The book is coming soon
It’s the biology, stupid!
The human body is a perfect barefoot running machine, originally designed for persistence hunting to get the necessary food so that our species could survive, and nowadays for doing marathons to stay healthy and happy. This means two crucial things for current humans. First, those who don’t regularly run long distances are likely to suffer from the chronic diseases (stress, depression, insomnia, fatigue, obesity, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, kidney failure, loss of mobility or cognitive abilities, some cancers, etc.) against which doctors and drugs are proving increasingly helpless, hence the seemingly unstoppable exponential expansion of the epidemic throughout the world. And second, since shoes act like a bug in the system, those who run marathons wearing sneakers are highly likely to sustain diverse pains and injuries...
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212 Marathons & Ultramarathons
Since October 10, 2010
I’ve run barefoot on five continents (Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and South America) 57 marathons, as well as the 90 km of the 2018 down-run of the legendary Comrades Marathon in the South-African province of KwaZulu-Natal. I started getting rid of the shoes on June 2015.
I was 55 when I did in Chicago my first marathon, and I’ve already run 13 ultramarathons and 199 marathons, including 48 marathons in 2013 and 7 marathons in 7 days in 2016 (6 marathons on 6 Caribbean islands and 1 marathon on the Caribbean Sea).
I’ve run marathons and ultramarathons in 83 countries on the Seven Continents, including Antarctica, where I ran a marathon in January 2014, then an ultramarathon followed by a half marathon in February 2015.
I was 55 when I did in Chicago my first marathon, and I’ve already run 13 ultramarathons and 199 marathons, including 48 marathons in 2013 and 7 marathons in 7 days in 2016 (6 marathons on 6 Caribbean islands and 1 marathon on the Caribbean Sea).
I’ve run marathons and ultramarathons in 83 countries on the Seven Continents, including Antarctica, where I ran a marathon in January 2014, then an ultramarathon followed by a half marathon in February 2015.
Seven marathons in the Caribbean & the Paris Eco Trail (80 km) in 9 days (8-16 March 2019)
Marathon # 199
Barefoot Marathon # 57
2019 Koblenz Marathon
2019 Asuncion Marathon
Country # 83 - Barefoot Country # 33
Barefoot Marathon # 56
2019 Lima Marathon
Country # 82 - Barefoot Country # 32
Barefoot Marathon # 54
2019 Paris Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 50
2019 Bratislava Marathon
Country # 81 - Barefoot Country # 30
Barefoot Marathon # 49
2019 Marseille Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 48
2019 Seychelles Marathon
Country # 74 - Barefoot Country # 28
Barefoot Marathon # 46
2019 Seville Marathon - Spain
Barefoot Marathon # 45
2019 Dubai Marathon - UAE
Country # 73 - Barefoot Country # 27
Barefoot Marathon # 44
2019 Doha Marathon
Country # 72 - Barefoot Country # 26
Barefoot Marathon # 43
2018 Pisa Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 42
Article from the Pisa Today
2018 Malaga Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 41
Article from the Spanish newspaper Diario Sur
2018 Costa Rica Marathon
Country # 71
Barefoot Marathon # 40
2018 Panama Marathon
Country # 70
Barefoot Marathon # 39
One Barefoot Night in Bangkok: Running Is Medecine
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.”
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.
Marathon de Nice-Cannes 2018
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
Marathon de Rennes 2018
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!
Marathon de Toulouse 2018
Marathon de Metz 2018
Barefoot Marathon # 33
I ran in the French city of Metz my sixth barefoot marathon in five weeks
2018 Lyon Marathon
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!”
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!”
2018 Chisinau Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 31
I ran in the Moldavian capital my 4th barefoot marathon in 22 days
Marathon de Montréal 2018
Barefoot Marathon # 30
2018 Seine-Marathon 76
Barefoot Marathon # 29
2018 Vilnius Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 28
3 Marathons + 1 Half Marathon in 3 Countries in 3 Days
7/160.2018-08-18 Azeri Marathon (barefoot) - Azerbaidjan
2018-08-18 Azeri Half Marathon - Azerbaijan
8/161.2018-08-19 Bagrateshen Marathon - Armenia
9/162.2018-08-20 Capital City Marathon (barefoot) - Georgia
50 km barefoot on asphalt and cobblestones in Paris (August 11, 2018)
After running barefoot the marathon of the 10th Gay Games on the cobblestones of Avenue Foch and the stony streets and paths of the Bois de Boulogne, I participated in another race in the afternoon.
