The idea of “pacemakers” was invented at the Paris Marathon 12 years ago and has now been copied all over the world! The original aim was to provide “hares” for the champions, to help them beat world records, but you had to go by it on your own! For some of you, four hours also represents a real achievement.
The balloons, which sometimes used to burst under the trees in the Bois de Vincennes, have been replaced by streamers, flags in the colours of your starting area, based on your expected time.