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No shoes, no problems!

Debunking the Myths and Conventions About the Marathon by Leading by Example: Contrary to common beliefs and claims, all humans are meant to become perfect long-distance runners, and to walk and run barefoot.

Therefore, I’ve run so far 326 marathons and 17 ultramarathons in 94 countries of the seven continents since 2010, including 104 barefoot marathons in 49 countries and a 90 km barefoot ultramarathon in South Africa.

We need to understand that Homo sapiens is still a species of hunter-gatherers, and the marathon is just the new form of persistence hunting. In other words, long-distance running is the vital human activity traditionally to get food, and now to stay fit and healthy, and running barefoot prevents injury, pain and fatigue. I ran for instance 15 barefoot marathons in 14 weeks in 2018, 8 barefoot marathons in 8 weeks in 2019 and 12 barefoot marathons in 11 weeks in 2021.

Four Times Overall Winner and Twice Overall Second Place

When I did in October 2010, at 55, my first marathon I still believed in many fallacies that turned the marathon into something runners can wrongly brag about as a special achievement. At least I never “swallowed” the stupid theory of “speed genes,” fabricated by a so-called Danish “scientific study.” Of course, no “study” could identify such genes, but many people still believe in them.

Fortunately, I progressively found out, as I explain in the book Running Barefoot for Human Survival, that all big bipedal apes—regardless of their melanin density—have exceptional genes for long-distance running, i.e. the most primitive and vital human activity, formerly to get food, and now to prevent obesity and other comorbidities, get enough endorphins and boost our immune systems. As a result, finishing a race possibly pain and injury-free is far more important to me than my ranking. I won nonetheless three marathons and one ultramarathon:

The 2015 Torcy International Marathon, France
The 2015 Southern Cross Marathon, Chile
The 2015 Punta Arenas Ultramarathon, Chile
The 2016 Philipsburg Waterfront Marathon, Sint Maarten

And I placed second overall among the finishers of the 2014 Punta Arenas Marathon in Chile and the 2015 White Continent Ultramarathon in Antarctica.

The Day I Ran an Ultramarathon and a Half Marathon in Antarctica

Upon completing the 50 km White Continent Ultramarathon in Antarctica on February 19, 2015, I asked the race director for permission to run the Penguin Marathon. He kindly granted me permission for the Penguin Half Marathon. Another runner, who started barefoot the aptly named Penguin Marathon, soon found out why Antarctica is the only wrong continent for naked human feet.

At the time, I still had no idea about running marathons barefoot, and I had never met a barefoot marathoner until I saw a few days earlier, in Punta Arenas, Eddie Vega doing barefoot the 2015 Southern Cross Marathon, which I won with Joe Fernandez. I’ve meanwhile run barefoot 104 marathons in 49 countries of the six other continents. I’ve also published the book “Running Barefoot for Human Survival.” One of the chapters, “Friday the 13th at the End of the World,” is about my second trip to Southern Patagonia and Antarctica. Find out more.  

Ancient Greeks Are the Best Barefoot Runners

The founding fathers of Western civilization are the greatest barefoot runners recorded in history. Some of those who nowadays claim or think they have too evolved to be able to walk or run barefoot, will likely be amazed to learn that the best barefoot runners recorded in history are neither the Africans, nor any indigenous people of Northern Mexico, but the “evolved” white men of the cradle of Western civilization, i.e. Ancient Greece, where the barefoot culture was a fundamental component of their lifestyle, and where the word “barbarian” (βάρβαρος) was originated to describe all non-Greek-speaking peoples, thus including all other Europeans.

When the “barbarian” Romans later conquered Greece, they zealously adopted all the ingredients of the Greek civilization, except one: the barefoot culture, simply because the Romans like most current Europeans were experiencing what I call ancestral barefoot phobia in my book “Running Barefoot for Human Survival.”

A striking evidence of persistent barefoot phobia is that while Pheidippides and other long-distance runners in Ancient Greece wore clothes and ran barefoot, most participants in current nudist races ironically do the opposite: They run with sneakers while the rest of their body is naked! Find out more.

The marathon is also the genuine human moment amid an increasingly selfish and inhumane global community. It turns us into truly social beings—which humans are always meant to be—, sadly only for a weekend, before joining again the human jungle on Monday or Tuesday. That’s one of the main reasons many of us keep running around the world, as we don’t want to miss that unforgettable moment.

As I thoroughly explain in my book “Running Barefoot for Human Survival,” running keeps us fit, healthy and very young for our age at no cost, while running barefoot prevents pain, injury and fatigue so much so that doing a marathon turns into a walk in the park. Find out how and why in the book.

I started running barefoot at 60, which means there is no excuse. In other words, contrary to what some bipedal primates stupidly write on social media, I’ve never been running after animals in the African Savannah. On the other hand, the fact that the marathon is the new form of persistence hunting explains why some finishers instinctively bite the metallic medals—as if they were actual animals—and proudly take selfies, which usually generate a lot of likes.

Human body is not designed for our lifestyle, hence the scourges and the risk of extinction we’re sadly facing. Like our ancestors, we’re born to run barefoot to be happy and healthy, boost our immune systems and ensure the survival of our species. And that’s crucial, since prevention is the free, safe and most effective solution to many diseases and pandemics, including obesity and COVID-19.

Moreover, prevention would not only save yearly tens of millions lives and a lot of money, but also significantly improve our quality of life and humanness, and drastically reduce global warming and the depletion of natural resources. Find out more in the book. Vous en apprendrez davantage dans ce livre.

Planet of the Masked Apes

After nearly 200 millennia of wise, lucid, smart and fairly healthy existence, Homo sapiens has “evolved” into Homo comorbidus. The physical and mental comorbidization of Homo sapiens started around 10,000 years ago after the invention of agriculture and the domestication of some animals in Mesopotamia. It remained a very slow process, though, until the 1970s when the pandemic of comorbidities gained an unprecedented momentum...
Find out more.

