Despite the coronavirus epidemic, the Düsseldorf marathon, held in April, was continued. But unlike previous editions, each participant will this time a little more than 42 kilometers in his corner. The organization has found a solution to bring the event to a distance, thanks to technology.
The Paris marathon was postponed in October. But that of Düsseldorf, organized every year in April, will take place. Except that, distance requires, everyone will have to run alone in their corner. Explain to us.
Even if in Germany, we begin to relax the rules of confinement, as in France, mass gatherings and sporting events are prohibited. Hence this idea of switching to individual marathons, which everyone can do when they want, over a period of four weeks.
To be sure that nobody is cheating, you will need to connect your jogging application or GPS watch to the organization's site. It will then validate that we have run the 42.195 km well, or the 21.2 km if we choose the half-marathon.
Will everyone have to follow the same route?
No, everyone runs where they want, as they want. Even you can participate by going around the neighborhood or by staying on a treadmill. The application will check the distance traveled. This prevents everyone from finding themselves at the same time on the original course. You just have to run before the deadline of May 21. Everyone will then receive their medal and a certificate with the time they have spent. There will even be a general classification to compare with the best.
It's not the same thing, running alone or in a group. We don't have the same motivation.
For sure. But in full containment, it's better than nothing. Many races have thus switched to individual. Foot races, but also bicycle races where, again, you are either on your exercise bike or in the process of going around the block. We keep a hint of competition. And above all, we stay active. Which is very important right now.