The Marathon des terroirs du Valais should have a record participation this weekend. After two first editions with nearly 3,000 runners, there could be around 4,000 on Saturday in Martigny. This is thanks to various improvements.
Around twenty people were busy this Thursday morning in front of the CERM in Martigny. Their mission: to transform the square into the start and finish area of the third edition of the Valais Terroirs Marathon, which will be held this Saturday. With four races on the program. One of four kilometers, one of ten, the half marathon and the marathon.
This is in fact one of the great new features of the event this year: the centralization of departures and arrivals at the Octodurian exhibition center, with the exception of the departure of the marathon from Sion. “ It’s simpler for the runners, for the organization, and logistically », says the event’s project manager, Anthony Vollenweider.
With the CERM as the headquarters of the Marathon, several “extra-sporting” aspects could be improved. The village will be larger, and synergies have been established with the Gospel Air Festival in Martigny, which will also take place this weekend. One of the musical stages will be located in the middle of the area devoted to the Marathon.
4,000 pairs of shoes on the asphalt of Valais
So there will be a lot of people this year. Especially since the event will – already – have a record participation. In fact, there should be 4,000 runners taking on the Valais Regional Marathon this weekend. At the end of online registrations on Wednesday evening, the number stood at 3,700. The organizers now hope to convince a few hundred more people between now and Saturday, race day.
Different factors can explain this year’s popular success, according to Anthony Vollenweider. Starting with the date, modified compared to other years in order to avoid competition from the Berne GP.
A concept that is becoming more and more familiar
“ At the beginning we had to find our place, as we are a new event “, he explains. “ Now, we manage to find our weekend, between the big Swiss races and international events. »
Another reason: the better understanding of the festive and sporting concept of the Marathon des terroirs by the public. “ The inspiration comes from French festive races. In Switzerland, it’s true that we are the first to bring this concept. We are used to running for time, but we wanted to show that it is possible to do sport while having fun », explains Anthony Vollenweider.
Thierry Nicolet
