Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 112, November 2018 | Page 26

ADVERTORIAL
RUNNING WITH
FRENCH FLAIR
S
aint Tropez is different from other towns I have visited in the Cote D’Azur,
mainly because this wondrous little town is located inside the shoreline,
which makes it a very secluded destination. With a population of just
5000 people, it can hardly be called a town – it’s more like a village, but with the
addition of wealth and luxury. This was once just a simple fishing village, but over
the years it has become an internationally known seaside resort, a sophisticated
destination for the wealthy and famous, with so much to do in this charming
town. So it doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a luxurious, tranquil
getaway, or want to dance the night away with celebrities, Saint Tropez is the
place to be!
In March this year, I was fortunate enough to be hosted by the Golfe de Saint-
Tropez Tourism Board to take part in the first marathon in Saint Tropez, the Golfe
de Saint-Tropez Marathon. The event offers a standard marathon, a 21.1km duet
and a relay for groups of four or six runners. I flew on Air France via Paris to Nice,
and on arrival I was transported to the quaint city of Sainte Maxine, the starting
point of the marathon. Once we had settled into our accommodation, I was
escorted to the running village expo, where I collected my race entry, and then
the rest of the evening was dedicated to all the participants.
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ISSUE 112 NOVEMBER 2018 / www.modernathlete.co.za
More than 4000 runners with competitors from 29 countries
lined up at the Pont du Preconil at at 6am for the start of the
race. The route took us from Sainte Maxine, through Port
Grimaud, into Cogolin, Gassin and through the historic streets
of Saint Tropez. From there we headed into the vineyards,
along a challenging part of the route that climbed to 350 metres
above sea level, and then continued through Ramatuelle and
La Croix-Valmer, with the final stretch to the finish in the scenic
town of Cavalaire.
The race has a comfortable cut-off time of six hours, which
allows sufficient time for those runners who want to take in
the sights and sounds of this beautiful part of the world. Each
official finisher within the cut-off is then awarded a medal at the
famous “Tarte Tropezienne,” named after the pastry exclusive
to this region, which was named by the even more famous
actress, Brigitte Bardot, in 1956. After that, you simply must
take at least a few days to soak up all the wonderful sights and
experiences of this wonderful part of the world.
To find out more, visit the official race website: www.marathondugolfedesainttropez.com/en/
When you hear the name Saint Tropez, you
immediately think celebrities, glamour, yachts,
beaches, French cuisine, and the ultimate
luxury destination. Saint Tropez has it all, and
so much more, including the Golfe de Saint-
Tropez Marathon. – BY JACQUI REID