The Marathon is an endurance race requiring a regular pace.
It is often difficult to keep to a steady pace. To all those who have a time objective, the organisers of the Paris international Marathon offer the chance of running at the same pace as experienced runners who, easily identifiable by a coloured balloon that can be seen from afar, have the task of completing the 42.195 km within a pre-determined time.
Six basic target times are on the programme :

THE MARATHON IN 3H00 – FOLLOW THE RED BALLOONS
	In other words an average speed of 14.1 km/h! The Paris Marathon is quite unique in being the first in the world in terms of number of runners completing the race in under three hours. A pace of 4 mins 15 secs per km is only for highly trained athletes. The hares have personal records of 2hrs 21mins and 2hrs30mins. They run at a steady pace to ensure the mythical barrier of three hours is broken. Refreshments are taken on the run
THE MARATHON IN 3H15 – FOLLOW THE YELLOW BALLOONS
	In other words a pace of 4 mins 35 secs per km (13 km/h). Training is very serious, with experienced hares who ran in the last five editions of the race. Time lost for refreshments is minimal. The time gained at the start thanks to the enclosure is helpful in attaining this objective.
THE MARATHON IN 3H30 – FOLLOW THE BLUE BALLOONS
	At 5 mins per km (12 km/h). Experienced hares from the last five editions of the race slow down at each of the refreshments points, which is of capital importance. They return to a steady pace in between each refreshment point.
THE MARATHON IN 3H45 – FOLLOW THE PURPLE BALLOONS
	5 mins 20 per km (11.25 km/h): this is the pace of the majority of Marathon runners. The most difficult thing is not to crowd up around the hares and to remain at a reasonable distance behind the balloons.
THE MARATHON IN 4H00 – FOLLOW THE GREEN BALLOONS
	At 5 mins 40 secs per km (10.5 km/h) the mythical barrier of 4 hrs is for you. Take care over the first half of the race. There are stops for refreshments and you will receive a lot of encouragement from the hares at each stop.
THE MARATHON IN 4H30 – FOLLOW THE PINK BALLOONS
	At 6 mins 25 secs per km, the pace is 10 km/h, including stops for refreshments; the hares provide psychological support to help runners keep to a steady pace. Strong determination will do the rest.