The Neuf-Brisach marathon (1971-2000)

This marathon is a forgotten legend, yet it is essential to our history. Thanks to our Spiridon archives and those of Neuf-Brisach Athlétisme, we are retracing the footsteps of our pioneers.

The avant-garde of running

Immediately after the launch of Spiridon magazine, Jean Ritzenthaler placed his race under the Spiridon label with the support of Clément Schertzinger, Deputy Mayor of Neuf-Brisach. And from then on, for independent runners, "going to Neuf-Brisach" meant running the soon-to-be-famous marathon, organized from 1971 to 2000. Located in France, in the Haut Rhin and very close to Switzerland and Germany, it was the most European of marathons. There, we would admire Kathy Switzer, the star of the 1967 Boston Marathon, and great names from Spiridon, such as Dr. Norb Sander, winner in New York in 1974, and Chantal Langlacé, a world star of women's marathon running, as well as her friend Annick Loir, who ran 2:36 in Montreal. And while no woman came to run in Neuf-Brisach the first time, it would take Ingrid Schoving and Denise Seigneuric to encourage them to take the plunge.

42 runners in 1971...

Since its creation in 1971, the marathon experienced growing success, increasing from 42 runners to 1500 ten years later. These numbers seem insignificant to us today, but if we compare them with the Paris Marathon, there were 150 participants in 1978, far fewer than in Neuf-Brisach at the same time.

With its almost flat course and friendly atmosphere, the Neuf-Brisach Marathon had become an annual event for running enthusiasts from all walks of life, both to improve their performance and to enjoy the warm atmosphere created by our passionate community and an entire region. It stopped in 2000.

This race will forever be etched in the history of running.