Born in 1897 in Turku, Finland, Nurmi grew up at a time when his country was struggling to assert its national identity. Running became not only his passion but also a symbol of hope and endurance for Finland. Nurmi began competing internationally in the early 1920s, and it was soon clear that the world of athletics had found one of its greatest champions.

At the Olympics, Nurmi demonstrated unprecedented versatility and competitive strength. Between 1920 and 1928, he collected 12 Olympic medals, including nine gold, in various disciplines ranging from 1500 to 10000 meters, including relay and cross-country running. This feat made him the most decorated athlete in Olympic track and field history.

In addition to his Olympic victories, Nurmi also set 22 world records during his career, varying from the distance of one mile to 20 kilometers. His ability to dictate a relentless pace in long-distance races, using a stopwatch to manage his race strategy, was revolutionary at the time and marked a before and after in athletic training.

Nurmi’s dedication to running was legendary. His training routine, extremely rigorous for the times, combined with a strong determination and almost maniacal attention to detail, enabled him to dominate athletics for nearly a decade. However, it was not only his athletic performance that made Nurmi an outstanding figure. His tenacity and indomitable spirit resonated with the ideals of perseverance and endurance, making him a national hero in Finland and an inspiring role model for athletes around the world.

His legacy goes far beyond records and medals. Nurmi has influenced generations of runners and athletes, showing that with dedication, discipline and strategy, limits can be overcome. For the KiRun community and all running enthusiasts, Paavo Nurmi’s story remains an endless source of inspiration, a shining example of what it means to combine passion, commitment and talent.

Today, the figure of Paavo Nurmi continues to be celebrated in Finland and around the world. His spirit lives on in the hearts of running fans and in the memory of his extraordinary sporting achievements, an eternal symbol of excellence in athletics. Nurmi represents the very essence of running: pushing one’s limits, competing with integrity and living with passion.

An Unpromising Start: Contrary to what one might imagine for an athlete of his caliber, Nurmi did not immediately show signs of exceptional athletic talent. As a young man, he was considered rather puny and not particularly gifted for running. It was only through his incredible determination and consistent training that he was able to develop into one of the greatest runners of all time.

The Innovation of Using a Stopwatch: Paavo Nurmi was one of the first runners to use a stopwatch during his races to control the pace. This strategy, revolutionary at the time, allowed him to distribute his energy optimally over the entire distance, a technique that has now become common practice among long-distance runners.

A National Hero During Difficult Periods: The figure of Nurmi assumed symbolic importance in Finland, especially during the period of the country’s independence in 1917 and in the decades that followed. His succession of victories on the international stage was seen as a symbol of Finnish tenacity and resilience, making him a national hero.

Rejection of Professional Offers: Despite numerous offers to turn professional, Nurmi chose to remain an amateur athlete throughout his career. This choice was dictated by his desire to maintain the original spirit of the sport, despite the fact that it meant living in modest economic conditions.

A Historic Rivalry: Nurmi had a historic rivalry with another great middle distance runner, Sweden’s Ville Ritola. This rivalry peaked during the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, where both athletes competed in several disciplines, helping to make those Olympics memorable for athletics fans.

A Controversial Career End: Nurmi’s Olympic career came to a controversial end when, just before the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, he was disqualified for alleged professionalism by the International Amateur Athletic Federation. This decision was hotly contested and left many of his supporters with a bitter taste in their mouths.

The competition is named after Stefano Pelloni, nicknamed “Il Passatore,” a legendary 19th-century bandit who is said to have walked this distance in a single night to carry out his crimes.

The current race requires athletes to cover the distance of 100 kilometers in less than 12 hours, crossing paved roads and dirt trails. In addition to the main trial, there is also a shortened version of 50 kilometers.

The 100km del Passatore is a highly anticipated event for long-distance running enthusiasts, who train hard to meet the challenge. Participating in this race requires great determination, physical and mental endurance.

