The 52nd edition of the famous Cross du Figaro took place this Sunday morning at the Parc de Saint-Cloud. In joy and good humor.
Walk, 5, 10, 15 or 20 kilometers… There was something for everyone this Sunday morning at the Cross du Figaro, obviously mobilized for the Telethon. If the rain – although predicted – left the approximately 12,000 runners alone (new record broken), the cold was very present. “We weren’t expecting strong heat”Rémi said ironically before the race. From 7:30 a.m., the large village welcomed the first arrivals. Runners, yes, but also accompanying people. Always in a good mood.
The numerous stands run by Le Figaro partners (Ey, Air Canada, Varta, Yoplait, TCL and Waterdrop) were kindly stocked under the tents where gloves and hats were recommended. Before the start of the first races, those of the 15 kilometers and the 20 kilometers, the music motivated some. Woke some of them up, too. Guided by the loud voice of the announcer, the first runners set off. Without any apparent pressure… Smiles, last kisses to the spouses and the first strides were launched. Slowly at first, since the mud didn't help anything.
“We’ll come back”
Antoine, first participation
15 minutes later, the walk began in the same atmosphere and the same enthusiasm. However, the village did not die out. Preparing to welcome, in a festive and warm atmosphere, the first and… the last arrivals. Without forgetting the two races (5 and 10 kilometers) which started at 11:30 a.m. Crossed at the finish, no cheater on the horizon. The sweating said it all. “At the moment, it’s hot. But we'll quickly go get a coffee and put on a jacket to go to work tomorrow.”smiled Maria, a walker, at the end of the village.
The most striking thing is the smiles. Despite the effort, the runners have not forgotten that they experienced a « moment » rather than just a race. “We’ll come back”Antoine even told us, who was celebrating his first on the Saint-Cloud course and came from Normandy for the occasion. For those who did not dare to take their hands out of their pockets at the end of the race – cold obliges – you will be able to consult your results a little later on the Cross du Figaro website and in the special notebook published with the daily newspaper this Tuesday.