Video in French directed by Alexandre Renoux

The Only Authentic Marathon (Athens)

The “marathon” is named after Pheidippides’s last run. Pheidippides, one of the greatest barefoot runners, ran in few days about 560 km (348 mi) in 490 BC, including 40 km (24.6 mi) from Marathon to Athens to inform the Athenians of their unexpected victory over the Persian invaders, which makes Pheidippides the first marathoner and the Athens Marathon the only authentic one. Any 42.2 km (26.2 miles) race held elsewhere is therefore a “virtual” marathon, and running with shoes annihilate the remaining authenticity, because the authentic way to run a marathon is to do it like the ancient Greek runners, i.e. barefoot. Find out more.

I Ran 25 Marathons in 18 Weeks
(August 29, 2021-January 2, 2022)

I ran in 18 weeks 25 marathons, including 12 barefoot marathons in 11 weeks in 10 European capitals (Vienna, Rome, Berlin, London, Sofia, Paris, Ljubljana, Bucharest, Podgorica and Athens), another one in the Paris area and the last one in Maxico City.

Chronic Diseases Yearly Kill 41 Million People

People suffering from these easily preventable diseases are also at greater risk of dying from COVID-19 and losing their physical and cognitive abilities. “Heart disease, diabetes, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were responsible for nearly 100 million additional healthy life years lost in 2019 compared to 2000,” according to WHO. So why do we keep aggravating these comorbidities, instead of preventing and eradicating them by stopping their risk factors (physical inactivity, tobacco, alcohol, excess of food, etc.) now, and by adapting our lifestyle to our biology? —Wake up, Homo sapiens!
Find out more.
Accéder à l’article en français pour en savoir plus.

The COVID Big Screen Marathon/Marathon # 299

We can easily and effectively prevent obesity and other COVID comorbidities, while reducing global warming. For the record, free animals—including other primates—are neither developing obesity nor warming the planet. So why are humans irresponsibly doing that, despite our allegedly “superior intelligence”? Are humans becoming retrograde primates? Find out the answers and how we can easily achieve a healthy life, while saving a lot money by avoiding useless or harmful consumption.

Lose Weight or Eradicate Obesity Without Spending a Dime

Any human can lose weight or eradicate obesity in less than three months without spending a penny, and even without moving. This article explains how to do it.

The Price of the Irrational Aggravation of COVID-19 Comorbidities

978 COVID patients were hospitalized in intensive care in France on July 27, 2021, i.e. 246% more than on July 27, 2020. Find out why.
Lire l'article en français.

The Port Arthur Syndrome or Penal Colony Syndrome

In newspeak, penal colonies are renamed lockdowns. The Port Arthur Syndrome describes the global madness resulting from the planet’s transformation into a huge colony penitentiary since the advent of Covidism. But the mentally ill doesn’t know he’s mad...
Find out more.
Lire l’article en français.

Humans Used to Be Happy and Social Beings

Despite enormous difficulties and dangers of all kinds, our ancestors managed to ensure the survival of our species, for they were humble, happy and social beings. This means that it’s now our duty and responsibility to act for both our health and human survival, instead of lamenting our condition and contributing to the untimely extinction of our species. In other words, if we don’t promptly and efficiently adapt our lifestyle to the nature of the human body, we’ll irresponsibly terminate human life.

It’s regrettable that the most intelligent animal species, i.e. Homo sapiens, is so stupidly and vehemently destroying itself for money, power, a moment of fame, etc., particularly since the outbreak of COVID-19. As explained in the book, Running Barefoot for Human Survival, the human body is not designed for our current lifestyle, hence the financial, societal, environmental and health issues we’re now facing. Find out more.

Are You Afraid of Stepping Barefoot on Glass?

Nelophobia—the irrational fear of glass—is arguably one of the main reasons many people are so reluctant to run or walk barefoot. Well, in an ideal world no one would throw glassy objects, but some do just that, seemingly even more so since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly where the bars are closed because of the restrictions.

While happily running my 90th barefoot marathon in the Paris area, and my face was therefore expressing neither fear nor any pain, a lot of people asked me the eternal questions barefoot runners have to face in many places around the world: “Don’t your feet hurt? Aren’t you afraid of stepping on broken glass?”—As explained in the book, Running Barefoot for Human Survival, these questions are the instinctive manifestation of an ancestral barefoot phobia.

“Dysevolution:” The Human Body Is Not Designed for Our Lifestyle

Sadly, while our lifestyle has significantly evolved, our bodies have not. That’s what Harvard professor of anthropology Daniel Lieberman calls “dysevolution,” which is the cause of our current problems, including the unprecedented health crisis. Find out more.

German newspaper Die Berliner Zeitung: Französischer Diplomat läuft den Berlin-Marathon barfuß (French diplomat runs the Berlin Marathon barefoot)

The 2021 Run in Paradise Marathon/Marathon # 301

I ran 95.5 km (59.3 mi) in four days in Antigua, including the local official marathon and four runs (5 K, 10.7 K, 16.7 K and 21.1 K) inside one of their paradisiacal beach resorts. It was my country # 90.
Find out more.

Marathon # 295/Barefoot Marathon # 91

The 2021 Lac d’Orient Marathon (July 19, 2021)
Absurdistan Marathon # 16
Marathon # 293

We walked the lap around the beautiful lake (28 km) and I added a few out and backs to reach 42.2 km.

The 2021 EcoTrail de Paris (80 km): Wild Boar Hunting With Obelix in the Forests of Gaul

On July 3, 2021, I participated with Obelix in the 80 km event of the EcoTrail de Paris 2021—the first major race allowed in France since the COVID-19 outbreak. Unfortunately but expectedly, only 934 of us completed the race this year, a drop of 53% compared to the number of finishers of the last edition (in 2019). That’s due to the restrictions and bans supposedly intended to combat the pandemic, but resulted, logically, in the discouragement of many runners, more physical inactivity, the consumption of excess food, the increase in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, etc., hence the worrying aggravation of the comorbidities of the pandemic (stress, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, loss of physical and intellectual capacities, etc.). Find out more.