History of the Paris Marathon

Way back on July 19, 1896, the first French marathon was held, in which 119 athletes took part intent on running 40 kilometers along the course, which featured a stunning Paris as the star of the breathtaking scenery. From that date on, all participants who managed to finish the race could take home a medal, and this is still the case today.
The course had a maximum duration of 4 hours, in which the runners had to reach stages, located at various characteristic points in the French capital.

How the Paris Marathon 2023 takes place.

The Paris Marathon 2023 is expected to be packed with participants and followers; 60,000 participants are expected, and by the next occasion that figure could again be reached.
The greatness of this event is won by the always dense participation of athletes, who do not want to miss the opportunity to try to cross the finish line in the French capital.
The route of the 46th edition spans 42 kilometers and includes a whole series of stages, placed among the city’s main tourist attractions. It starts from Avenue des Champs Elysées, continuing to the Bastille, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and other symbols of Paris, always running along the Seine, until reaching the finish line, located near the Arc de Triomphe. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the most romantic city in the world. The estimated time to reach the end of the route is 5 hours and 40 minutes, starting from the moment the last participant crosses the starting line.
Along the route of the competition, refreshment stations are available to athletes, where they can find fresh fruit, for example, or energizing drinks, with which to regain strength to continue the race to the finish line.
Numerous marching bands are also present at the Paris Marathon with the purpose of cheering up the atmosphere of the spectators and also the runners. Requirements to compete

In order to participate in this important sports competition, one must have a medical certification of competitive type for athletics. It can be issued by one’s doctor, after an evaluation in which the competitor’s general state of health is attested, and only in this case can take part in the marathon. In case you refuse to issue the document then you will necessarily have to forfeit the sports competition. It is important that the date of the medical certification has been issued within the year in which the Paris Marathon is scheduled.
Registration is now open, all you have to do is log on to the official website and embark on this wonderful course, in which you will have the opportunity to test yourself competitively, in addition, you can also enjoy a beautiful trip to the French capital.

The Batignolles district

Located in the former train station is the Batignolles district that stretches between Rue Cardinet, Place Charles Fillon and Rue de Rome and can be reached by Metro line 13. Built in the year 2007 on 6.5 hectares, it reached a size of 10 hectares in 2020. This beautiful park by the way is eco-friendly, has a natural and family style based on 3 themes: sports, seasons and water. In fact, the park is embellished by its many water sources and many flowers that color the landscape making it much more striking, refined, and sometimes even fairy-like. The sports theme, on the other hand is based on specially designed playgrounds for people of all ages, including children. The Batignolles neighborhood will charm you with its small village style that offers a natural and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to Martin Luther King Park which is just a short walk away, however, not to be missed is the Square des Batignolles i.e. an oasis of peace where you can relax in the shade of the trees and lulled by the sound of the adjacent stream.

The Montmartre district

One of the most bohemian neighborhoods in Paris is Montmartre known for its cobblestone streets, village-like atmosphere, intense nightlife and many street performers. Located on a hill where the narrow streets climb and bend up to the Sacre Coeur i.e., a white church visible from almost all of Paris, the setting has so much to offer you. Indeed, at the foot of the neighborhood you will also find the Moulin Rouge and many bars open late into the night. However, Montmartre has much more to offer you, so aside from restaurants, streets and stores to explore, you can appreciate the taste of baguettes prepared by some of the best boulangeries.

Tour of Montparnasse

Another interesting and lively neighborhood in Paris is Montparnasse, which has been a place of history and art for centuries. Dominated by the bold and modern tower of the same name i.e., the only real skyscraper in the French capital, the lively avenues of the area are populated by cafes and brasseries where famous artists, writers, poets, musicians and distinguished Parisians for centuries gathered and exchanged ideas, particularly before World War II. Today the Montparnasse district is a bit more faded than in its heyday, but it still has much to offer visitors especially those who love art, architecture and theaters. The markets located in the various pedestrian streets in the setting are also interesting and have much to offer. The Montparnasse district is located on the left bank of the Seine and precisely in the 14th arrondissement of Paris and just southwest of the Latin Quarter.