After running barefoot the marathon of the 10th Gay Games on the cobblestones of Avenue Foch and the stony streets and paths of the Bois de Boulogne, I participated in another race in the afternoon.
Running barefoot, pain and injury free, 90 km on asphalt
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 : the Paris Marathon (8 april 2018), the Bonn Marathon (15 april) and the Antwerp Marathon (22 april).
2018 Rhein-Ruhr Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 24
Triple 4 + Triple 3 in Southern Africa
4 Barefoot Marathons in 4 days in 4 Countries in the Craddle of Mankind: Africa + 3 Marathons in 3 other Countries in 3 days
I completed the Hwange Marathon on August 2, 2017 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, which became my first barefoot marathon on the home continent of homo sapiens. Here is the list of the 7 marathons I ran in 8 days:
3. 2017-07-29: Ladybrand Border Marathon, South Africa
4. 2017-07-30: Maseru Bridge Marathon, Lesotho
5. 2017-07-31: Sand River Marathon, Swaziland.
6. 2017-08-02: Hwange Marathon, Zimbawe (barefoot)
7. 2017-08-03: Chobe Marathon, Botswana (barefoot)
8. 2017-08-04: Impalila Island Marathon, Namibia (barefoot)
9. 2017-08-05: Zambezi Waterfront Marathon, Zambia (barefoot)
3. 2017-07-29: Ladybrand Border Marathon, South Africa
4. 2017-07-30: Maseru Bridge Marathon, Lesotho
5. 2017-07-31: Sand River Marathon, Swaziland.
6. 2017-08-02: Hwange Marathon, Zimbawe (barefoot)
7. 2017-08-03: Chobe Marathon, Botswana (barefoot)
8. 2017-08-04: Impalila Island Marathon, Namibia (barefoot)
9. 2017-08-05: Zambezi Waterfront Marathon, Zambia (barefoot)
2018 Bonn Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 22
I ran on April 15, 2018 in Bonn, my fastest barefoot marathon so far (3:47:30)
2018 Paris Marathon
Barefoot Marathon # 21
Read the article of the French newspaper Le Parisien
Aricle of the French radio Franceinfo
2018 Trinidad & Tobago Marathon
I completed in Trinidad my 20th barefoot marathon
Octobarefoot # 3: Amsterdam Marathon
I completed on October 15, 2017 in Amsterdam my 18th barefoot marathon. Felicidades a las dos atletas argentinas (ver la primera foto) que vinieron del fin del mundo para correr, en Amsterdam, su primer maratón.
Octobarefoot # 2 : Marathon de Metz
Article of a French Newspaper Le Républicain Lorrain
I ran on October 8, 2017 in Metz (France) my 17th barefoot marathon
Octobarefoot # 1 : Lyon Marathon
I ran on October 1st, 2017, in Lyon (France), my 16th barefoot marathon
2017 Comrades Marathon (87 km)
Ultra-marathon # 11
After running barefoot 64 km of the 2017 edition of the Ultimate Human Race, my longest distance ever on my free feet, I opted to switch to the minimalist shoes for the remaining 23 km, as it turned out that the second half of the course is a little bit less friendly for a new barefoot runner. To those who saw me barefoot on the race and might wonder how I got the shoes, I was carrying them in the pockets of my rather unsual outfit for a comptemporary long distance runner. Upon crossing the line Finish Line in Pietermaritzburg, I got the Vic Clapham medal as well as the back-to-back medal for having completed my first Comrades last year.
See the results & more photos
2017 Rotterdam Marathon
See the results & more pictures
Marathon de l'espace (19/03/2017)
Barefoot Marathon # 10
The Last Finisher
I completed barefoot on March 19, 2017 in Kourou, French Guiana, the Marathon de l’espace that I had the honor of finishing injury- and pain-free at the 131st and last place in 5:58:03. This is my 10th marathon barefoot. I spent as much time due to the exceptional roughness of the pavement as well as to my choice to preserve my feet, as they are not yet fit enough for such a barefoot-unfriendly course.
