The second edition of the Marathon du Pays du Coquelicot (THE Somme
MARATHON IN Poppy COUNTRY) was a great success.
The sun shone, the sky was clear blue and a multicoloured mass of around
900 runners made Sunday the second of July a highly memorable day.
It is possible to separate our event into four different parts.
I A sports event: yours truly ran his first half marathon (albeit slowly)
with friends so I feel qualified to give a first hand account. We started
(almost on time) to the nostalgic sound of bagpipes and applause from
the many spectators. In spite of the great heat we were able to keep
going because of the numerous water tables and encouragement from all
the people who turned out in the villages on the circuit. I found the
ever-changing countryside of the half marathon difficult but never boring!
After passing the impressive monument at Thiepval it was all downhill
to Albert and a cool shower!
II A Commemorative event: This year’s race coincided with the
90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. It is important for runners
and the public to remember this terrible period in history, where so
many young soldiers perished. As one runs past the different monuments
and cemeteries it is humbling to compare our physical pain to the suffering
of the many young men who fought and died here throughout two world
wars.
III A Charity event: In our first year we raised more than 9000 euros
for different charities. This year we expect to raise considerably more
with promises totalling over 13000 euros.
This is only a beginning as it takes time for new ideas get adopted;
the idea of running for a good cause is completely new in France.
For Sunday 10 June 2007 we will be changing our charity collecting system,
from collecting promised amounts to collecting donations. This means
that when we tell someone that we are running the Somme Poppy Marathon
for charity we can ask there and then for a donation for our chosen
charity. On the 10th June when we register and collect our vest number,
there will be a member of the marathon committee representing your charity,
who will take and record your collected donation. If for any reason
you are unable to run you can simply send in your donation by post.
For more information see
our charity pages.
IV A day out for all the family: The marathon village provided great
entertainment: 15 large marquee provided room to eat, drink and generally
relax with friends whilst watching the dance shows put on by 2 local
dance studios. People were able to listen to a live brass band and didn’t
forget to applaud the arrival of the athletes. Our different charities
and sponsors had stands where they could give out information and answer
various questions. For the more energetic it was possible to play traditional
Picardy games; this was followed by the Trophy Ceremony and a prize
draw. Some lucky runners left with super mountain bikes and many other
prizes.
Finally I would like to thank all our
partners, helpers and friends who helped our association to put
on this event, a special thanks to the members of the marathon committee
who gave up hours of time to ensure the day’s fantastic success.
A big thank you to all the runners who took part in the three races:
the 5 kilometres, the half marathon and the full marathon, without you
and your great enthusiasm this day would not have happened, thank you
once more and see you next year.
Paul Chaplin
