The Nikaïa Meeting returns with an expanded lineup and two free city events for the public. Meanwhile, the Charles Ehrmann stadium will host Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The Nikaïa Meeting continues its development with a 2025 edition marked by a diverse program. The event, organized by ASPTT Nice Côte d’Azur, will take place on Saturday, May 31 at the Charles Ehrmann stadium, with events starting at 5 p.m. But this year, the festivities begin earlier, with two free events right in the heart of the city.
On Thursday, May 29, Ponchettes Beach will be transformed into a throwing field for the Movida Shot Put, a women’s shot put competition. A mobile platform will be installed by the sea to allow athletes to perform in an unusual setting. Among them, Dutch athlete Lara Baars, gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, will be present. “This is a perfect example of how Olympic and Paralympic athletes can unite and compete side by side. I am particularly excited to throw on the beach,” she said.
The following day, Friday, May 30, Place Masséna will host the Transcan Road Mile. This 1609-meter road race will bring together seasoned male and female runners in a nighttime atmosphere. The race begins at 10 p.m. Among the participants: Alessia Zarbo, Agathe Guillemot, and Maël Gouyette.
Renowned athletes on the Ehrmann stadium track
On May 31, the track action resumes with a full program. The event will bring together several international elite athletes. Dominic Lobalu, a distance specialist, will compete in the 1500 meters. He recently won bronze in the 5000 m at the European Championships in Rome and placed 4th in the same distance at the Paris Games. “After my training camp in Ethiopia and my second place in the Diamond League in Doha, I am eager to test my speed over a slightly shorter distance with this 1500 meters,” he said.
He will share the starting line with Jaryd Clifford, world para-athletics champion in the 1500 m. For the Australian, this race carries a message. “It’s one of the great honors of my career to have the opportunity to race against some of the best runners in the world. I believe sport has the power to change the world… The Nikaïa Meeting shares the aspirations of the Paralympic movement.”
Another notable guest, Evan Jager, Olympic silver medalist in Rio 2016 in the 3000 m steeplechase. The American runner still holds the North American, Central American, and Caribbean record for this distance. He will take part in the final race of the evening.
Niels Laros, a young Dutch runner, will also be present. In 2023, he set a national record in the 1500 m in Nice. Last year, he finished 6th at the Olympic Games in this distance, with a junior European record. In Nice, he will aim for the qualifying standards for the U23 European Championships in the 5000 m.
A meeting accessible and open to all audiences
The Nikaïa Meeting showcases its commitment to inclusion by combining Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, both on track and in the city. The events on Thursday and Friday are free to access. Those on Saturday require tickets (ranging from 10 to 30 euros), with a hospitality package available at 150 euros. Tickets can be purchased online.
More information: https://billetterie-meetingnikaia.eventori.io