Quo vadis, homo sapiens?

The 2021 Palace of Versailles Marathon (a non-official race)

The fact that humans no longer walk and run long distances is one of the main causes of the comorbidities (obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cognitive impairment, etc.) of the COVID-19 pandemic. I explain in my book, Running Barefoot for Human Survival, why no one is seriously caring about these chronic diseases, which are ruining the lives of billions of people and killing yearly over 40 million, with or without COVID, not to mention the close links between these pathologies—including their risk factors—and global warming. Quo vadis, homo sapiens? Find out more.

Runcation in Aruba

I did 161 km (100 miles) in 6 days in Aruba: 2 marathons, 2 half marathons and 4 shorter distances (June 5 to 10, 2021).
The 2021 Aruba Marathon
The 2021 Divi Tree Marathon (a non-official race)
The 2021 Oranjestad Half Marathon (a non-official race)
The 2021 Eagle Beach Half Marathon (a non-official race)

COVID-19 Rules: Welcome to "Authoritarian Absurdistan" aka France

A German newspaper article titled “COVID Rules in France: Authoritarian Absurdistan” begins with a summary of the situation. “Certificates to leave one’s home, jog only in front of one’s door, security guards to prevent the purchase of toys: the French lockdown is so repressive that even common sense rules fall into disrepute.” 

Criminalization of physical activity and promoting risk factors for chronic diseases make sense in Authoritarian Absurdistan.

The 2021 Absurdistan Running Series (ARS)

The 2020 Absurdistan Running Series (ARS)

Coping with runnerphobia in Authoritarian Absurdistan: I ran three ultramarathons, 72 marathons and 12 half marathons in 2020 not despite, but thanks to runnerphobia in Authoritarian Absurdistan and worldwide race cancellations for COVID-19.

Liberation Marathons # 51 to 60 and One Ultramarathon (50.52 km)

I ran 10 marathons and one ultramarathon (50.52 km) during the month leading to the second lockdown in France (September 28 to October 29, 2020), including 3 marathons in the last 4 days.

The SQY Park Marathon/My Liberation Marathon # 56 (October 19, 2020)

I completed fatigue, pain and injury-free under four hours (3:55:12) my third marathon in five days. I submitted these new results for the 2020 Virtual New York Marathon.
I ran actually 42.22 km (26.23 miles), hence the Strava adjusted results (3:55:03). The ranking will be changing until all participants submit their results.

The 2020 Virtual New York Marathon Against Pandemics/My Liberation Marathon # 55

The 2020 Montigny to the Statue of Liberty Marathon/My Liberation Marathon # 54

Tenth Anniversary Celebration Marathon/My Liberation Marathon # 53

I did my first marathon on October 10, 2010, in Chicago. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the event I ran with a friend (Bastien Bernard) on October 10, 2020, my 268th marathon, which was my 53rd marathon in five months. We ran from Trappes—a sort of counterpart of the Chicago South Side—to the magnificent Champs-Elysées Avenue in Paris. Running is the natural, effective and free way to prevent chronic diseases and thus vulnerability to COVID-19. I run; hence I’m stronger than the COVID-19, even after 65.

Je cours, donc je suis plus fort que la Covid-19, même à plus de 65.

Le marathon de SQY au ministère de la Santé pour lutter contre la Covid-19. Mon marathon de la libération numéro 52.

The 2020 Yvelines-Paris Race Against the COVID-19 - My Liberation Ultramarathon # 3 (50.52 km)

The 2020 Montigny to Paris Bercy Marathon - My Liberation Marathon # 51

Liberation Marathons # 41 to 50

Liberation Marathon # 50 (September 26, 2020)

The 2020 Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines to Versailles Castle Trail - Liberation Marathon # 48

The 2020 Boston Marathon Virtual Experience - LM # 44 (September 7, 2020)

Liberation Marathon # 42 (September 2, 2020)

Barefoot Marathon # 85
Upon completing the race, I came across barefoot moms Sandrine and Valentina on the lake bank. We exchanged words about the hunter-gatherer heritage of today’s humans.

Liberation Marathon # 41 (August 29, 2020)

I ran on August 29, 2020, in Chantilly, France with a son, for whom it was his first marathon, my 41st liberation marathon. Mom joined us for a half marathon. The three of us did the race with minimal foot protection. We had registered for a confirmed small event, which was scheduled in Chantilly on the August 29–30 weekend, and included triathlon races, a marathon and a half marathon. Then the organizers announced its cancellation just two weeks before race day. Find out more.

***

Liberation Marathons # 31 to 40 (July26 - August 23, 2020)

***

Liberation Marathon # 33 (August 2, 2020)

Barefoot Marathon # 81
My results: 4:22:53

The data of this Liberation Marathon have been approved as my official results for the Virtual Belfast City Marathon 2020.

Liberation Marathon # 27
Date: July 12, 2020

Liberation Marathon # 26
Date: July 8, 2020

See France 3 TV Normandy report on my 26th Liberation Marathon

Liberation Marathon # 25
Date: July 5, 2020

Liberation Marathon # 24
Date: July 4, 2020

Three Marathons in Three Days to Say Goodbye to June 2020

Liberation Marathon # 23
Date: June 30, 2020

Race the Comrades Legends (90 km)
Liberation Ultramarathon # 2
Date: June 14, 2020

The legendary Comrades Marathon, in South Africa, is the oldest and largest ultramarathon in the world, and by far the most rewarding long-distance race. Sadly, the race was canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first time since 1921, and replaced by the virtual Race the Comrades Legends which was run around the world on June 14. Over 43,000 runners registered for the following distances: 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km, 45 km or the distance of the official race (90 km). I was one of the 1,000 or so who did the 90 km. I ran in the SQY Recreation Park, France.

