48,000 entrants in the biggest half marathon on Earth. 44% of women in the field, up from 35% in 2022. 46% of first-time half marathon runners. Kennedy Kimutai and Jackline Cherono secure Kenyan double. Bright skies and the warmth of spring make for perfect conditions. 3,400 charity bibs (up from 640 last year) raised almost a million euros for 50 charities
Sunshine filled the air as the starting gun for the biggest half marathon on Earth was fired at 7:58 this morning. This new edition of the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris lived up to expectations, with tens of thousands of runners from France and abroad (14% of foreigners, up from 10% in 2022) pounding the tarmac.
WINNERS OF THE DAY
The Kenyan favourites did not disappoint, storming to victory in both the men's and the women's races in the streets of the French capital. Kennedy Kimutai crossed the finish line with a time of 1:00:16. The winner spent most of the race locked in a clash of titans with his countryman Timothy Kosgei before pulling ahead at the tail end. Timothy Kibet rounded out an all-Kenyan men's podium. Jean-Baptiste Michaux flew the flag for the host nation in seventh place (1:04:20), just ahead of another Frenchman, Yohan Durand (1:04:03).
In the women's race, the odds-on favourite Jackline Cherono won with a time of 1:07:16, improving on her personal best by more than two minutes. She hit the front of the field at an early stage and never looked back. The Ethiopian Muluhabt Tsega claimed the runner-up's spot ahead of yet another Kenyan, Christine Kioko. Marie Bouchard was the top-ranked French representative in fifth place (1:12:07).
"I set a new personal best today, so I'm over the moon! I dug deep from beginning to end. I'm mighty proud that all these efforts paid off. Tackling this legendary course in such an incredible atmosphere made it even more special!" — Basile.
WOMEN STEP TO THE FORE
Women made up 44% of the field at the start. This percentage, up from 35% in 2022, continues its inexorable rise, mirroring the sport as a whole, which has nearly achieved parity. In fact, 55% of first-timers were women."It was my first time here, so I was happy to share the experience with a few friends of mine. We vowed to inspire each other! The level of energy on the course was out of this world. I'm pleased I did it and ready to start all over again." — Margaux
A LARK THROUGH THE HEART OF PARIS IN AN EXTRAORDINARY ATMOSPHERE
The Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris took the field on a tour of the famous neighbourhoods of eastern Paris, where the hustle and bustle of the city meets nature. Starting from Boulevard Saint-Germain, the runners trotted down the banks of the Seine, with sights such as the Jardin des Plantes and the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand on their route to the Bois de Vincennes. After crossing Daumesnil and zipping up the quays, the runners took Rue de Rivoli towards the terminus of the race in Place de la Bastille. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators coming out in droves to cheer on the runners. The roars of the energetic and enthusiastic supporters were a shot in the arm for the athletes. Nine entertainment zones were set up between km 3 and km 20 to make the race even more memorable and galvanise the heroes of the day.
CHARITY BIBS: RUNNING FOR A CAUSE TOGETHER
3,400 runners pinned on charity bibs to support non-profit organisations this year (up from 640 in the previous edition). The initiative raised almost a million euros for 50 charities and humanitarian, social or environmental projects while filling the participation of the entrants with meaning.
"Sporting a charity bib in the colours of the Fondation Maladies Rares meant a lot to me. My son has a rare genetic disorder. Entering the race was a way of fighting in his corner and contributing to research for the benefit of affected families. Feeling the support of the other runners and the organisation throughout the entire course made it an even more emotional experience, it will stay with me forever", explained Claire, who raised €685 for the Fondation Maladies Rares.