The Canal St. Martin

The Canal Saint-Martin located in the eastern part of Paris is 4.5 km long and connects the Canal de l’Ourcq with the Seine. Among other things, the reservoir boasts nine locks and two swing bridges. The Canal Saint-Martin is the perfect mix for experiencing intense days of both liveliness and tranquility. In fact, in this context on your visit to Paris, you can enjoy the atmosphere that French hipsters are able to give you. Among other things, the context is full of buildings with walls featuring numerous graffiti that blend perfectly with the bourgeois and bohemian style. Finally, the Saint Martin Canal can be reached by subway but also by public transportation. Finally, you should know that the canal has been lowered and almost half of it is covered by wide grassy boulevards. So if you find yourself walking on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir and Jules Ferry, know that you are walking on the old ground once flooded with water by the Canal St-Martin itself.

The Garden des Tuileries

Located in the 1st arrondissement, the Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most famous green spaces in Paris. The park specifically is located between the Louvre and the Champs Elysee near the Seine, so you will find it quite easy to find. You can in fact walk to this site directly from the Louvre as well as from the Musée d’Orsay and Place de la Concorde. The place is magnificent and proves to be the ideal place to sit among the many benches and enjoy the fountains and the atmosphere that the surrounding greenery manages to create. The Jardin des Tuileries is a park that combines historical elements and modern art. In 1553 Catherine de Medici had Italian-style gardens laid out here with beautiful, large fountains. From 1660 to 1664, however, the setting was redesigned by the Sun King’s personal architect, also known for designing the gardens of Versailles. The Jardin des Tuileries was one of the first parks to be opened to the public, and it quickly became a place where people like to stroll to keep up the so-called flaneur (stroll for stroll) mentality typical of the Parisian population. In fact, the setting is ideal not only for walking and picnicking, but it also turns out to be the green lung of the city is therefore a great escape from the hectic daily life of Paris.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS :
with Italian-speaking guide ,using public transportation (3 metro tickets per person and earphones are included) .Confirmed with minimum 10 participants
Private bus at the same rate with minimum 40 participants

Historic Paris: 35 pp Euro

– After breakfast meeting with guide and guided tour (using public transportation) of the historic city : the Ile de la Cité, the heart of Paris, the largest island on the Seine, with the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palais de Justice, Place Vendòme, the Palais Royale, Place de l’ Opera, Place Vendome

Modern Paris: 35 pp Euros

– After breakfast, meet with guide ,and start the panoramic tour of the city (by public transportation), with its modern part. Starting with the Eiffel Tower (exterior), we will continue with the Des Invalides complex, The Champ de Mars and the Ecole Militaire and then the Etoile and Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs Elysées

Passages and covered galleries: 35 pp Euros

– Departure with guide and public transportation, for a tour of the most intimate and hidden Paris: you will enter the inner lobby of the Palais Royal; here your guide, through the history of the Palace will tell of the intrigues of the characters who inhabited it; one among them, the feared Cardinal Richelieu. You’ll relive the most salient moments of Alexander Dumas’ novel and his Three Musketeers; but most of all, he’ll let you relive the splendor of the Belle Epoque. The walk continues through the atmospheric Passages and Covered Galleries,….stradines covered with galleries during the nineteenth century by glass roofs, which soon became meeting places and to this day are very pleasant because of the variety of antique stores, workshops, artisans, old booksellers, bistros, and small stores of all kinds some of which have remained similar to their origins. The visit culminates at the Galeries Lafayette to admire its amazing dome

Montmartre: 35 pp Euros

– Departure by guide and public transportation, and transfer to the foot of Montmartre, stroll through the Pigalle district, home to the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret, and ascent to Montmartre Hill where, from the great white Basilica of the Sacred Heart, you can overlook the entire city with your gaze. Stroll through the Place du Tertre, the artists’ square, once frequented by artists and literati

Ticket for cruise on the Seine: 15 pp Euro (ticket only without accompanying guide and public transportation tickets)

Boat departure every hour, from 10h00 to 21h30
no minimum number of participants required

PARIS VISITE SUBSCRIPTION (unlimited use of all public transportation and the Montmartre funicular)
1 day : 12.90 – 2 days 20.90 – 3 days 28.90 – 5 days 41.90
children 50% discount