Liberation Marathon # 22
Date: June 29, 2020

Liberation Marathon # 21
Date: June 28, 2020

Liberation Marathon # 20
Date: June 26, 2020

Liberation Marathon # 19
Date: June 23, 2020

The Race the Comrades Legends (90 km) and Three Marathons in Seven Days

Liberation Marathon # 18
Date: June 20, 2020

Liberation Marathon # 17
Date: June 18, 2020

Liberation Marathon # 16
Date: June 15, 2020

Liberation Marathon # 15
Date: June 10, 2020

I ran on June 10, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), France, my 15th liberation marathon since May 11 to honor the 2020 Salzburg Marathon (May 17), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fourteen Liberation Marathons + 1 Liberation Ultramarathon Since May 11

Liberation Marathon # 14
Date: June 9, 2020

I ran on June 9, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), France, my 14th liberation marathon since May 11 to honor the 2020 Skopje Marathon (May 10), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thirteen Liberation Marathons + 1 Liberation Ultramarathon (60 km) in 4 weeks

Liberation Marathon # 13
Date: June 7, 2020

I ran on June 7, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), France, my 13th liberation marathon since May 11 to honor the 2020 Belfast Marathon (May 3), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twelve Liberation Marathons + 1 Liberation Ultramarathon Since May 11

Liberation Marathon # 12
Date: June 5, 2020

I ran on June 5, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), France, my 12th liberation marathon since May 11 to honor the 2020 Belgrade Marathon (April 26), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eleven Liberation Marathons + 1 Liberation Ultramarathon Since May 11

Liberation Marathon # 11
Date: June 3, 2020

I ran on June 3, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), France, my 11th liberation marathon since May 11 to honor the 2020 Boston Marathon (April 20), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was in addition to the Freedom Boston Marathon Against Pandemics that I ran on April 20 inside my apartment because of the lockdown.

Ten Liberation Marathons + One Liberation Ultramarathon (60 km) in 22 Days

Liberation Marathon # 10
Date: June 1, 2020

I ran on June 1, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), France, my tenth liberation marathon in 22 days to honor the 2020 Marseille Marathon (April 12), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was great to run in the wonderful SQY Recreation Park (km 7 to 15.5), which reopened just two days earlier. It had been closed since day one of the lockdown. Find out more.

Nine Liberation Marathons + One Liberation Ultramarathon in 20 Days

Liberation Ultramarathon # 1 (60 km)
May 30, 2020

When I set off on May 30, 2020, my intention was to run a marathon from Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY) to the Eiffel Tower. Since the distance is much shorter than a marathon, I ran in 5 SQY cities first, but when I reached the city of Saint-Cyr, I saved the distance (17.8 km) and started from there a new marathon (42.2 km). Find out more.

Liberation Marathon # 9
May 28, 2020

I ran on May 28, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France, my ninth liberation marathon in 18 days to honor the 2020 Paris Marathon (April 5), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Liberation Marathon # 8
May 24, 2020

I ran on May 24, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France, my eighth liberation marathon in 14 days to honor the 2020 Rome Marathon (March 29), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Liberation Marathon # 7
May 23, 2020

I ran on May 23, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France, my seventh liberation marathon in 13 days to honor the 2020 Seoul Marathon (March 22), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Liberation Marathon # 6
May 21, 2020

I ran on May 21, 2020, in France, my sixth liberation marathon in 11 days to honor the 2020 Barcelona Marathon (March 15), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. I warmed up by running a half marathon on May 20. By the way, I ran the non-official Little Barcelona Marathon on March 15, two days before the start of the lockdown in France.

Five Liberation Marathons in One Week (May 11-17, 2020)

Liberation Marathon # 5
May 17, 2020

I ran on Sunday, May 17, 2020, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (SQY), France, my fifth liberation marathon to honor the 2020 Tokyo Marathon (March 1st), one my 15 scheduled weekly marathons that were canceled or postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was great before entering the beautiful forests of SQY to run past The French-Japanese Cultural Institute—Japanese School of Paris (Japanese: 日仏文化学院パリ日本人学) and a few Japanese restaurants, and afterwards I ran past a pharmacy that was promoting a drug on a billboard with this big headline in French: “Crevé ?” (Exhausted?)

Liberation Marathon # 1
May 11, 2020

To address their possible shortcomings in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, governments suddenly placed more than four billion hitherto free humans into a huge global zoo, despite the risk of inflicting serious direct or collateral damage on them, because all animal species, including Homo sapiens, are obviously destined to live in freedom and to flourish or recharge in nature (forests, mountains, savannas, deserts, streams, pages, seas, etc.). This at least gave us a little taste of the terrible suffering inflicted on animals in zoos or dominated people who were once exposed in human zoos.

The 2020 Freedom Boston Marathon Against Pandemics
April 20, 2020

Venue: inside my apartment due to the ongoing lockdown in France to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The course: 25-meter (82 feet) long, including a staircase of 15 steps. Number of out-and-backs: 844. Number of staircase steps: 12,660, that’s more than twice the steps of the Great Wall Marathon (5,164 steps), which was one of my 48 marathons in 2013. Total elevation: 2,279 meters (7,477 feet).  Distance: 42.2 km (26.2 miles). Duration: 14:53:00, including a break for a TV interview. That’s my longest duration in any marathon or ultramarathon.
Find out more.

The Global Marathon Against Pandemics

I’m inviting fellow runners, our loved ones and other prisoners of war (POWs) of the COVID-19 to join me and run the 2020 Freedom Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, 2020. Each participant can do 5 km, 10 km, 15 km, 10 miles, a half marathon, a marathon or whatever distance that works for her or him. Since France is one of the countries that have imposed the toughest restrictions for the folks who want to keep running to stay healthy and prevent vulnerability to the COVID-19 and other pandemics, I’ll have to do the marathon inside my apartment. So I’m bracing for 844 out-and-backs on a 25-meter course, including a staircase of 15 steps. I chose the Boston Marathon to launch the Global Marathon Against Pandemics, because the legendary marathon has embodied the quest for liberty and healthy lifestyle for 123 years. Find out more.

