For years now, runners in my family and among my friends have been telling me about the famous Marvéjol /Mende race in Lozère. Its international reputation, which is quite exceptional for a half marathon, was linked to the crossing of its two passes. First of all the one of Le Goudard which passes at 1022 meters, then the one of Chabrits at 895 meters before going down towards Le Foirail de Mende. The 22.4 km race was going to be punctuated by hills and descents of 9 to 15%. A very high level course.

The race watch was on, even if we had been preparing for this deadline for a few months. The Buttes Chaumont park in Paris and its good coasts had been used as a training ground but the location of the course should have left us much more perplexed. Certainly the 4.2 km of false dishes would be a good warm-up for the rest, but as soon as the Pont des Ecureuils passed, an alarmist message was tagged on the ground: "hell starts here". Traditionally, runners and their supporters tag the course with a message of encouragement, "lower your head and keep your breath", "courage to the nutella team", "already half: -) "... and dozens of names are displayed with a nice "go! ». This year, a message for the "smart kid" was added to the list.

The summit of Le Goudard seems long enough to reach with fairly steep slopes... the 15%, it must be that way! Towards the top, an altar with a virgin seems to bless our passage. The opportunity for prayer. The village is not far away. It's the field of action of a very punchy DJ who knows how to motivate the runners exhausted by this first very big piece.

The descent to the hut of the Planchette is just as vertiginous. Climbing is one thing, knowing how to go down is another, but it is also an opportunity to let yourself go at high speed while avoiding a fall. The second coast goes up in false dishes to reach Chabrits. The difference in altitude is less and the slope less steep but the first part of the course being in the legs, it should be just as complicated.

The descent back to Mende seems to be endless and it is with pleasure that we reach the cathedral and its "faith". Once the registrations are made, we will get our bib back, chat with the few volunteers, watch the exhibitions on the runners who have distinguished themselves in the previous 43 editions. The record is 1h13.... an incredible time since it represents an average of 18.4 km/hour. How many of us are able to last more than a few minutes at this speed?

The traditional pasta evening ended, let's go to bed knowing that this one is often agitated the day before the race. This is the moment of doubt about the training done, the fear of waking up from an old injury or not achieving the goal set. Some have a time in mind, that of a friend or a competitor, others just hope to finish well without it being too painful. More than the final ranking, which depends on the level of the other participants, very variable according to the reputation of the races, it is this objective and its state of freshness at the finish that counts for the rider.Wake up early to join the other riders on the starting line. The route is also open to walkers who leave one hour before. The best riders will join them at the top of the first pass, the others will arrive at the same time. The atmosphere is really fraternal, everyone knowing that they will try to surpass themselves. This is an opportunity for both of them to wear their favorite t-shirt won in a previous race. Some mythical names like the "Marathon des Sables" or "100 km of Millau" are a real trailer of the high level of the runner who wears it.Everything is ready, it is 9am and the host finally gives the starting signal. The view of the Marvejol bridge and the first curves of the road full of runners under the morning sun is absolutely superb. Everyone takes their stride and the group begins to disperse for the first few kilometres. The Squirrel Bridge, the famous beginning of hell is quickly there and we will have to hang on. There are many refreshments, allowing you to regain your strength, but it is the passages where there is an audience and music that boosts the most. Goudard's famous DJ does send wood, which makes us smile, especially since the first big collar has passed. We gradually catch up with the walkers, which animates the race well and it is with joy that we reach the top of the second pass. Last descent and a painful arrival on Mende, the final kilometer being an ascent to the Forail. A final turn and the finish line is there in front of us. A quick glance at the clock, an attempt to smile at the photographer, only a few tens of meters are missing and we each enter, at our own level, into the legend of this legendary race. Walker or runner, will you take the next start? You will probably meet some Smart Boys there again. Getting

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accommodation, the Municipal Les Berges du Bramont campsite in Saint-Bauzile halfway between Marvejols and Mende is a good option. For several years now, they have been hosting a group of athletes for the occasion. Possibility of cottages or pitches to put up your tent in a very quiet and bucolic site. Tel.
04 66 66 47 05 97 97.

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