On 18th October 2015, you are organizing the Half-Marathon of Porto-Vecchio. Could you tell us where it takes place?
The Half Marathon of Porto-Vecchio takes places in South Corsica overlooking the most beautiful beaches with a start at the Port of Porto-Vecchio and a finish at Santa Giulia.
Since when does the race exist and why was it created in the first place?
It has existed since 2014. Runners ourselves, we wanted to share and reveal this heavenly place and route along the most beautiful beaches of South Corsica to insular and continental runners.
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What kind of route do the runners expect? Could you describe it? What distances are in the program?
It’s a technical course with an elevation of +520 m and a slope of -520 m.
For the half marathon, the start will be held at 9:15 am at the Port of Porto-Vecchio.
The runners will set off towards the southern end of the town and then join the road of Palombaggia’s beaches until Bocca dell’Oro where they can admire the Mediterranean sea, which is in plain sight. From there they branch off in the direction of the marina towards Santa Giulia. This will be the ultimate lengthy descent to the finish line before a comfortable dip in the sea along the Santa Giulia beach.
As of 2015, the start for the 10K run will be held at Palombaggia. The participants of the 10K follow the same course as half marathon in the direction of the marina towards Santa Giulia.
How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What kind of runners do you think you attract?
We expect more than 1,200 participants for both events coming from the island, but also from the continent and entire Europe since the event is being held during the school holidays of All Saints’ Day. For this second edition, the half marathon race is labeled by the FFA (French Track & Field Federation).
At this time of the year, what are the forecast weather conditions?
Late fall during this period is pleasant and the temperature stays at warm 22° Celsius. Last year we had exceptional temperatures because they climbed up to 30° Celsius.
Have you planned specific activities around the race?
Numerous surprises await the participants and the spectators.
After running the marathon, what advice would you give to a fellow runner who has never been to Porto-Vecchio? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
After the race, I suggest people to stay on the island for a couple of days to discover it and enjoy it. But also to meet some Corsican people. After a visit to Porto-Vecchio, I suggest going to the Ospedale for hiking and Bavella for its natural swimming pools and panoramas.
In one sentence, what would you say to readers of ahotu Marathons to make them join the Half-Marathon of Porto-Vecchio?
Leave October’s grayness and find the sun and the sea in Porto-Vecchio, Land of Running.
Interview with Franck Dupriez, organizer of the Porto-Vecchio half-marathon.
Although from the continent, Frank is fanatical about Corsica and Porto-Vecchio. Even today he is still amazed by these varied landscapes, this mountain hanging above the open sea and Corsicans. For him, this island has always been and remains a place of inspiration and meetings.