Lire aussi : Le marathon mondial contre les pandémies

Primitiveness Is the Smartest Weapon Against the Collateral Damage of Progress

Smart primitiveness, i.e. long-distance barefoot running, is ironically the effective weapon against the collateral damage of progress, wealth and comfort, including selfishness, global warming and the preventable chronic diseases. Find out more.

Lions Do Know How to Run and How to Eat - Humans Are Seeking Advice on How to Eat, Run & What to Wear

Aquatic species know how to swim, and birds how to fly. Chimps know how to climb and how to jump safely from one tree to another, and they know that bananas are better food than potato chips. And like our ancestors, lions know by themselves how to run, what and how to eat. They never need to consult another lion.

So why individuals of the allegedly most intelligent animal species need some gurus to teach them know to run, what and how to eat, or what harmful accessories are better for their feet? And why are the consequences inevitably more running injuries, increasing chronic diseases and rising global warming?

The answer is simple: our intelligence can’t help us, because we’re brainwashed by gurus who are mostly interested in increasing their power or maximizing their gains. Find out more.

Panicvirus-19 is irrationally impacting on long-distance running

Panicvirus-19 is irresponsibly jeopardizing humans’ natural and most effective weapon against the new pandemic: long-distance running.

For starters, COVID-19 is nothing like the medieval plagues, or the Spanish flu that decimated millions of humans. Shamefully, some are using the novel coronavirus to create great panic, distract us from real issues or make big money, while seriously impacting on our daily life and ultimately our mental or physical health. Meanwhile, the influenza virus kills yearly many hundreds thousands, and the chronic diseases are also taking annually the lives of tens of millions, without triggering any headline or raising any alarm.
Find out more.

The Amazing Potential Benefits of Novel coronavirus 2019
Lessons learned and tremendous prospects for humans

The macabre virus keeps spreading, causing panic, marathon cancellations, disrupting other events, challenging the global economy, and killing vulnerable people. Yet, at the same time, this novel pandemic is offering us the amazing opportunity and, hopefully, the motivation to wake up and come together to stop effectively overconsumption and global warming, while significantly reducing healthcare costs, and staying healthy, happy and ready to combat new viruses. And there’s no need for money, research or any magic stick: We should just run away from the pandemic of chronic diseases, literally and on our bare feet.
Find out more.

Global Warming Means More Marathon Cancellations Ahead

If we keep indulging in overconsumption, extreme weather induced by the increasing temperatures will force more and more marathon organizers to call off their events. And don’t look for someone else to blame, since we, the consumers, are the global warmers.

And if you think for instance that planting a tree can compensate your greenhouse gas emissions, think again before it’s too late to stop the spiral of global warming. Extreme heat or drought, or fires will likely kill your tree, long before it can absord even a tiny portion of your emissions. Therefore, the rationale should be: “If I feel the guilt, I don’t emit, unless I absolutely have to.” Find out more.

Stop Cutting Trees for Comfort
#StopCuttingTrees

Humans and many other animals inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide (CO2). Trees do the opposite, by absorbing CO2 and liberating oxygen. Sadly, some humans have been notorious for compromising this natural symbiosis for centuries, while significantly increasing their total greenhouse gas emissions, so much so that we’re now heading to the point of no return, according to the United Nations. Find out more.

Running Barefoot in California for Human Survival

The Panicvirus-19 Failed to Stop the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 70, Marathon # 212

The 2020 Los Angeles Marathon rightfully went ahead on schedule, despite all the fuss and frantic panic about a virus that has killed so far only few thousands almost exclusively vulnerable patients. We should therefore praise the race organizer and the city, state and federal institutions and agencies for rightfully holding the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon on March 8, as planned. It was such a great hunting experience with amazing friends and fellow marathoners.

Regrettably, all my next marathons are already either canceled or postponed: Barcelona (March 15), Seoul (March 22), Roma (March 29), Paris (April 5), etc. Was the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon the last victory against the overwhelming panic lobby?
Find out more.

Running Barefoot in Malta for Human Survival

The Panicvirus-19 Failed to Stop the 2020 Malta Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 69, Marathon # 211

Running Barefoot in Florida for Human Survival

2020 Miami Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 68, Marathon # 210

Running Barefoot in Oman for Human Survival

2020 Muscat Lonely Marathon
(Not included in my statistics)

We humans are a tropical species, and we have therefore a body perfectly designed for survival without shoes, nor any other protection in our natural habitat, which extends from the Tropic of Cancer in the north, to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. This means that those humans who are living in higher latitudes, may still walk and run barefoot in the spring, in the summer and in the autumn, but not in the very cold months.

And since progress in adaptation to barefoot running is easily reversible, one of the ways to keep improving during the winter is to go to run in the natural habitat. So when I got the information that my only race for January 2020—the Muscat Marathon—was rescheduled five weeks later, I had to make a decision: I went to Muscat and lonely ran barefoot 42.2 km (or 26.2 miles) on January 21 in the wonderful waterfront and restaurant zone of Al Mouj.

Many people were understandably wondering why the barefoot guy with the backpack was running for over five hours. And I wanted to tell them: “Hey guys! I’m doing this for our survival, please consider joining me the next time!”

Running Barefoot in Spain for Human Survival

2019 Malaga Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 67, Marathon # 209
My third barefoot marathon in 2 weeks

Running Barefoot in Jamaica for Human Survival

2019 Reggae Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 66

I ran on December 8, 2019, in Negril, Jamaica, my 66th barefoot marathon, unsurprisingly fatigue, pain and injury free, despite the hot asphalt during the second half of the race.

