A competition that goes beyond the sporting realm: 26.2 miles of pure bliss, between sea and mountains, with a start from the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice and an exceptional finish on the Croisette Boulevard in Cannes.
The Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes Marathon will take place exactly one year to the day after the Paris attacks. Tributes will be paid this Sunday a few minutes before the start, to the victims of the Bataclan and Nice. The continuation of the event with its 13,700 participants from all over the country and abroad is therefore a strong symbol of hope.
As reminded by Pascal Thiriot, President of Azur Sport Organisation: “We must not give in to fear” (…) “It was a battle. We’ve come a long way.”
The first marathon in France after Paris, it is also an opportunity to enjoy a weekend by the sea, with palm trees and … the sun (?) of the Riviera!
Start at 8:00 am from the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice and finish on the Croisette Boulevard in Cannes.
Despite this particular context, sport will once again prevail over current events this year, and all eyes will be on the clock with the hope of witnessing the birth of a new record for the event.
On paper, Kenyan Henry SUGUT is the strongest contender announced, holding a personal record of 2h06’58’’ in the Vienna Marathon in 2012. Close behind, his compatriots Nixos MACHICHIM, with a personal record of 2h08’22’’, and Eliud KIPLAGAT, winner of the Lyon Marathon in 2h10’44’’ in 2013, are expected to compete fiercely. But we must also not forget Kenyan Barnabas KIPTUM, with a personal record of 2h10’29’’.
For reference, since 2011, the men’s record has been held by Kenyan Lukas KANDA with a time of 2h08’40’’.
Among the women, Ethiopian Biruk TILAHUN is the favorite on paper, with a personal record of 2h28’11’’ thanks to her performance at the Dubai Marathon in 2014. However, Kenyan Emily ROTICH, with 3 participations in the Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes Marathon under her belt, should not be overlooked as she is well-acquainted with the course. Also to watch at the front of the women’s pack: Ethiopian Kedir ZAHARA, with a personal best of 2h33’46’’, Kenyan Lucy MURIGI (2h37’45’’), and French Martha KOMU (2h25’33) who finished 10th at the Schneider Electric Marathon in Paris in 2015 with a time of 2h33’33’’.
For reference, the record of 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 37 seconds set by Kenyan Radiya ROBA in 2010 still stands.
Since 2013, the Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes Marathon has been awarded the IAAF bronze label, a mark of quality and expertise recognized internationally.
Additionally, the event is listed in the official calendar of the French Athletics Federation. The race is therefore a qualifier for the French championships and also holds the international FFA label.
