First edition of “Rouen’ing”, sponsored by Marie Léautey
“Rouen’ing” is the name of the new sporting event sponsored by the City of Rouen. On the program, a supervised and free 5-kilometre jog on the quays of the Seine, every Saturday morning. Marie Léautey is the godmother of the grand premiere this Saturday, September 17, 2022.
We know the Sunday sportsmen, we will now have to count on those of Saturday! “Rouen’ing” invites those who wish to run at their own pace, alone or in a group, for their pleasure and their well-being, to cover the 5 kilometers of the route which involves participants of all ages from the Guillaume-le-Pont bridge. Conqueror at Corneille Bridge. Each month has its theme.
Marie Léautey has just completed a run around the world, completing 698 marathons in 823 days. A real feat, and even a world record in this area for a woman. The one who has kept strong ties with the city is also godmother of Rouen’s candidacy for the European Capital of Culture 2028. This Saturday morning, she will be on the quays, running shoes on her feet, to take a few extra strides alongside the attendees. Quite a symbol.
Marie Léautey: “The world is not so big, but it is dense”
How to sum up in a few words a two-year adventure, which has just ended?
It’s still fresh in my mind, it’s hard to sum up. It was a wonderful journey, a modern epic out of time across countries, continents and cultures. Something very striking, catchy, with a mode of travel that no one practices.
You speak more of a trip than a sporting achievement…
The race quickly became anecdotal, the performance was not the goal. I wanted to see the world through a sensory and physical experience. I lived abroad for a long time, I traveled the continent for 20 years, I thought I knew Europe. But this experience changed my outlook on all of that. The world is not that big, but it is dense.
Have you been accompanied on your journey?
I contacted the consulates of countries that marked the end of a continent for me. Each time, they organized a beautiful ceremony to welcome me, like in Istanbul for example. I was regularly accompanied by people who ran a few kilometers or even a marathon alongside me, even if 95% of the time I ran alone. I was also treated to a few articles in local newspapers. I want to say that I never felt in danger, in any country crossed.
What message will you send to the participants of “Rouen’ing” this Saturday?
I come to share a good time and my experience. I started like that, with small races of 5 kilometers. It can become a key to adventure, freedom. Running is very easy, all you need is a pair of baskets. There is nothing else to pay.
Useful information
Rouening
Saturday September 17, 2022
10am
Left bank quays – Guillaume-le-Conquérant bridge
Free – Without registration