Ugh! Covid didn’t have Paris-Mantas skin on foot

She weathered the pandemic. This weekend, no less than 2,500 athletes* will leave Versailles for the 54 km night walk to Mantes-la-Jolie on the occasion of the traditional “Paris-Mants”, renamed “Paris-Versailles-Mantes” a decade ago.

A small miracle for the organizers: after two years of shortage due to the health situation, this popular event, which is part of the local sports heritage, has almost disappeared due to the threat of Covid and its consequences.

“Today, as the start approaches, there is some relief. The event’s Facebook page and telephone switchboard are loaded with inquiries, we salute the Mantaise Sports Association (ASM), the organizer of the event. We are excited about the resumption because the consequences of these two years without walking could be difficult. »

The number of subscribers has almost halved

The words are confirmed by the drop in registrations: in 2020 there were 4500 for the last march “before Covid” against about 2500 today. “Many regulars have given up,” analyzes Serge Gegou, director of the walk. Even if the health situation is much better, some are still afraid of gatherings. Others have little trouble getting back on their feet, getting back into the saddle. But the main thing is, we are there this year. This is a victory, and we should see the glass half full. »

ASM also struggled to attract volunteers, a vital force needed to run the event smoothly. “We have never had so many problems finding them, but fortunately we managed to count more than the rules require, and today there are almost 200 of them,” agrees Serge Zhegou.

Finally, by its very nature, Paris-Mantes is especially fragile. Created in 1935, this walk is neither a race nor a competition: it has no ranking, no winner, and is not included in any sports calendar. Not betting could harm him. Because other similar events did not have their ability to resist. The 2022 Andelys-Mantes event had to be canceled due to a lack of attendees.

*Registration closes on Tuesday. You can register for www.paris-mantes.fr