1,000 days before the Paris 2024 Games: «Marathon Pour Tous», Paris 2024 Mass Event Running launched with an innovative pursuit race with the world’s top marathon runner, Eliud Kipchoge

To mark 1,000 days to go until the start of the Paris 2024 Games, a unique pursuit race will be held on the iconic Champs-Elysées in Paris where running enthusiasts will be able to compete against Eliud Kipchoge, considered to be one of the greatest marathon runners of all time. Those who successfully complete the challenge will secure a place to compete in the 2024 «Marathon Pour Tous», Paris 2024 Mass Event Running set to be held during the Olympic Games in Paris.

On 31 October, Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge will race against 2,000 runners on the streets of Paris

On Sunday 31 October, 2,000 participants will be looking to win their entry for the «Marathon Pour Tous», Paris 2024 Mass Event Running in 2024 by challenging themselves against Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon world record holder with a time of 2h 1min 39sec.

In line with its ambition to take sport out of stadiums and into the heart of the city, Paris 2024 has chosen to stage this event on the magnificent Champs Elysées, one of the world’s most beautiful avenues, and Place de la Concorde, which will be the setting for the urban sports in 2024.

Free and open to everyone, this race will bring together the reigning two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and sports enthusiasts, from experienced runners to beginners, as well as spectators and people looking to enjoy this unique event in the heart of Paris.

This unique opportunity has been made possible by Club Paris 2024 and Orange, Official Sponsor of the «Marathon Pour Tous», Paris 2024 Mass Event Running, with an original pursuit race format. Used to leading races from the front, the Olympic champion will need to follow a dedicated corridor and try to catch up with his competitors who will have all set off before him.

The participants, from beginners to experienced runners, will be split into different starting gates depending on their level and the performance that they expect to achieve over 5km. They will set off in groups with pacemakers, hoping to avoid being overtaken by Eliud Kipchoge, who will set off last.

People who cross the finishing line before the athlete will win their entry for the 2024 «Marathon Pour Tous», Paris 2024 Mass Event Running.

For those who are not able to complete the race before Kipchoge, there will be plenty of other chances over the next three years with Club Paris 2024 to try to win their entry for the «Marathon Pour Tous», Paris 2024 Mass Event Running.

Speaking on his involvement in the upcoming race, Eliud Kipchoge said:

“I am delighted to be heading to Paris 1,000 days before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for a truly exceptional challenge. Open to everyone, whatever their level, this unique race is an outstanding illustration of what running is all about: it is accessible and open to everyone. On one of the world’s most beautiful avenues, I challenge you to keep ahead of me! I look forward to sharing this moment with you and inspiring you to run, to give it your all, to push your limits, before we see each other again in 2024”.

Mass Participation Marathon, an exceptional race that illustrates Paris 2024’s ambition to open up the Games to as many people as possible

For the first time in history, Paris 2024 is inviting spectators to step down from the stands and be part of the Games experience like an athlete. The Paris 2024 Mass Participation Marathon will be opened up for everyone to take part, on the same route as the legendary Olympic marathon race. A shorter 10km race on this same route will also be offered to enable all athletes, regardless of their level, disability, or age, to enjoy a unique experience during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

To give a taste of what is to come with the Mass Participation Marathon in 2024, the race against Eliud Kipchoge on 31 October will offer French people the opportunity to get involved in the Games now and experience them from the inside.