This icon of Paris was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to celebrate his victories. Ironically the first march through the completed Arch was the one carrying his coffin in 1840. It is now the French National War Memorial and stands 49.5m high, 45m wide and 22m deep with the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Eternal Flame burning underneath.
The Arc is at the centre of Place d l’Etoile (Star) – the chaotic 8 lane roundabout that brings together 12 avenues of Paris including the Champs-Elysees. At 8.45am on the 11th April, 40,000 runners will be spilling out from these Avenues when the starters gun goes.
Those of you who are aware of my former life will remember that I know Paris quite well having delivered many a Night Tour – 2 hour guided coach trip – around the streets of Paris. Well, examining the marathon route, much of it lies on a similar path, so I am going to refresh my knowledge in the coming months and enjoy the sites as I run this time (probably thinking how much I preferred it on the coach!).
169 Days to Go…
The Arc is at the centre of Place d l’Etoile (Star) – the chaotic 8 lane roundabout that brings together 12 avenues of Paris including the Champs-Elysees. At 8.45am on the 11th April, 40,000 runners will be spilling out from these Avenues when the starters gun goes.
Those of you who are aware of my former life will remember that I know Paris quite well having delivered many a Night Tour – 2 hour guided coach trip – around the streets of Paris. Well, examining the marathon route, much of it lies on a similar path, so I am going to refresh my knowledge in the coming months and enjoy the sites as I run this time (probably thinking how much I preferred it on the coach!).
169 Days to Go…
Did I miss the bit where you tell us about your training this week?
ReplyDeleteCome on girl, I'm using you as my inspiration for the Half in January.
I need inspirational quotes and I need to know someone else is in pain!
xoxoxo