How To Run From London To Paris
This year we were very proud to support The Woodpecker Project, a mental heath charity, with an ambitious run from London Olympic Stadium, to Stade de France, Paris. This project was over one year in planning, with many recce trips, and hours spent planning and testing routes
A team of 5 runners ran for 5 consecutive days both on and off-road in temperatures as high as 32C in the shade.
This project raised well over £11,000 for the Charity, enabling training for many Mental Health First Aiders.
For one runner in particular, Michelle, this run was both cathartic and a reckoning.
If you would like to know more about the Charity and other fundraising events like this, visit The Woodpecker Project.
See more about what its like to Run From London to Paris, and see the teams journey in the video diaries below.
Day One
London Olympic Stadium to Felbridge. 55km
Complete with a Checkpoint in Tescos. Heat is the main concern here today with temperatures in the shade reaching 32C. It’s a big mental battle for the first day, with some very sensible retirements early on for those with less ultra-running experience. No one was here today to run a blistering pace and support for each other was paramount. A close call with heatstroke for one of the runners.
Day Two
Felbridge to Newhaven. 63km
After yesterday’s slog-fest an early start in the cool of the day sees the team moving better than Day One. Good food and some time to recover and rehyrdrate overnight sets them up for a hilly Day Two with a run down to the beach at Newhaven for Fish, Chips and a cold, cold can of the Amber Nectar.
Energy is high despite niggles starting to kick in.
Day Three
Dieppe to Forge-les-Eaux. 54km
Late ferry to Dieppe at the end of Day Two finds the team ready to start Day Three in France. Hobbling and nipple rash needs attention before starting out.
A flat run on the Avenue Vert is the order of the day. Whilst physcally the least demanding day in terms of distance, terrain and altitude, this is mentally far from easy. Long straight flat sections, miles and miles long, leave room for boredom to sneak in and start playing havoc.
A cheeky French trail-side cafe with icecream provides a welcome break, before a long, slight, imperceptible to the eye, but very definite uphill to the final Checkpoint.
Day Four
Forge-les-Eaux to Bachivillers. 60km
Mainly off-road today – a welcome change from yesterdays tarmac path. Navigation is key today and concentration is needed to stay on track. A traditional French start to the day with double espresso and croissant.
Every single step is felt due to the past three days. A grind on the knees and on the calves.
The highlight of the day is a long, wild forest section – well deserved after a 2.5 km climb – followed by some parkour!
Sharing the struggle with others make thes difference, and laughing and joking enables the team to rise through their hardships.
Day Five
Bachivillers to Stade De France. 64km
This one had everything from torn muscles to emergency toilet trips.
A soggy start to the day, followed by trails through small villages, into the Paris suburbs. For some of the team there is nothing but physical pain, and agony with every step – “we do what it takes!”
A emotional finish outside the Stade de France, meeting friends, family and Olympians.