Running Barefoot in New York for Human Survival

2019 New Marathon
Barefoot World Marathon Major # 2
Barefoot Marathon # 64 / Marathon # 206

I ran in New York my 8th barefoot marathon in 8 weeks
(September 8 to November 3, 2019)

After the 2019 Chicago Marathon, the 2019 New York Marathon was my Second Barefoot World Marathon Major. I had done on my naked feet in 7 countries of 4 continents (North America, South America, Europe, Oceania or Zealandia), the following 7 marathons: Koblenz (Germany), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Budapest (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Chicago (USA), Auckland (New Zealand) and Lausanne (Switzerland).

Running Barefoot in New Zealand for Human Survival

2019 Auckland Marathon
Barefoot marathon on the “Eighth Continent—Zealandia”
Barefoot Marathon # 62 / Marathon # 204
5th barefoot marathon in 4 weeks

Running Barefoot in Illinois for Human Survival

2019 Chicago Mararathon
Barefoot World Marathon Major # 1
Barefoot Marathon # 61 / Marathon # 203
4th barefoot marathon in 3 weeks

Running Barefoot in Belgium for Human Survival

2019 Brussels Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 60 / Marathon # 202
Third barefoot marathon in 2 weeks

Running Barefoot in Hungary for Human Survival

2019 Budapest Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 59 / Marathon # 201
Second barefoot marathon in 8 days
Marathon # 201 - Country # 85

Running Barefoot in Argentina for Human Survival

2019 Buenos Aires Marathon
Marathon # 200
Barefoot Marathon # 58 - Country # 84

Seven marathons in the Caribbean & the Paris Eco Trail (80 km) in 9 days (8-16 March 2019)

Running Barefoot in Germany for Human Survival

2019 Koblenz Marathon
Marathon # 199
Barefoot Marathon # 57

Running Barefoot in Paraguay for Human Survival

2019 Asuncion Marathon
Country # 83 - Barefoot Country # 33
Barefoot Marathon # 56

Running Barefoot in Peru for Human Survival

2019 Lima Marathon
Country # 82 - Barefoot Country # 32
Barefoot Marathon # 54

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2019 Paris Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 50

Running Barefoot in Slovakia for Human Survival

2019 Bratislava Marathon
Country # 81 - Barefoot Country # 30
Barefoot Marathon # 49

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2019 Marseille Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 48

Running Barefoot in Seychelles for Human Survival

2019 Seychelles Marathon
Country # 74 - Barefoot Country # 28
Barefoot Marathon # 46

Running Barefoot in Spain for Human Survival

2019 Seville Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 45

Running Barefoot in The United Arab Emirates for Human Survival

2019 Dubai Marathon
Country # 73 - Barefoot Country # 27
Barefoot Marathon # 44

Running Barefoot in Qatar for Human Survival

2019 Doha Marathon
Country # 72 - Barefoot Country # 26
Barefoot Marathon # 43

Running Barefoot in Italy for Human Survival

2018 Pisa Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 42
Article from the Pisa Today

I had a lot of fun running barefoot 42.2 km, despite the unfriendly freezing temperature for humans

Running Barefoot in Spain for Human Survival

2018 Malaga Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 41
Article from the Spanish newspaper Diario Sur

I ran in Malaga my 41th barefoot marathon, the 14th in 13 weeks

Running Barefoot in Costa Rica for Human Survival

2018 Costa Rica Marathon
Country # 71
 Barefoot Marathon # 40

I ran in San Jose, Costa Rica, my 13th barefoot marathon in 12 weeks

Running Barefoot in Panama for Human Survival

2018 Panama Marathon
Country # 70
 Barefoot Marathon # 39

I ran in Panama City my 12th barefoot marathon in 11 weeks

Running Barefoot in Thailand for Human Survival

2018 Bangkok Marathon
Country # 69 - Barefoot Marathon # 38

I ran in the Thai Capital my 11th barefoot marathon in 10 weeks. The race started at midnight in front of the iconic Grand Palace, with arguably the most relevant motto for this renewed physical activity of humans: “Running is Medecine.”

Running Barefoot in Turkey for Human Survival

2018 Istanbul Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 37

It was my 10th barefoot marathon in 9 weeks. The course starts in the Asian part of the Turkish metropolis, then crosses the Bosporus to join the European side of the city.

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2018 French Riviera Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 36
I ran in French Riviera my nineth barefoot marathon in eight weeks

The photos below show the contrast with my participation in the 2013 edition

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2018 Marathon de Rennes
Barefoot Marathon # 35
I ran in Western France my eighth barefoot marathon in seven weeks:
Running can save humans, the Planet is not in danger!

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2018 Marathon de Toulouse
Barefoot Marathon # 34

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2018 Marathon de Metz
Barefoot Marathon # 33
I ran in the French city of Metz my sixth barefoot marathon in five weeks

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2018 Lyon Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 32

I ran in the French city of Lyon my 32nd barefoot marathon, my 5th in 29 days. Run in Lyon is the other name of the race, and I chose the nickname “Barefoot Baba” for my bib number because many people in the Comrades Marathon on June 10, 2018, kept encouraging me with kind remarks like: “Well done Barefoot Baba!”

Running Barefoot in Moldova for Human Survival

2018 Chisinau Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 31
I ran in the Moldavian capital my 4th barefoot marathon in 22 days

Running Barefoot in Québec for Human Survival

2018 Marathon de Montréal
Barefoot Marathon # 30

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2018 Seine-Marathon 76
Barefoot Marathon # 29

Running Barefoot in Lithuania for Human Survival

2018 Vilnius Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 28

3 Marathons + 1 Half Marathon in 3 Countries in 3 Days
2018 Azeri Marathon - Azerbaijan
Barefoot Marathon # 27

2018 Azeri Half Marathon

2018 Bagrateshen Marathon - Armenia

2018 Capital City Marathon - Georgia
Barefoot Marathon # 26

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

The 10th Gay Games Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 25

After running barefoot the marathon of the 10th Gay Games Marathon on the cobblestones of Avenue Foch and the stony streets and paths of the Bois de Boulogne, I participated in the Paris Hash in the afternoon.

