After a Half Marathon on the 6th of March that attracted an impressive crowd, setting a new record for participation despite the inclement weather, we will be gathering on the Champs-Elysées on the 10th of April for the start of the 29th Paris Marathon.

The Paris Marathon is a major road race and now defi nitely one of the top races of this kind in the world.

The race is the fruit of an exemplary co-operation between the authorities and numerous private sponsors, many of whom have placed their trust in us for some years now; I would like to take this opportunity to thank their representatives in these halls of the town hall, which the Mayor of Paris has very kindly made available to us.

May I also address my sincerest thanks to the municipal staff for their commitment alongside us, without forgetting the services of the police, the Paris fi remen, the emergency medical services, the Red Cross, the civil defence and the many volunteers whose contribution is vital for the organisation of such a race.

Moreover, the 2005 Paris Marathon is proud to lend its fi rm and unconditional support to Paris’s candidature to host the Olympic Games of 2012.

For Paris, for France and for all sports, let us march together towards victory; we thank the members of the press for their support in this, for a whole people are united behind this great project, one that is marked by consensus, fraternity and solidarity.