Also known as the French Riviera Marathon, the fifth edition of Des Alpes-Maritimes race will be held in 10 November 2013. Despite its short history, a staggering 10,000 participants entered the run in 2010 and a record-breaking 12,000 were expected at the start line in 2011. Over 45 nations were represented in 2009 and in 2010 runners from around 50 countries finished the race.
Starting at the oldest gardens in Nice, the Albert 1st Gardens, the 42.195km route takes runners on a beautiful course to Cannes passing Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet, Antibes Juan-Les-Pins and Vallauris Golfe-Juan. The race will culminate at the InterContinental Carlton Cannes located on the Boulevard de la Croisette set against the backdrop of the stunning Mediterranean Sea.
The route winds its way to Villeneuve-Loubet, a picturesque village with colourful and charming townhouses and where runners can soak in the age-old village vibe along the narrow streets.
Along the way, runners will view one of the most significant buildings from the Belle Epoque, the Hotel Negresco, the famous palace with its characteristic pink dome overlooking the Bay of Angels. Another sight in the early stages of the course is the Nice Phoenix Park with its seven hectares of lush greenery and diverse birdlife including peacocks, ostriches, as well as exotic fish. The park houses a greenhouse that contains seven types of tropical and sub-tropical climates.
The course will also pass through the Cap d’Antibes, where a trail along the coast allows runners to experience the chateaux and huge villas. The famed hotel Eden Roc is also found along this stretch. When the route finally winds its way to Cannes, the Palm Beach Casino is another building that the runners will pass before running to victory at the Hotel Intercontinental Carlton built in 1912 on the beautiful avenue of the Croisette on the Riviera.
The 2010 edition was won by Ethiopian Tsegaye Botoru with a time of 2:10:27 and 2009 saw another Ethiopian Roba Adelo come in first with 2:10:17. The very first French Riviera Marathon in 2008 was won by Jacob Kitur from Kenya with the time of 2:11:12. In 2011, a new course record was set by Lukas Kanda who finished the marathon in 2:08:40.
For more info and registration please visit Des Alpes-Maritimes Marathon official website here.
Des Alpes-Maritimes Marathon Course
Check out the course here.