Running the track
Discussion
Well, I have tried my hardest with all the ACO contacts I have to make an official run possible and unfortunately the officials at the ACO consider it too difficult to permit.
There are significant insurance and logistical issues to overcome to officially endorse, so you can understand their position.
I resorted to just asking if they would give official access through the Porsche curves and up the main straight to groups wearing TL wrist bands, but was denied that as they use the empty circuit for photoshoots etc. In 2017 we ran into Tom Kristensen having his piccies taken. I may have introduced some middle age lycra to his official press photos! Heyho!
Last year we managed to get all the way to the Dunlop bridge before we were confronted. It only took a little persuasion in broken french to be allowed OUT of the restricted area (mind boggles).
So, Yes, we will be running the track from the entrance to the TL campsite, inside the Tertre Rouge bend and running the gauntlet through the Porsche curves and main straight. If you arrive in small groups, there is a better chance of slipping through.
So, 8:30am Friday morning at the TL site entrance. First two runners back after a FULL circuit will receive TL 2019 T shirts. (Worth running 13K for).
All welcome to join in as it is public roads (apart from the bits that aren't!)
There are significant insurance and logistical issues to overcome to officially endorse, so you can understand their position.
I resorted to just asking if they would give official access through the Porsche curves and up the main straight to groups wearing TL wrist bands, but was denied that as they use the empty circuit for photoshoots etc. In 2017 we ran into Tom Kristensen having his piccies taken. I may have introduced some middle age lycra to his official press photos! Heyho!
Last year we managed to get all the way to the Dunlop bridge before we were confronted. It only took a little persuasion in broken french to be allowed OUT of the restricted area (mind boggles).
So, Yes, we will be running the track from the entrance to the TL campsite, inside the Tertre Rouge bend and running the gauntlet through the Porsche curves and main straight. If you arrive in small groups, there is a better chance of slipping through.
So, 8:30am Friday morning at the TL site entrance. First two runners back after a FULL circuit will receive TL 2019 T shirts. (Worth running 13K for).
All welcome to join in as it is public roads (apart from the bits that aren't!)
AlanAlanAlan said:
I’m another Bleu Nord resident so happy to join in. Was reckoning on an 08:00 from BN. However I have just read a post suggesting that the new security fencing requires everyone to use the main entrance rather than nipping over the concrete post and rail fence up at the north end. That might mean an 07:45 departure for me as I’m up at the north end.
....*ahem* 
Might be able to get this done this year so my campsite buddy ^^^ has someone to be significantly faster than!
Yep, done all that Mark.
They are very anti doing anything at all. I suggested a charity of their choice/in their name and still a flat NO. Too difficult as far as logistics and insurance etc.
Too much else going on around the track. Mulsanne corner car shows, Main straight photo shoots, and of course Mulsanne straight traffic.
We'll just be careful and try our luck.
They are very anti doing anything at all. I suggested a charity of their choice/in their name and still a flat NO. Too difficult as far as logistics and insurance etc.
Too much else going on around the track. Mulsanne corner car shows, Main straight photo shoots, and of course Mulsanne straight traffic.
We'll just be careful and try our luck.
oh well 
Thanks for trying to get ACO to cut us a bit of slack for the run. I've been involved with organising road runs and the admin and permits can be a right faff, especially on public roads. Then there's insurance and first aid and.... - so multiply that by French bureaucracy and I can understand their reluctance.
I ran with James from Centurion running club last year (I'm a Nuneaton harrier). He was quick in the London marathon last month so if he's there this year he might have a go at lowering that unofficial lap record. See you in 3 weeks.
Eric
I ran with James from Centurion running club last year (I'm a Nuneaton harrier). He was quick in the London marathon last month so if he's there this year he might have a go at lowering that unofficial lap record. See you in 3 weeks.
Eric
oily mist said:
Thanks for trying to get ACO to cut us a bit of slack for the run. I've been involved with organising road runs and the admin and permits can be a right faff, especially on public roads. Then there's insurance and first aid and.... - so multiply that by French bureaucracy and I can understand their reluctance.
And a prerequisite of running an officially organised race in France is that all runners must present a medical certificate to the organisers to take partI did this run last year and it is a great way to get a real feel for the circuit - Mulsanne straight is not as flat as it appears and the run up to Dunlop Bridge is steeper than it looks from trackside.
Too true. There are a couple of places where a trot on the track gives a quite vivid feel for the circuit. One is the camber on the road through the right hand corner at Indianapolis and the other is the hill up to Dunlop bridge.
To answer the very unofficial lap record question - I think we were round in just under 59 mins (which includes some time having tickets scanned at the gate). We're both club runners and were making a proper effort on the way round. I saw James yesterday (at a race in London) and he can't get to Le Mans this year so if anyone fancies a pop at breaking it I'll make sure I go easy on the refreshments on Thursday night.
Eric
To answer the very unofficial lap record question - I think we were round in just under 59 mins (which includes some time having tickets scanned at the gate). We're both club runners and were making a proper effort on the way round. I saw James yesterday (at a race in London) and he can't get to Le Mans this year so if anyone fancies a pop at breaking it I'll make sure I go easy on the refreshments on Thursday night.
Eric
Aw - just seen this thread, would absolutely love to run the track but sadly not arriving until Friday lunchtime! Does anyone know of any decent running routes around the area (staying in the PH site in Bleu Nord), 10k distance roughly as I'm planning on getting my running shoes out a couple of times while we're there; just to break up the drinking!
Cheers, Richard.
Cheers, Richard.
Gassing Station | Le Mans | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff