The unique Maraisthon, the first marathon in the world to support a 100% eco-nature mandate, will celebrate its tenth anniversary 15th – 16th June 2019.
More entrants than ever before are expected to take part with participants travelling to the Marais Poitevin, Poitou-Charentes (Nouvelle Aquitaine), France from all over the world. Last year there were 1,950 participants in all the races from Japan, New Zealand, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, the UK, Brazil, Italy, the USA, Russia and Switzerland. 60% were male and 40% female.
The Maraisthon supports ecology and sustainable development by adopting an ethical charter registered with the SACD on the 7th of February 2009 and protected by international copyright. In 2018 three main causes were supported by the Maraisthon – SOS Préma, (a premature baby charity) ‘Pupilles des Pompiers’ (orphaned children of the emergency services personnel) and the Parc National Regional Marais Poitevin where trees were planted to replace any CO2 emission.
This Maraisthon is set in the Grand Site de France environment of the Marais Poitevin National Ecological Park, (Nouvelle Aquitaine). This route extends from Niort to La Rochelle on the Atlantic Coast and comprises of a mosaic of marshes, canals and meadows rich in wild life. The Marais Poitevin is often referred to as France’s ’Green Venice’. At its heart is Coulon, one of the most beautiful villages of character of France.
As in the past, the races themselves are preceded by:
The popular Riverside Exhibition Village taking place on Saturday 15th June 2019 with music, food and activities.
The main event is on Sunday 16th June 2019 with three different races to choose from:
Marathon of the Marais Poitevin and Duo Marathon – (24 Km and 18 Km respectively starting at 08.30 on Sunday 16th June 2019). This can be for one runner or in tandem with a partner. (Limited number of 1000 participants).
10 Km Run (Limited to 700 runners)
11 Km and 15 Km Walk (Limited to 400 walkers)
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary, there are more than 50 great prizes to be won this year – from electric bicycles to free entrances to attractions such as the Puy de Fou theme park, short breaks to the Basque Country, magnums of wine, champagne, gastronomic meals, cycling holidays in the Marais Poitevin and much more.
Details from the website: www.maraisthon.fr/en
