2023-05-27 07:06:32
Par Redaction Les Sables
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The Sables-d’Olonne half-marathon, now international, is in its home stretch. Next Sunday, May 28, more than 2,300 will start the race. The test is qualifier for the 2024 French championships with the international label.
Jean-Pierre Dorn, president of the “Semi-marathon des Olonnes” association, explains:
“The international half-marathon of Les Sables-d’Olonne is on the calendar of the World Athletics, the managing body of international competitions. Thus, the athletes participating in our event, according to the performance achieved, score points to access events such as the European or World Championships. »
The start of this half-marathon will take place with airlocks depending on the level of performance.
A turnout record
With more than 4,000 runners in all the races (children’s events on this Saturday included) compared to last year, the Sablais event breaks a new record : 1,500 participants more than last year.
“Out-of-stadium races are gaining momentum and our half-marathon enjoys a good reputation,” notes Michel Bessonnet, vice-president of the organizing association.
If you were hoping to grab a bib for the half marathon at the last minute, it’s shredded. The organization has closed registrations.
There are only a few places left in the 5 km and 10 km, to be taken this Saturday at the race site.
Online registrations are closed!
Several races
Several races will be on the program of the Pentecost weekend in Les Sables-d’Olonne. “We will have, on Saturday, four races for children with distances of 800 meters, 1,200 meters, 1,600 meters and 2,000 meters. These breath races are carried out in partnership with La Ligue contre le cancer and Attadir”, supports Jean-Pierre Dorn.
After the youngsters on Saturday, the older ones will take over the Embankment the next day. First of all with the 5 kilometers for a start at 8:30 a.m.:
“It’s a new distance. We had demand. The race is a qualifier for the French championship”.
Then it will be the 10 kilometers (departure at 9:15 a.m.): “The race has the regional label and it is open to all”, indicates Jean-Pierre Dorn.
Finally, the start of the international half-marathon will be given at 10.30 a.m.: “We will have an ‘elite’ plateau, national athletes will come to run in Les Sables-d’Olonne”, assures the president. ” There should be a strong foreign delegation“, supports Jean-Pierre Dorn who cites in particular the presence of Yacoub Labquira (Morocco). The latter clocked 1h00’47” at the Sévir Venloop half-marathon in Holland. The best regional athletes will of course be present “without forgetting the participation of anonymous people because, without them, no party”, supports the president of the half-marathon of Olonnes.
The journey and the numbers
The course is of course unusual since it will be done mainly on the seafront: ” The Embankment will be soundproofed over 3.2 kilometers. The numbers of 30e Les Sables-d’Olonne half-marathon are impressive: 400 volunteers, 3,900 t-shirts, 4,500 bottles, 15,000 paper cups, 3,500 apples, 3,500 buns, 30 kg of dried fruit, 2,200 meters of barriers , 20 vehicles and 14 motorcycles.
The event is supported by many private partners but also the City of Sables (logistical support) and the Department (car podium). Nicolas Chénéchaud, departmental adviser, was to recall: “The Department is the 1is partner of sport in Vendée, 400 volunteers is a lot. But volunteering is also the DNA of the Vendée. »
For Gérard Hecht, deputy mayor for sports: “The City is very invested in this major event and we are very happy to see this exceptional line-up. »
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