Running Barefoot in South Africa for Human Survival

2018 Comrades Marathon (90.2 km)
Barefoot Ultramarathon # 1

I ran barefoot in South Africa, on June 10, the 90.2 km of asphalt of the 2018 edition of the Comrades Marathon, completing the race, comfortably, pain and injury free, just 7 days after achieving my fastest barefoot marathon (3:37).

Three barefoot marathons in three countries, in 15 days

2018 Antwerp Marathon - Belgium
Barefoot Marathon # 23

2018 Bonn Marathon - Germany
Barefoot Marathon # 22

2018 Paris Marathon - France
Barefoot Marathon # 21
Read the article of the French newspaper Le Parisien
Aricle of the French radio Franceinfo

Running Barefoot in Germany for Human Survival

2018 Rhein-Ruhr Marathon
Barefoot Marathons # 24

Running Barefoot in Africa for Human Survival
4 Barefoot Marathons in 4 Days in 4 Countries in the Craddle of Mankind + 3 Marathons in More Countries in 3 Days

2017 Zambezi Waterfront Marathon - Zambia
Barefoot Marathon # 15

2017 Impalila Island Marathon - Namibia
Barefoot Marathon # 14

2017 Chobe Marathon - Botswana
Barefoot Marathon # 13

2017 Hwange Marathon - Zimbabwe
Barefoot Marathon # 12 (my first in Africa)

2017 Sand River Marathon, Swaziland

2017 Maseru Bridge Marathon - Lesotho

2017 Ladybrand Border Marathon - South Africa

Running Barefoot in Trinidad and Tobagoo for Human Survival

2018 Trinidad & Tobago Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 20

Running Barefoot in The Netherlands for Human Survival

2017 Amsterdam Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 18

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2017 Marathon de Metz
Barefoot Marathon # 17
Article of a French Newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2017 Lyon Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 16

2017 Comrades Marathon (87 km)
Ultra-marathon # 11

Running Barefoot in Holland for Human Survival

2017 Rotterdam Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 11

Running Barefoot in Franch Guiana for Human Survival

2017 Marathon de l’espace
Barefoot Marathon # 10

Running Barefoot in Curaçao for Human Survival

2017 Curaçao Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 9

2016 Comrades Marathon (89 km) - ZA

2016 Pyongyang Marathon - North Korea
Marathon # 133, Country # 51

If It's Friday, We Must Be Running A Marathon In "San Escobar"!
Oops! I mean Saint Kitts and Nevis!

In the late 1960s film of Mel Stuart, If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium, a group of American tourists went on an 18-day sightseeing tour of 7 European countries. The 2010s’ trend is adding both a physical and mental challenge to this kind of tourism: completing an endurance race in each country visited. On January 29, 2016, we took the challenge to complete  7 marathons in 7 days on 7 Caribbean locations.

2016-01-31: San Juan Harbor Marathon (Puerto Rico): 4:58:19
2016-02-01: St Thomas Cove Marathon (US Virgin Islands): 5:42:01
2016-02-02: Carnival Cruise Marathon (Caribbean Sea):6:23:12
2016-02-03: Carlisle Bay Marathon, Bridgetown (Barbados): 6:06:13
2016-02-04: Pitons Peak Marathon, Castries (Saint Lucia): 5:52:47
2016-02-05: St Kitts Waterfall Marathon, (Saint Kitts and Nevis): 5:55:01
2016-02-06: Philipsburg Waterfront Marathon (Sint Maarten): 4:36:54

Running Barefoot in Germany for Human Survival

The 2016 Big 25 Berlin
Barefoot Half Marathon (Plus) # 2

Running Barefoot in Switzerland for Human Survival

2016 Geneva Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 7

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2016 Paris Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 5

2016 Eco Trail de Paris (80 km) - France

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2016 Paris Half Marathon
Barefoot Half Marathon # 1
See my results and more pictures

Running Barefoot in Malta for Human Survival

2016 Malta Marathon
Marathon # 130 & Country # 50
Barefoot Marathon # 4

Marathon de Dakar 2016 - Senegal

Reportage télévisé de France24 / France24 TV Footage

Running Barefoot in France for Human Survival

2015 French Riviera Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 3

Running Barefoot in Ireland for Human Survival

2015 Dublin Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 2
See the Irish TV Footage

Running Barefoot in Croatia for Human Survival

2015 Zagreb Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 1

I celebrated the 5th anniversary of my first marathon and my 125th endurance race running, on October 11, 2015 in Croatia, the Zagreb marathon completely barefoot. Coverage by Crotian Newspaper Jutarnji List and CroatiaWeek.

Country # 40: Romania
The 2015 Bucharest Marathon

I ran the 2015 Bucharest Marathon barefoot the second half. By the way, I won with my tchaya outfit the "Costume traznite" contest.

Country # 39: Poland
The 2015 Warsaw Marathon

I ran the last 14k of the 2015 Warsaw Marathon barefoot

The 2015 Moscow Marathon

I ran on September 20 in Moscow my second marathon in tchaya instead of the usual shorts
Russian TV Footage: 20 тысяч человек принимают участие в Московском марафоне

100 Marathons on the Seven Continents 4 Years & 3 Months after my first marathon

I was kindly granted the bib number 100 for my 100th official marathon, which I ran on January 18, 2015 in the Bahamas, exactly 4 years, 3 months and 8 days after my first marathon, completed painfully on October 10, 2010 in Chicago. My 100 marathons were held on the Seven Continents and in over 30 countries. I have also participated in five ultramarathons in 5 Continents between May 10, 2014 and January 3, 2015. My choice of The Bahamas for my 100th marathon, and the fact I came 2nd in my age group, attracted great interest from the race organizers and local media. If you are looking for wonderful venue for your next winter marathon or half, I’d strongly recommend the Marathon Bahamas and you will surely find out why they love to say: “Running Is… Better In The Bahamas”.
See the results the 2015 Bahamas Marathon & more pictures.
Read : French Diplomat Chooses Bahamas for 100th Marathon

7 Continents Marathon Finisher (01/2014) &
7 Continents Ultramarathon Finisher (02/2015)

Having run marathons on the Seven Continents by January 2014, I completed on February 19 in Antarctica a second circuit of 7 Ultramathons on the 7 continents. For my second trip to the end of the world, I participated in a total of four races: the Southern Cross Marathon, on February 13, in Punta Arenas on the north shore of the Strait of Magellan, the Punta Arenas Ultramarathon (50k), on February 15, and the White Continent Ultramarathon followed immediately by the Penguin Half Marathon on February 19 in King George Island.

