{"id":21764,"date":"2024-04-30T18:01:15","date_gmt":"2024-04-30T16:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wsinteractive.com\/?p=21764"},"modified":"2024-05-24T18:44:27","modified_gmt":"2024-05-24T16:44:27","slug":"aim-higher-the-iconic-23-7-km-viaduct-of-millau-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wsinteractive.com\/en\/blog\/aim-higher-the-iconic-23-7-km-viaduct-of-millau-race\/","title":{"rendered":"Aim Higher! The Iconic 23.7 Km Viaduct of Millau Race"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A User Experience Review of the Race Itself, not the Website<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The beauty of the Viaduct of Millau has attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists, if not millions, since its inauguration in 2004 to see its majestic beauty. Whether rain or shine, it is a beautiful statement to French architecture and her countryside.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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(Main photo credit: lamax – stock.adobe.com).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Race date on September 22, 2024<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Race Course Eiffage du Viaduc de Millau<\/a><\/em> takes place biennially. I had the pleasure of running the race twice. First in 2014 and again in 2018. It has always been, and it was when I ran, a very fun and light-hearted race (but there are definitely many serious runners from around the world going after victory). Some runners dress up in costumes, and the organizers, Eiffage, put on a show that lasts the whole weekend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out the photo gallery of past races<\/a> to get a feel for the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a long hiatus due to Coronavirus, the Course Eiffage of Viaduct of Millau<\/a> is back in 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The race will take place in September, and if you are in Southwest France during this period I highly recommend participating in the race. Whether you are an experienced runner or just want to have an experience of a lifetime, this could be the journey you need.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u2018semi-marathon\u2019 race itself offers many challenges<\/a> as you start in \u2018downtown\u2019 Millau and you work your way toward the iconic bridge (though I should say viaduct as it crosses an immense valley). As the viaduct comes into view, though you have reached the halfway point fairly breezily, you realize you have started at the bottom of the valley and need to work your way up the approximately 300 meter elevation to the top of the bridge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What would be a nice, lazy and scenic drive from low to high becomes a test of your endurance and commitment to getting to the bridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Credit:
Credit: lamax – stock.adobe.com<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crossing the Viaduct of Millau<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At last, you arrive and begin to cross the bridge. It\u2019s epic. As you cross the viaduct (after stopping to take photos nonetheless), it bounces to the rhythm of the runners. Unless, of course, you are in first place, which I humbly admit was not my position. I suppose I was somewhere lost in the middle of the pack\u2026 but in a way it was the best place to be. Runners on both sides of the bridge, with a concert halfway at the u-turn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Credit:
Credit: ANADEL – stock.adobe.com<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can feel the engineering. And you look out and see the magnificent nature that the region offers. It\u2019s truly a splendid and sublime moment. Even though there may be thousands of runners, you can sense your individualism against the beams and steel of the bridge. You can allow yourself to gape and to perhaps meditate while running. It truly is an experience of a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engineering strength and architectural beauty<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This would be a good time to describe the Viaduct of Millau<\/a> from an engineering perspective. It spans the Tarn River Valley near Millau in southern France and it is considered one of the most impressive modern bridges in the world. Here are some key details about its design and engineering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n