Hi All

3 year ago I hadn't run, in April I'm doing my first marathon in Paris (didn't get into London) as a 60th birthday present to myself - however, runners need medical certificates and my GP (and apparently all GPs) has been told not to issue these anymore, in case something happens to the runner and their family sues...does anyone know how we get medical certificates when GPs have been told not to issue them? Anyone else running Paris this year? I have emailed the organisers to explain...waiting for a reply - all help appreciated. 

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Hi Shelley,

I rocked up in Nice to do Ironman France with no idea I had to have a medical certificate to take part. The organisers directed me to a doctor who would do one but I had to get there within the hour. I ran across Nice in 30 degree heat and arrived drenched in sweat and convinced doc would not think me fit to race. He was clearly used to this scenario and after a cursory listen to my heart, issued the certificate. I think it cost about 30 euros. So... if your GP won't do one (mine will, after a bit of sweet-talking), then you should be able to get a list of medics in Paris who will do one a day or two before the race, in time for you to register. But check with the organisers, as I think you already are.

Congratulations on taking up running and what a great 60th birthday present to yourself! Just don't wear a gilet jaune...

My GP gave me a certificate for France last week and I've had one every year, so it's nonsense about a general ban on issuing them. My surgery is supposed to charge but I've never had to pay, the doctors seem to be cautiously pleased I am keeping active and swear me to secrecy that they are giving a freebie. They do check my history and ask if I train regularly etc.

When trying to get one in a hurry I did come across (via Google) some private GPs in central London where you can pay to get them done. You can normally download a template for a bilingual doctors letter on the race website. I'd make an appointment at the surgery with another GP and take the bilingual template with you. The wording is about a lack of contra-indications rather than fitness to participate so it is less committing for the issuing doctor.

It's a mandatory requirement in France from their insurance companies which is why every race demands it. As Paris is the biggest marathon in the world there will be thousands of UK participants with a certificate for that race alone, putting aside every other event in France that year. You might want to mention that to the GP!

Hi Shelley,

I had to do this for the Paris half marathon before and the doctor referred to it as a "fit note", which seemed to make it easier to get.

I ended up getting it through a telephone appointment last year, but the first year I got one, I just took it in to them, the doctor tweaked the wording (I downloaded the one from the race website) and checked my blood pressure etc before signing it for me. I've found it tends to vary so might be worth checking again with another GP at the surgery, as Esther suggested.

Good luck though and enjoy the race!

As others have said it depends on your doc I think.

Mine does a bit of running so was happy to sign the pro forma letter copied from the Paris marathon website and stamp it with his GMC number with no charge.

He did check my heart rate and blood pressure and look theough my history - so did a proper job.

They do check at registration though and I’ve heard of some people having shell out to a convenient French doc before being registered so worth sorting out before you go

Its a great race though - you will enjoy it

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