Country # 38: Estonia

The 2015 Tallinn Marathon in Tchaya

I ran on 13 September 2015 in Tallinn my first marathon dressed in tchaya instead of the usual shorts

1715-2015 : La Louis XIV
See my results and more pictures

2015 Saint-Petersburg Marathon - Russia
Country # 37

I did on June 28 the Saint Petersburg Marathon, in Russia
See my results and more pictures

2015 Rome Marathon

2015 Copenhagen Marathon
Country # 36: Denmark

2015 Prague Marathon
Country # 35 : Czech Republic

2015 Albi Marathon (France)

I did the Albi Marathon on April 27, 2015, on a nice course in the Dowtown, and along the Tarn River. Albi is a beautiful World Heritage Site in Southern France

2015 Paris Marathon

I did the Paris Marathon on April 12, 2015
Suprise! Surprise! on the home stretch and the finish zone

2015 Limassol Marathon
My Country # 33: Cyprus

The 2015 Two Oceans Marathon (56 km or 35 mi)
Country # 34: South Africa

I ran the Torcy International Marathon with the Triple 7 Quest Adventurers
I ran on February 10 the Torcy International Marathon in the Paris area with the Tripple 7 Quest adventurers. After an overnight flight from the United Arab Emirates, they arrived directly from Charles De Gaulle Airport to the start of the race, where a London based CNN crew was waiting for them. As soon as everyone completed the race, they boarded the bus, which took them back to the airport, as their next marathon was due to start in just a few hours in Tunesia, at 1 AM local time. See the results and more pictures.

Magic Mickey, Minnie & My 99th Marathon
2015 Walt Disney World Marathon
I ran my 99th marathon on January 11, 2015 in Orlando, Florida
See the results & more pictures

2015 Kathmandu Ultra 50 km (Nepal, Asia)

My 5th Continent Ultramarathon
For the Asia leg of my Seven Continents Utramarathon Quest, I ran on January 3, 2015 the Kathmandu Ultra 50 km in the Shivapuri National Park, Nepal. It was by the way, as I knowingly expected, my toughest race ever and at the same time one of the world most rewarding courses, not to mention the wonderful 3-day experience in Kathmandu and the nice staff of the Norbu Linka Hotel in Thamel, a tourist district. If an ultramarathon or even a shorter distance (11k or 27k) in Asia is in your bucket list, you may want to consider the Kathmandu Ultra Trail. Race director Richard is very helpful for visiting runners. See the results and more pictures.

2014 Pisa Marathon
See the results and more photos

2014 Reggio Emilia Marathon
See the results and more photos

The 2014 Malaga Marathon
See the results and more photos

The 2014 Havana Marathon
See the results and more pictures

The 2014 Athens Marathon
See the results and more pictures

2014 Chicago Lakefront 50k
My Ultramarathon in North America
See the results and more pictures

The 2014 Toulouse Marathon
See the results and more pictures

The 2014 Montpellier Marathon
See the results and more pictures

The 2014 Chicago Marathon
See the results and more pictures

The 2014 Brussels Marathon
See the results and more pictures

The 2014 Berlin Marathon
See the results and more pictures

The 2014 Oslo Marathon
See  the results & more pictures

The 2014 Bush Capital Bush Ultramarathon (63.3k)
3 Ultramarathons on 3 Continents in 3 Months

I ran on Sunday, August 3 in Canberra, the Aussie capital, The Bush Ultramarathon, being rewarded by a lot of cockatoos in town and smiling kangaroos on the race course in the nature reserve of Mount Ainslie and Mount Majura. It was by the way my Oceania ultramarathon, after those of Africa (the Royal Raid 80, on 10 May, in Mauritius) and Europe (The Ultra Marin 56 km, on 28 June, in the Gulf of Morbihan, France). The trip took me 7 flights (Paris-Dubai-Singapore-Melbourne-Canberra and Canberra-Melbourne-Dubai-Paris), 7 days and 7 nights, including 3 nights in Canberra and a full day in the city of Dubai. I expect to run my next ultramarathon in a few months in North America. In the meantime, I’ll be still running marathons.
See my results and photos of Canberra and Race

2014 Trail du Golfe de Morbihan (56k, France)
 See more pictures and my results

Photos with Her Highness the Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein at the start of the 15th marathon of the principality

I ran on 14 June the 2014 Liechtenstein Marathon. The starting gun was fired by the Hereditary Princess. See my results and pictures of the marathon here.

2014 Royal Raid (80k), Mauritius
I did my first ultramarathon on mountains, national parks and sugar cane plantations in Maurotius

The Official 7 Continents Marathon Club & the Seven Continents Club.
On January 26, 2014 I completed my 7th Continent Marathon in Antarctica. It was at the White Continent Marathon.
Upon our return from King Goerge Island (Antarctica) to Punta Arenas, we were met at the airport by the local media. See the reports by La Prensa austral & El Pingüino TV. Four days later we did the Punta Arenas Marathon, which was by the way my second race in South America, after the 2013 Rio de Janeiro Marathon.
I joined the Official 7 Continents Marathon Club in Punta Arenas, with the status of "Finisher". I have also joined the Seven Continents Club.

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