Pascal Thiriot is the president of Azur Sport Organisation, the association that organizes the Prom’Classic every year, which has now become a ‘cult’ event for runners from the French Riviera, France, and Navarre.
He reflects on this 13th edition for Nice Premium and already announces some changes for the next one!
Pascal Thiriot, what do you take away from this 13th edition of the Prom’Classic?
I am very satisfied; it was a very beautiful edition, the weather certainly helped a lot. It was something very new for us as there were many changes: first of all, 7000 runners, which is 1000 more than last year, and especially a common start. It’s always difficult to organize a race with 7000 participants, but it went perfectly.
Do you plan to increase the number of participants next year?
What is certain is that we will put more bibs on the market. If we need to involve 7500 runners, we will do it and take the necessary measures.
The problem with the start only really affects a hundred people. It is a race that is very popular and very festive. Since we are now installing detection mats at the start for each runner, all runners have their actual race time; their chip is triggered when they cross the start line. There, those who elbowed their way were actually only the first 200, those who want absolutely to set a time and achieve a performance. We need to try to set these people even more “apart” and create more preferential queues.
Were there any incidents to report?
No, there were no incidents, everything went very well. We had great weather as I mentioned before, and I am really satisfied with the work of the volunteers and organizers. Without them, there would be no event. The technical services also worked very well. I hope that the next Prom’Classic will be just as exceptional!
