My name is Jonathan Langley. I received a BA in English and French from the UofA in 2009, and I also received an MA in French Literature in 2011. I am currently a lecturer of English at one of the University of Arkansas' sister universities, L'Université du Maine in Le Mans, France. I also participated in two UofA Study Abroad programs: Theatre in London in 2007 and French in Besançon in 2008.
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On March 4th, I participated with my fellow Razorback Abroad and former Study Abroad participant, Rachel Williams, in the 20th anniversary of the Paris Half Marathon. It was the first large race for either of us, and it was an extremely unique way to experience such a beautiful city.
Our 13.1-mile journey began at the Château de Vincennes, a structure that began as a hunting lodge for Louis VII in the 12th century. The bois, or woods, around the château used to be outside of the city, but Paris has since officially annexed the park to be a part of the 12th arrondissement. The atmosphere around the starting line was very exciting! I believe around 30,000 people participated in the race, so you can imagine how crowded the area was. Since we were in the slowest category, our group was the last to start. As we waited in our starting area, there were some very enthusiastic race organizers leading everyone in some warmup aerobics.
The beginning of the course lead us all through the bois, which is larger than both Central Park in New York City and Hyde Park in London. We ran for nearly 5 miles before actually leaving the park and crossing the boulevard périphérique into Paris proper. However, this is not to say that running through the park was like running through the woods. Every kilometer or so, there was some sort of musical act, whether it was a rockabilly band, a marching band, or group of drummers. Random Parisians also came out to give their support along the route. One of the more memorable moments was a woman leaning out her second story window, dancing and singing songs by Queen which were blasting out of her stereo behind her.
As we continued, the course lead us through the 4th, 11th, and 12th arrondissements, and we ran by some quintessentially Parisian sights, such as the Bastille (one of the most important locations of the French Revolution), the Hôtel de Ville (city hall), and the Île de la Cité, where Notre Dame Cathedral is located. After running almost 9 miles to the center of the city, the course turns around to lead back to the starting point.
Rachel and I did not finish the race quickly, but we certainly finished it proudly. We experienced Paris in a way that only a handful of people have--well, that is if you consider 30,000 people a handful. I also hope that we represented the University of Arkansas well--we both wore bibs that said RAZORBACK on them, and Rachel even wore a hog nose throughout most of her run! Woo Pig Sooie! Or as the French would say, Allons les sangliers!
