Monte-Carlo 10KM, Herculis Relay & Walk 5KM
This past Sunday March 11, 2018, over 1,000 runners representing 21 nationalities descended in the Principality, undeterred by rainy and windy conditions, for another edition of the Monaco Run, that included the Monte-Carlo 10KM, Herculis Relay 3+7KM, and Walk 5KM. (Photo © Claude Ingargiola)
Some runners decided to complete the distance in relays of two (3 and 7 km), known as the Herculis Relay, making the course accessible to debutants associating themselves in solidarity but without having performance as their objective. (Photo insert:Participants in the Herculis Relay 2018 © Claude Ingargiola.jpg)
The 5 km Pink Ribbon Walk, which promotes breast health awareness, counted more than 300 advocates in colorful garb who strolled singing in the rain for a good cause, an initiative steered by Natacha Frost-Savio, President of Prink Ribbon Monaco.
After a collective warm up session organized by World Class Monaco, the courageous runners departed at 9:30 on the Port of Monaco, from Boulevard Albert 1er towards Fontvieille and the tour of Stade Louis II, by passing again by the port, then Princesse Grace Avenue and finally returning on the Port Hercule.
On this very humid racetrack two athletes distanced themselves from the pack to find themselves alone in the forefront. (Photo insert: Karim Tahri (No.5) and Quentin Chiai (No.2) © Claude Ingargiola)
Karim Tahri from Nice claimed victory in 31’14, in front of AS Monaco Carabinier Quentin Chiai who gave it all in 31’47, and the Italian Jacopo Boscarini in 31’51. Among the women, it was the triathlete from Val de Grey, Mathilde Gautier who won in 37’04, followed by Polish Katarzina Anna Stankiewicz in 39’34, and A.S. Monaco athlete Adriana Maria Di Guisto Grigoras in 39’42.
The rain grew heavier at the time of the Prize Ceremony on Quai Albert 1er, in the presence of Patrice Cellario, Minister of Interior and other Monegasque personalities, but winners were all smiles when receiving their trophies, and all participants were highly satisfied of having completed the course regardless of timing.
It is important to mention the presence of Paula Radcliffe, the English long distance runner, who is a three-time New York Maraton champion (2004, 2007, 2008) and 2002 Chicago Marathon winner. She has been the women marathon world record holder for 15 years, 2002 to present. The celebrated runner participated in the Herculis Relay with her daughter Isla, finishing 5th in the course completing the 10km in 41’11.
(Photo: Patrice Cellario, Minister of Interior with Mathilde Gautier and Paula Raddcliffe at the Monaco Run 2018 – Photo 3 – © Claude Ingargiola)
Today’s Quote
“I have learned that finishing a marathon isn’t just an athletic achievement. It is a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible.” John Hanc
Monaco Reporter 