to the often-competitive nature of running groups dominated by men.
“We don’t set pressure on ourselves,” explained Gwenaëlle Bourvellec, 48. “That’s simply since we enjoy being with each other. We have a good laugh and are all at roughly the same level. The guys, they run too quick for us. Men are often focused on performance.” This relaxed approach is central to their philosophy, prioritizing enjoyment over strict metrics.
The idea for the half marathon came from Morgane Golynski, 50, who, despite living in Brittany for 22 years, maintains a connection to Paris. “We’ve done a lot of races in the region – shorter distances like the 6 km de la Vannetaise or the foulée des géants at Puy du Fou,” Morgane said. “We thought a 10k was a bit too easy, so we decided to step up to a half marathon, and Paris seemed like the perfect place.”
The team’s training consists of three weekly sessions: a lunchtime run on Tuesdays, individual runs on Thursdays, and a group run on Sundays. They acknowledge the challenge ahead, admitting they haven’t meticulously studied the course map. “We haven’t looked at the route and haven’t briefed with the girls. We’ll see what happens on race day,” Stéphanie Guillas, 51, confessed.
However, Stéphanie’s candidness masks a touch of realism. “I don’t desire to discourage my friends,” she admitted, acknowledging the hilly terrain of the Paris Half Marathon course. “But Notice quite a few climbs, and I know we’re going to struggle. But we also hope to have fun. That’s the goal too.”
The group has set varied goals for the race. Gwen, Marie-Cécile, and Dominique are aiming to finish around 2 hours and 30 to 40 minutes, while Morgane simply wants to complete the course. Stéphanie, who has been hampered by recent illness, is hoping to break the 3-hour mark. “I’ve been disrupted in my preparation with the flu and bronchitis. If I finish under 3 hours, that will be very good.”
Beyond the physical challenge, the race carries a deeply personal significance for Stéphanie. She is running in memory of her sister, Anne Isabelle, who passed away from cancer last year. “The race falls almost two days after her anniversary,” Stéphanie shared. “Her death has motivated me even more to run. I feel lucky to have this opportunity, unlike her.” Dominique echoed this sentiment, having also lost two brothers, finding solace and strength in running. “Running is good for the body and the mind. When you run by the sea, it feels so good. And you feel truly alive…”
The friends plan to travel to Paris by train, arriving Friday evening and enjoying a theater performance on Saturday before the race on Sunday. They’ll return home on Monday, having shared an experience that transcends the competition itself.
The Paris Half Marathon represents a culmination of years of friendship and shared commitment. It’s a story of women supporting women, embracing the joy of movement, and finding strength in each other, even in the face of personal loss. The group’s relaxed approach and focus on camaraderie offer a refreshing perspective on the world of competitive running.
The women will be among thousands participating in the event, which has seen increasing participation in recent years. The race is a popular event for both seasoned runners and those new to the sport, offering a scenic course through the heart of Paris.
Following the race, the group plans to return to their regular training schedule and continue to support each other’s fitness goals. Their story serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to find a community and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
The next confirmed event for many of these runners will be local races in the Brittany region later this spring, as they continue their running journey together. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on their progress and other inspiring stories from the world of running.
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