Just a week left to sign up for this 6km fun run around Paris on 7th September 2008. And this year, there’s an Indian theme to spice it all up…


Are you a man that just loves to run marathons? Then stop reading NOW. La Parisienne is a women-only event, limited to 35,000 places, taking part in a light-hearted atmosphere. For example, there’s a prize for the best mother and daughter team, best team of girlfriends (minimum 5 ladies, and silly team name obligatory) and even best journalist! If I were a lady, I’d be there in a flash. But I’m not. Phew!

This year, an Indian theme means that you are encouraged to dress up in your favourite sports sari for the event. There will also be fitness sessions based on Bollywood dance, yoga and Kalarippayattu, a sort of Indian martial art. Although the main run is on Sunday 7th September, a whole village of fun will be available for three days (5th, 6th & 7th September) with a special musical show on the Saturday night (7.15 – 8pm) including over forty dancers from north and south India! You can also get a massage, try out some organic cooking classes and, er, go to the Nike shop (duh, they are one of the sponsors).

Our favourite bit? The free picnic on the Saturday (11.30am – 3pm) where you’ll be handed out sausage or meat to put on some good old crusty bread, followed up with some lovely fresh melon and some organic yoghurts! Yum! Wish I was lady…

Anyway, the whole event is just by the Eiffel Tower, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding all the fun. More details are in the official magazine which you can download here as a PDF file (60 pages, including 18 pages of ads aimed at YOU, ladies!). The official site also has all the details (in English!), including how to get your candidature in before it’s too late. And if you do happen to miss the date, you can always get ready for next year’s Parisienne with a Malian theme.