Marseille Cassis : Planning one's race

Marseille Cassis Planning one's race

Marseille Cassis is a truly worthy race, both for its difficult and majestic course and for the seriousness of its organization. A true local "galéjade" (a Provencal word meaning a joke or a prank), climbing the highest point of the race is not the worst of the difficulties. The real challenge comes during the descent from the Gineste pass and beyond, but what a thrill afterwards!

Registration for the Half-Marathon

It is possible to register for the Marseille Cassis race online or through the organization, which is the SCO Ste Marguerite located in the 9th arrondissement of Marseille. Due to the club's popularity, registrations close at the end of July each year, with about 12,000 participants who are fortunately not 17 or 18,000. Therefore, it is important not to delay in getting a registration form.

The Course:

This road race, which is very pleasant, offers a course with many different aspects: it starts out flat, then slightly uphill, quickly uphill, downhill, and so on, with various degrees of slope. Additionally, this race takes place on the natural side of Marseille and through its rocks, which are often swept by the wind and always bathed in sunshine.

The Start:

The organization does an amazing job to ensure that the runners of Marseille Cassis enjoy their race. A mobile locker service is provided, which sends the runners' bags to the finish line. Shuttles are also available before and after the race to connect the two cities, so one can come to Marseille by car, run the race, and then easily retrieve their car in the city of Marseille. Cassis is a small port that is overwhelmed with people on the day of the race and does not offer 20,000 parking spots. In that case, one can park in La Ciotat.

The Finish:

Again, the organization is on point. Once you have arrived, you can collect your belongings, which will be waiting for you, and grab some food. This small Provencal village has a charming port. So, if your legs can still support you, let yourself be charmed by the setting and the locals. The pleasure of finishing the half-marathon will be even greater.

After the Race:

Enjoy your stay in the region and go to the Cap Canaille between Cassis and La Ciotat. One of the highest cliffs in France awaits you there. To see an overview of the Marseille basin, hike up to Garlaban, which you can reach by passing through Aubagne.