Riviera Run

20 FEB2011

Entries are now open for the French Riviera Marathon on November 20. Although only run for the first time in 2008, the event has quickly established its place in the French running calendar, and with 10,000 plus entrants is the second biggest marathon in France, topped only by Paris.

One of the main reasons for the success of the French Riviera Marathon is a memorable coastal route that starts at the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and finishes on the the Boulevard de la Croisette at Cannes. The course passes through Saint Laurent-du-Var, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet, Antibes Juan-les-Pins and Vallauris Golfe-Juan as it gently winds up through stands of pine trees and beautiful stucco mansions before dropping down to the finish in Cannes.

The other principal reason for the marathon's success is that it is run in mid-November in mild temperatures with guaranteed sunshine so excellent running conditions. In 2011 the marathon will finish in front of the luxurious Intercontinental Carlton Hotel which offers you breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Organisers are also touting a tremendous package of extras for entrants which includes: a start number with your name (previous appreciative runners say that the vociferous spectators shout out your name in encouragement all along the route); a free railway shuttle between Nice and Cannes; water stations every 2.5 km and food aid stations every 5 km; 6 pacemakers; and your personal diploma online.

Happy finishers will receive an Adidas technical t-shirt, finisher's medal and massage in a dedicated area with 80 masseurs, ostheopaths and chiropodists.

You can register your interest now for the French Riviera Marathon at the race website. Or check out the package options at the Sports Tours International website.