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With around 15 marathons completed (Paris, Médoc, La Rochelle, Mt St Michel, Venise, Berlin, etc…), René Le Roux is an experienced marathoner. Now he now longer runs marathons, but rather runs the Vannes Marathon, being in charge of the communication for the event. He finds it is a great way to give back a little bit of the happiness running has brought him and continues to bring him. |
Hello, on October 18th 2009 you’ll be organizing the Vannes Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
Vannes is located in France, in southern Brittany. Vannes is the starting point for all visits of the Gulf of Morbihan.
It will be the 10th edition of the race. Why was it created in the first place?
Two local associations which used to organize other prestigious local races have teamed up to create the Vannes Marathon : association des Municipaux de Vannes and association du Centre Hospitalier de Vannes.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The 20km route mostly follows the seashore, along the coastal trails of the Gulf of Morbihan. It is mostly flat, I only have to mention 2 or 3 deceptively flat uphill that only last 300 meters. It also allows the runners to visit the historical center and it ends on the lanes of a stadium.
How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
All our races limit the number of participants. The marathon, starting at 10 AM allows up to 2 200 participants.
Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
We organize two other races :
- Foulées du Golfe (13 km) – starting at 9:30 AM limited to 1200 participants
- L’Hermine (Relay marathon for two runners) – starting at 10 AM, limited to 800 participants
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
On the third Sunday of October, the weather is usually cool. We can expect 6°C (42°F) on the starting line and 12°C (54°F) at the arrival. But weather in Brittany can offer surprises. It felt as in summertime during the two previous editions.
Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
People like the Vannes marathon because of its festive atmosphere. We do our best to make the marathon pleasant. Along the route are scattered 22 shows, music stands, tasting stands and surprises.
We have been selected as one of the ‘super jours de fête’ by the French magazine Jogging International.
Lorsque l’on interroge les coureurs sur ils se disent séduits par la beauté du site et impressionnés par la qualité de l’organisation.
The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Vannes before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
Vannes and the Gulf of Morbihan are famous for their seafood specialties, cider and of course the crepes. Whether before or after the race, it will be hard to miss them.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of 42k195 to make them register for the Vannes Marathon?
Come and run between the sky and the sea. At your feet, all the magic of the Gulf.
Thank you René.
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