This Sunday, the Paris Marathon is making its grand return for its 49th edition, which promises to be historic. With over 60,000 participants, the event remains one of the most prestigious in the world, rivalling New York. From 8 a.m., the runners will set off from the Champs-Élysées for an exceptional course through the most beautiful monuments of the capital, to the woods of Vincennes and Boulogne. A true human tide, mixing amateurs and confirmed athletes.
Among them, some well-known faces are expected at the starting line: chef Juan Arbelaez, former Miss France Diane Leyre, journalist Ophélie Meunier, and Olympic champion Laure Manaudou. Proof that the marathon is no longer just for high-level athletes. For several years, many celebrities have taken up the challenge, drawn by the physical challenge as much as the mental dimension of this mythical event.
French stars addicted to running Regarding French stars, they are increasingly putting on their sneakers. During the 2024 Olympic Games, several personalities took part in the marathon for all, such as Sylvie Tellier, Victor Belmondo alongside his father Paul Belmondo, or the swimmer Camille Lacourt and Alice Detollenaere.
Some do not hesitate to cross the Atlantic to take on the famous New York marathon, like Marine Lorphelin or Ophélie Meunier. Certain public figures, such as Karine Le Marchand, Amélie Mauresmo, or Dominique de Villepin, have also risen to the challenge. Proof that the marathon attracts beyond the sports world, becoming a true personal achievement.
International celebrities taking on the 42 km challenge Internationally as well, the marathon attracts stars. Singer Harry Styles notably participated in the Berlin Marathon, while chef Gordon Ramsay is a regular in long-distance races. In a different register, Pippa Middleton and Alicia Keys have also laced up their sneakers. Some performances have left a mark, like Pamela Anderson at the New York Marathon in 2013, or Katie Holmes in 2007. More recently, actress and singer Cynthia Erivo took part in the London Marathon. Whether actors, singers, or public figures, they all share the same motivation: to push themselves. Because beyond performance, running a marathon is above all a human adventure, where every kilometer tells a story.
