Marathon Nice-Cannes 2026: victory for Lemi Gerema and Manon Gras, Nice native Julien Gueydon on the podium

Ethiopian Lemi Gerema won the 18th edition of the Alpes-Maritimes marathon, this Sunday, November 8, 2026, running from Nice to Cannes in 2h13’27”. Nice native Julien Gueydon completes the men’s podium, while French athlete Manon Gras takes victory in the women’s category.

The 42.195 kilometers between Nice and Cannes have delivered their verdict. Starting at a strong pace, Lemi Gerema took the lead in the race around the halfway point before maintaining his advantage until the finish on the Croisette. The Ethiopian crossed the line in front of the Palais des Festivals in 2h13’27”, thus winning the Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes marathon 2026. Still a source of satisfaction for him as he was hoping to challenge the race record held by Milaw Abrha since 2018 in 2h07’25”.

Already winner of the Leiden marathon in the Netherlands, Lemi Gerema confirmed his form on the Côte d’Azur. Despite his victory, the Ethiopian runner was unable to approach the race record.

Behind the winner, his compatriot Abdisa Saketa finished in second place in 2h18’37”. The first Frenchman, Nice native Julien Gueydon, claimed the third spot on the podium with a time of 2h24’58”. A performance that allows him to return to this position, which he already achieved in the 2024 edition.

Manon Gras first woman in Cannes in 2h41’02”

Among the women, victory went to French runner Manon Gras. Ranked 39th in the overall standings, the runner completed the 42.195 kilometers in 2h41’02”. Hanna Ottewil took second place in 2h47’58”, ahead of Aline Camboulives, third in 2h53’41”.

This 18th edition of the Alpes-Maritimes marathon which brought together 25,000 runners on the starting line including the former mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi on the 20 km, thus rewarded two French runners in the women’s and men’s categories, with the victories of Manon Gras and the third place finish of Julien Gueydon. All this under the sunshine of the Côte d’Azur by the Mediterranean Sea.