Viens M'Attraper: The Parisian Crew That Says 'Catch Me If You Can'

In August 2018, a group of close friends in Paris decided it was time to run their own way. They wanted to create a community where they could compete at their best—be it on the road, track, or cross country—and yet still have a ton of fun together. From this desire, Viens M'Attraper (VMA) was born. They have since become a perfect representation of the modern running club: a place with all the ambition of a formal team, but without the outdated traditions, and with a much stronger sense of friendship.

A Philosophy of 'Impossible, Except on a Bad Day'

The philosophy of VMA is a brilliant mix of confidence and humor. Their motto, "Impossible, sauf un mauvais jour," showcases their belief in pushing boundaries, while their self-description as "runners of variable quality, with flawless motivation and a legendary appetite" highlights their social, fun-loving nature. The crew is guided by a leadership team known as "Le Bureau." This includes Vince, the president and coach who is responsible for all the training plans (and suffering); Mathilde, one of their fastest runners and a social specialist; Charles, a sport and lifestyle journalist; and Raphaelle and Naomi, who handle logistics and events, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

The culture of VMA is best described as going on holiday with your mates, except a marathon might be part of the Sunday program. As an official FFA club, they are serious about their training, competing in events from short track races to full marathons. However, the experience is always grounded in the joy of sharing special moments with friends, pushing each other to new heights in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Viens M'Attraper welcomes runners who share their passion for both competition and community. For those in Paris looking for a structured training environment with the heart and soul of a modern run crew, they are encouraged to connect via their official social media channels to learn more about their activities.

The Paris Running Scene

VMA brings its unique, competitive-yet-fun hybrid model to the 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, the socially-conscious athletics project Golden Blocks, and the gritty and authentic Fragile Running Club. This rich ecosystem ensures a community for every type of runner.

The city of Paris is a living work of art, and running through its streets is a unique privilege. From its grand boulevards and iconic monuments to its charming neighborhoods, the city offers an endlessly inspiring backdrop for its passionate running community. The home of VMA is the 19th arrondissement, an area known for its beautiful and challenging parks.

The runners of Paris have an incredible landscape to explore. The home turf of VMA in the 19th arrondissement gives them direct access to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, famous for its dramatic hills, and the modern Parc de la Villette, which is connected by scenic paths along the Canal de l'Ourcq. 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.