The Prom’Classic 2026 kicked off the season this morning on the Promenade des Anglais, with Gaston Rohmer’s victory and a strong field. Among the women, the Belgian Jana Van Lent made her mark on the event by setting the new European 10 km record.
While some were still recovering from New Year’s excesses, others chose to start 2026 at full speed.
As with every beginning of the year, the Prom’Classic launched the season on the legendary Promenade des Anglais. With virtually zero elevation gain and a hairpin turn, the Nice race remains a benchmark for performance enthusiasts.
Athlete Anthony Frontera stated to the media outlet Run’ix that “the density of runners is huge and the weather is good every time. The conditions are perfect for breaking your personal record.”
Sold out in barely three days, the event was fully booked well before Sunday, January 4. This enthusiasm reflected the determination of the runners to start the year on the right foot.
Last year, the records for the event were set by Habz Azzedine among the men in 27’45, and by Sarah Madeleine among the women in 31’15.
Highly anticipated favorites
At the starting line, there was no shortage of contenders: Niçois triathlete Raphaël Montoya, who won the 2020 and 2022 editions, Nicolas-Marie Daru, a 3,000 m steeplechase specialist, the marathoner couple Nicolas Navarro and Floriane Hot, not to forget Anthony Frontera.
At exactly 9 o’clock, the race started. The sharp clicking of carbon shoes echoed along the Promenade des Anglais, conveying the determination of the runners set on breaking records.
By the third kilometer, Nicolas-Marie Daru took command of the race, setting a steady pace that he maintained until the fifth kilometer.
Ultimately, Gaston Rohmer triumphed in this 26th edition of the Prom’Classic in 28’28, ahead of Martin Hubner (28’42) and Raphaël Montoya (28’43), whose podium finish was warmly applauded by the local audience.
Anthony Frontera finished his 10 kilometers in 29’52, missing his target time of around 29’30.
A record on the women’s side
In the women’s race, an exceptional performance stood out. Belgian Jana Van Lent clinched the win by setting the new European record for 10 kilometers in 30’10. She was ahead of Anaëlle Guillonet (31’38) and Mathilde de Sénéchal (32’18).
A spectacular edition that once again confirmed that the Prom’Classic is much more than just a starter race: it’s an unmissable event to kick off the year at full speed on the French Riviera.
