Marais Running Club: The Parisian Crew Born from a Shared Flat
The story of the Marais Running Club begins in 2013, not on a track, but in a big flat in the Marais neighborhood of Paris. Seven old friends from high school found themselves arriving in the city at the same time after various studies and experiences. As some of them had backgrounds in athletics, they started running together as a common activity. This simple routine, combined with their desire to build a project together, led them to channel all their energy into one passion. In 2014, they began gathering people for runs starting from their flat, and the Marais Running Club was officially born.
A Philosophy Forged in Friendship
The philosophy of MRC is a direct reflection of its organic and authentic origin. For the seven friends who founded it, the crew was a way to put their collective competencies and energy into a shared project. Their mission was not complex; it was simply to gather people and share the running culture they had come to embrace so passionately. It is a community built on the foundation of a long-standing friendship and the simple desire to run together and build something new.
The culture of the Marais Running Club is social, energetic, and deeply rooted in their home neighborhood. Their activities began by literally gathering people on the street next to their flat in Le Marais. This grassroots approach has enabled them to build a strong and dedicated community that values connection and shares a passion for exploring the city. Their weekly runs are the anchor of their community, providing a consistent opportunity to connect.
MRC extends a warm invitation to any runner in Paris who is drawn to their authentic, "group of friends" ethos. For those seeking a community with a genuine passion for running and the city, they are encouraged to connect via their official social media channels for the latest updates on their weekly runs and events.
The Paris Running Scene
Marais Running Club brings its unique, neighborhood-focused identity to the vibrant and diverse running scene in Paris. The French capital is home to a multitude of other crews, including the witty and influential Jolie Foulée, known for their popular podcast, and the socially-conscious athletics project Golden Blocks, founded by a world champion. This rich ecosystem ensures that every type of runner can find their community in the City of Light.
The city of Paris is a living work of art, and its historic and trendy Marais district is the perfect home for a crew like MRC. Le Marais is one of the city's most renowned neighborhoods, renowned for its pre-revolutionary architecture, vibrant LGBTQ+ community, art galleries, and stylish boutiques. This beautiful and energetic environment provides an endlessly inspiring backdrop for a run.
From their home base in the Marais, MRC has access to some of the most iconic running routes in the world. Their runs can easily take them along the banks of the nearby Seine River, offering stunning views of the Île Saint-Louis and the Île de la Cité, home of the Notre Dame Cathedral. The magnificent Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, also lies within their neighborhood. The premier racing event in the city is the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, a spectacular marathon held in the spring that takes runners past a breathtaking array of iconic landmarks.