See the results and more pictures here.
I completed barefoot on March 19, 2017 in Kourou, French Guiana, the Marathon de l’espace that I had the honor of finishing injury- and pain-free at the 131st and last place in 5:58:03. This is my 10th marathon barefoot. I spent as much time due to the exceptional roughness of the pavement as well as to my choice to preserve my feet, as they are not yet fit enough for such a barefoot-unfriendly course.
See the results and more pictures here.
Curaçao Marathon (27/11/2016)
Barefoot Marathon # 9 and Country # 54
2016 Comrades Marathon, 'Down Run' (89 km, May 29)
From Pietermaritzburg to Durban (South Africa)
See the results & more pictures
I was humbled by this edition of 'The Ultimate Human Race' in KwaZulu-Natal, and very glad to improvise the 'Happy Human Dance' with Armandt Van Den Berg, after we crossed together the Finish Line in the Sahara Stadium.
2016 Pyongyang Marathon
Marathon # 133, Country # 51
See the results and more photos
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.
See a St Martin media coverage
On January 29, 2016, we took the challenge to complete 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 Caribbean locations.
See a St Martin media coverage
2. 2016-01-31: San Juan Harbor Marathon (Puerto Rico): 4:58:19
3. 2016-02-01: St Thomas Cove Marathon (US Virgin Islands): 5:42:01
4. 2016-02-02: Carnival Cruise Marathon (Caribbean Sea / Mer des Caraïbes):6:23:12
5. 2016-02-03: Carlisle Bay Marathon, Bridgetown (Barbados): 6:06:13
6. 2016-02-04: Pitons Peak Marathon, Castries (Saint Lucia): 5:52:47
7. 2016-02-05: St Kitts Waterfall Marathon, Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis): 5:55:01
8. 2016-02-06: Philipsburg Waterfront Marathon (Sint Maarten): 4:36:54
3. 2016-02-01: St Thomas Cove Marathon (US Virgin Islands): 5:42:01
4. 2016-02-02: Carnival Cruise Marathon (Caribbean Sea / Mer des Caraïbes):6:23:12
5. 2016-02-03: Carlisle Bay Marathon, Bridgetown (Barbados): 6:06:13
6. 2016-02-04: Pitons Peak Marathon, Castries (Saint Lucia): 5:52:47
7. 2016-02-05: St Kitts Waterfall Marathon, Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis): 5:55:01
8. 2016-02-06: Philipsburg Waterfront Marathon (Sint Maarten): 4:36:54
Barefoot in Berlin
I did The 2016 Big 25 Berlin Barefoot
Barefoot Half Marathon (Plus) # 2
2016 Geneva Marathon
Marathon # 135
Barefoot Marathon # 7
2016 Marathon de Paris
Marathon # 131
Barefoot Marathon # 5
Eco Trail de Paris 2016 (80 km / 50 miles)
See my results and more pictures
2016 Paris Half Marathon
Barefoot Half Marathon # 1
See my results and more pictures
2016 Malta Marathon
Marathon # 130 & Country # 50
Barefoot Marathon # 4
See my results and more pictures
Marathon de Dakar 2016
2015 French Riviera Marathon
I ran barefoot the 2015 French Riviera Marathon
See my results and more pictures
The 2015 Dublin Marathon
Country # 42: Ireland
The 2015 Zagreb Marathon
My first barefoot marathon
Country # 41: Croatia
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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 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.
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
See the results and more photos
2014 Reggio Emilia Marathon
See the results and more photos
See the results and more photos
The 2014 Malaga Marathon
See the results and more photos
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
See the results and more pictures
2014 Chicago Lakefront 50k
My Ultramarathon in North America
See the results and more pictures
My Ultramarathon in North America
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Toulouse Marathon
See the results and more pictures
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Montpellier Marathon
See the results and more pictures
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Chicago Marathon
See the results and more pictures
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Brussels Marathon
See the results and more pictures
See the results and more pictures
The 2014 Oslo Marathon
See the results & more pictures
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
See my results and photos of Canberra and Race
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.
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.
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.