The idea of “pacemakers” was invented at the Paris Marathon 13 years ago and has now been copied all over the world! The original aim was to provide “hares” for the champions, to help them beat world records, but you had to go by it on your own! For some of you, four hours also represents a real achievement.
The balloons, which sometimes used to burst under the trees in the Bois de Vincennes, have been replaced by streamers, flags in the colours of your starting area, based on your expected time.

The Marathon in 3hours = red

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 min 15sec per km is only for highly trained athletes. The hares have personal records of 2hr21min and 2hr30min. 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 3hrs15 = yellow

In other words a pace of 4 min 35 sec per km (13 km/h).
The training is very serious, with experienced hares who ran in the five last races. 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 3hrs30 = blue

At 5 min per km (12 km/h).
Experienced hares from the last five races slow down at each of the refreshments areas, which is of capital importance, returning to a steady pace in between each refreshment points.

The Marathon in 3hrs45 = purple

5 minutes 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 4 hours = green

At 5 min 40 sec per km (10.5 km/h) the mythical barrier of 4 hr is at hand. Great care is necessary during the first half of the race. The runners do not hesitate to stop for refreshments, at which time they will receive a lot of encouragement from the hares.

The Marathon in 4 hrs 15 = grey

This pace will see you in the middle of the field…running at 10 km/hr.

The Marathon in 4hrs30 = pink

At 6 min 25 sec per km, the pace is 10 km/h, including stops for refreshments; the hares provide with psychological support to help runners to keep up this pace.
Strong determination will do the rest.