Back in 2013, we were seven old friends from high school arriving in Paris at the same time after different studies and jobs in various place in France and around the World. We shared a big flat in the Marais neighborhood: we were in our mid-twenties, life was good. As some of us had backgrounds in athletics or football, we started running together as a common activity. We progressively started embracing running culture at the same time that appeared to us the desire to have a project together. We used our competencies and put all our energy into this project: Running became everything! We began to gather people to go running, starting from Le Marais, next to our flat. That how the MRC (Marais Running Club) was created, in 2014.
I think it's important to remember that running is simply an excuse for us to get together. The weeks are busy for everyone. Having an appointment on Wednesdays at the end of the day allows us to breathe in the middle of the week, especially knowing that everyone will be there, as usual. I find it precious, and that's why the club was made for. Beyond these weekly meetings where we run and have a drink together afterwards, I would say that the club's activity also extends to the weekend. For example, a big part of the club meets on weekends for long sessions in preparation for the Paris Marathon. Other significant part of members also meet to go out together and party! So that's what the MRC is all about: cool runs and parties, all the moment we love organizing and spending together.
This run was made early in the morning on the “Coulée verte”, a former railway line in the East of Paris rehabilitated into a 5km urban path, that starts from Bastille. It is great to run there because as you are mostly above the streets, it is extremely quiet. You feel like you are isolated from the noise and the traffic of the city, although you are still in the heart of Paris.
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Photo:Anthony Maison
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