Running has been an endemic component to my identity for fifteen years. Ever since fifth grade, when I learned that my school was offering supervised opportunities to run around the building after school, or around the hallways in the rain, I’ve been hooked.
I know, who wouldn’t be ?
But seriously, one of my favorite things to do when I’m abroad is to find great half marathons to run. It’s a great distance because it’s a significant achievement regardless of whether you’ve trained for months to be able to finish or are a longtime runner.
The key to choosing a race though, is to choose one that follows a great route and isn’t too popular
I’m a pretty picky runner to be honest; I don’t like running in cities much, I’d rather hike mountain trails than run them, and I detest running in crowds. Somehow though, I’ve gotten lucky with both of my half marathon choices to date. This is the recap and recommendation of my second, because it’s in France and early registration is still open!
Fast Facts
Race: Run in Mont Saint Michel Half Marathon by Harmonie Mutuelle
Location: Pontorson, Normandy (easily accessible from Paris)
Entry fee: Not available yet, but around €35 for early registration
Random but good to know: France requires entrants to upload a medical form stating that they’re healthy enough to participate in the activity. Even if you register and pay for the race, you will not receive your race day materials until your medical form has been submitted and approved.
The Mont Saint Michel Half Marathon takes place on a Saturday in late May. The race makes for a great event to build a long weekend around, with the famed Mont Saint Michel set as the literal backdrop for the race.
It’s also worth visiting in and of itself
The Mont Saint Michel is a historic commune accessible by horse drawn carriage or an equally scenic walk along a lengthy boardwalk. The commune is tiny and the streets and alleys narrow, brimming with restaurants, souvenirs, private homes, and even rooftop views.
If you choose to embark on the Mont Saint Michel Half Marathon, make sure to book transport and accommodation in Pontorson well in advance. There are buses connecting the local small towns, but they don’t run as often on weekends. I didn’t know any better, booked a wonderful hostel in neighboring Dol-de-Bretagne, and it all worked out okay, but next time I would definitely opt to stay in Pontorson, if only for the race-weekend vibes.
The half marathon goes off on Saturday morning. Beginning from the town center in Pontorson, the route quickly leaves the town limits, taking you out and through the rural country villages on a softly rolling route. The sky spans endlessly overhead and everyone in the villages has turned out for the race: adults and children line the route in pockets of a hundred or so people, holding out their hands to high-five and cheering as you go by. There are plenty of food and water stations, as well as opportunities to stop and go to the bathroom.
One of the best things about the route in my opinion is that it doesn’t go out and back. Instead, it forms a kind of bubble where the first and final two kilometers are the same, but the rest is a loop.
I love half marathons (well, all road races really) because of the camaraderie and convivial spirit everyone shares. Even if you’ve been gritting it out against one other runner for most of the race, going back and forth, back and forth, after you cross the line, it’s all hugs and nonverbal communications of encouragement and good cheer.
I’m still looking for my next half marathon, but I honestly enjoyed the Mont Saint Michel so much that I’d consider doing it again. Any race recommendation for me? Thinking about signing up for the Mont Saint Michel after reading this post, or just have further questions? Let me know in the comments ?
Happy Sunday!
