Cadence Takes Over Paris Marathon Organization, Promising Inclusivity and Sustainability
Paris, May 22 – The City of Paris has officially confirmed its decision to appoint a new organizer for the Paris Marathon and Half-Marathon for the next four years. After a period of speculation, the announcement on May 20 signifies the end of A.S.O.’s three-decade-long management of the prestigious running events. The new organizer, Cadence, a consortium of Keneo, Havas, and Avena Event agencies, secured the contract for the 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 editions following a competitive bidding process.
Three candidates, A.S.O., Playground, and Cadence, vied for the contract. Cadence’s proposal ultimately received the highest score from the City of Paris, leading to this significant change in the organization of one of the world’s largest running events. A.S.O. had successfully elevated the Paris Marathon to a premier global running event, with the last edition attracting nearly 60,000 participants, a record.
Key Changes Under Cadence’s Management
Cadence’s winning bid was based on several compelling proposals, focusing on making the event more inclusive, popular, and environmentally friendly. Here are the main changes:
- Inclusivity and Popularity: Cadence aims to transform the event into a running festival, including a race for over 1,500 children. Fan zones will also be established along the course to enhance the spectator experience.
- Accessibility for Participants: A special pricing tier for individuals receiving RSA (social welfare benefits) will be introduced. Greater accessibility will also be provided for runners with disabilities.
- Reducing Gender Inequality: Measures will be implemented to address inequalities in marathon access for women.
- Evolving Course Design: The race route will be rethought and modified annually to “honor each district of the city of Paris.”
- Enhanced Ecological Commitment: Building on A.S.O.’s previous efforts to eliminate plastic bottles and cups, Cadence plans to completely remove plastic from the event. Refreshment points will feature packaging-free and locally sourced supplies. Event goodies will be limited to the strict minimum.
Another significant factor in the City of Paris’s decision was the financial aspect. Cadence will pay an annual fee of 3.5 million euros to the city, which is double the amount paid by A.S.O. under the previous concession.
Registration and Event Dates
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the organizer, bibs for the upcoming marathon were not made available immediately after the last edition. According to Le Parisien, registration for the 2027 Paris Marathon is expected to open next autumn. The event dates are anticipated to remain consistent: the Half-Marathon in March and the Marathon around April 11, 2027. Details regarding bib pricing have not yet been released.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The transition from A.S.O. to Cadence marks a new chapter for the Paris Marathon. A.S.O. played a pivotal role in establishing the event’s global reputation and scale. The last edition’s record participation underscores the event’s popularity and the challenge Cadence faces in maintaining and enhancing its appeal.
The focus on inclusivity, with special tariffs and improved accessibility, reflects a growing trend in major sporting events to cater to a wider demographic. The commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly the complete elimination of plastic and local sourcing, aligns with Paris’s broader ecological goals and increasing public demand for greener events.
The annual modification of the course route is an innovative approach that could offer participants a fresh experience each year while showcasing different parts of the city. This strategy could also generate renewed interest and engagement from both local residents and international runners.
The financial terms of the new agreement also highlight the significant economic value of the Paris Marathon to the city. The increased annual fee from Cadence will provide additional revenue for municipal projects and services.
As Paris prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games, the city’s commitment to major sporting events remains strong. The selection of Cadence, with its emphasis on modern and sustainable practices, suggests a forward-looking approach to the future of the Paris Marathon and Half-Marathon.
The running community will be keenly awaiting further details on the registration process and the specific changes Cadence plans to implement for the 2027 editions. The promise of a more inclusive and ecological event is likely to resonate with many participants and stakeholders.
Source: https://www.jogging-international.net/actualites/marathon-de-paris-quest-ce-qui-va-changer-avec-le-nouvel-organisateur/
