Common questions

How do I apply for a Macmillan guaranteed place?  Back to top

We hope to have a selection of packages for the Paris Marathon to suit every runner. For the 2012 event we offered the below packages in the Paris Marathon: 

Team Macmillan guaranteed places

	Package includes	Sponsorship pledge
Team Macmillan package 1	Race entry only	£1,000
Team Macmillan package 2	Race entry, return travel by Eurostar and two nights accommodation at a 4* hotel in Paris	£1,300 minimum sponsorship pledge £250 registration fee. (payable to 'Sports Tours International')

Please note that insurance and transfers are not included.

To secure a Macmillan guaranteed place you will need to complete a Team Macmillan guaranteed place application form. This will become available when entry to the 2013 Paris Marathon opens. This is likely to be in September 2012, if you would like to be added to our enquirers list then email us| so we can send you information as soon as we have it.  

All entrants in the Paris Marathon have to provide a doctor's certificate| under French law. Failure to do so will mean you will be unable to run.

When do I need to apply?  Back to top

As soon as possible once entry to the 2013 Paris Marathon opens! Our Team Macmillan packages are offered on a first come, first served basis and are likely to go quickly. Keep your eyes peeled to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic race, and if you would like to be added to our 2013 enquirers list email parismarathon@macmillan.org.uk| and we will contact you as soon as we have more details on the event.

What kind of support will Macmillan give me? Back to top

When you join Team Macmillan you will be supported throughout your entire Paris Marathon experience. In addition to our initial fundraising and training pack, we will send you regular newsletters full of tips to help you prepare for the big day.

You will also be invited to our pre-race pasta party the night before the marathon and our post-race recovery drinks after you finish. Here you will receive a well-deserved celebratory drink. And if that isn’t enough, we will give you the loudest support possible throughout the race from our fantastic supporter points.

Is it more convenient for me to fly to Paris? Back to top

If you want to secure the package with Team Macmillan and you don't live near London it may be more convenient for you to fly to Paris. Sports Tours International, our tour operator, will be able to arrange travel by air for you. Dependent on flight costs compared with Eurostar costs you may have to pay a surcharge to Sports Tours.

Do I have to get a doctor's certificate? Back to top

Every runner needs to provide the organisers with a medical certificate which contains the correct wording, see the event website| for further information. Failure to provide the race organisers with your medical certificate at registration will mean you will be unable to run. Macmillan is unable to reimburse any costs your doctors may charge for providing a medical certificate.

We recommend you use the following medical certificate| and get it signed and stamped by your doctor. The organisers are very strict with the wording as they are regulated by French law for sporting events.

What is the accommodation like? Back to top

If you are regsitered to Team Macmillan package 2 you will be staying at the superior 4* Mercure Hotel located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. This is a quiet residential area, yet close to the Trocadero, Champs Du Mars and a short walk along the river to Place Concorde. The Mercure is a modern hotel, it has a styish reception leading to a bar, shop and restaurant overlooking a pleasant garden. All rooms have an en suite, hairdryer, colour television and mini bar. American-style breakfast is included.

If you have secured your own place or are signed up to Team Macmillan package 1 then you will need to book your own accomodation in Paris.

Can I extend my stay or take my family? Back to top

Sports Tour International, our tour operator, can arrange for your package to be tailored to your requirements so that you can extend your stay in Paris or take family and friends with you, availability permitting. However additional costs incurred beyond our basic Team Macmillan package will need to be paid for by you.

I already have a place – is there a sponsorship target? Back to top

No. If you have secured your own place in the Paris Marathon through the public entry system there is no minimum sponsorship target – we are grateful for any money that you can raise on our behalf. We will provide you with a full fundraising pack and keep you up to date with all Team Macmillan activity.

Will Macmillan help me with my training? Back to top

Of course! When you sign up to run the Paris Marathon with Team Macmillan we will provide you with a comprehensive training pack and regular newsletters full of top tips, including advice from our Team Macmillan patrons. We will also advise you of other useful sources of information to help you prepare for the big day.

What happens if I get injured?  Back to top

If you get injured whilst training we recommend you contact your GP, physio or specialist sports injury clinic. They will be able to advise you if you are fit enough to run. If you do need to withdraw you will need to let the race organisers know, and if you are signed up to a Team Macmillan package 2 place you will need to let Sports Tours know as soon as possible as we may be able to get your package refunded. Please also let Macmillan know so that we can update our records.

When do I get my race number? Back to top

You will need to pick up your running number at the Paris Marathon expo which takes place in the days preceding the marathon. More information on the expo will be available soon. When collecting your running number you will need to present ID and confirmation of entry.

The Paris Marathon expo take place at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles, Hall n° 4-75015 PARIS.

Where can I find more specific information? Back to top

Go to the Paris Marathon website| for a map of the course, training info and much more.

What difference will my sponsorship make? Back to top

The Paris Marathon is a fantastic challenge and the money raised from this event goes such a long way to help people living with cancer, for example:

• £500 could pay for a Macmillan information and support services manager for five days, ensuring that people affected by cancer have access to good quality, comprehensive and appropriate information and support
• £1,500 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for 10 days, ensuring that cancer patients and their family and friends receive the practical, emotional and medical support that they deserve
• £2,200 could pay for 10,000 copies of The Cancer Guide, providing invaluable information about cancer, its treatment and care and lists of helpful organisations
• £5,000 could pay for 100 Macmillan grants of £50 for a liquidiser for cancer patients who can’t eat solid foods as a result of their cancer or treatment.