All weekend long, trail running was in the spotlight in the Alpes-Maritimes. Five races were on the program this year, one more than last year. In total, 7,500 athletes trekked the Nice trails until they arrived at the Promenade des Anglais. Here is the summary of the different results.
For the past 24 hours at the finish line, photographers are capturing the smiles and joy of those who have reached the end of the adventure. Regardless of the distance covered, the path to the Promenade des Anglais is difficult, and the comfort with loved ones at the finish is well-deserved.
At the end of this Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB, some collapse as soon as they cross the line. Others, more modest, settle for a few waves to the Nice crowd, which is quick to encourage its heroes. The announcer doesn’t miss it either; everyone gets their moment at the finish line, from first to last.
The 100 miles suits the French
Starting from Auron on Friday at 1 p.m., the ultra-trail runners who tackled the main distance suffered. Suffered from the fatigue that sets in over 165 kilometers, suffered from the incredible elevation gain on the technical trails of Mercantour, suffered from lack of sleep.
But the satisfaction of having pushed one’s limits and completing such a demanding course is worth all that suffering. Among the men, the epic duel between Clément Désille and Mathieu Delomier kept spectators in suspense until the end of the race. After 22h30 of racing and at least 15 hours spent together, the two men separated in the final kilometers.
Clément Désille won in 22h27”00, Mathieu Delomier finished second in 22h28”01, and Laurent Mendez took third place to complete an all-French podium in 23h45”54.
Among the women, only the Slovenian Martina Klancnik Potrc managed to break the French dominance. She wins in 29h25”52, ahead of the French women Nanihi Dantin (31h26”30) and Marianne Leroux (32h03”14).
A Finn and a German dominate the 100k
113 kilometers separate Roubion and Nice. 5400 meters of positive elevation gain; this race is almost as challenging as the main distance. On the men’s side, it’s the Finn Juuso Simpanen who emerges victorious from the race in 12h34”58. At the cost of an incredible comeback in the final kilometers, the Spaniard Genis Porqueras takes second place in 12h54”43. Caught off guard at the end of the race, Dominik Matt, an Austrian, finishes third in 12h56”53.
The scenario is different for the women. German Beliana Hilbert dominated the race, winning in 15h13”30. She finishes 18th overall out of more than 900 starters, proof of her incredible performance. Behind her, Nolwen Chauvel, the only French woman rewarded on the 100k, finishes second in 16h20”29. Swiss Lisa Gremaud completes the podium in 16h57”32.
Two 50k races for twice the pleasure
This year, two races were part of the 50 kilometers Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB. One race of 39 kilometers between Levens and Nice, and another of 50 kilometers between Eze and Nice.
On the 39 kilometers, Frenchman Joris Ougier dominated in 3h12”34, followed by Moroccan Omar Ezacriti (3h22”40) and Dane Oscar Simonsen (3h24”34).
Among the women, Manon Gaydon, who led the entire race, managed to resist the comeback of her opponents to win in 4h21”38. The French woman beats Danish Anne Sofie Sehested (4h23”20) and German Sophia Bolte (4h29”16).
The French had great success this weekend. Pierre Galbourdin wins on the Eze – Nice format in 4h11”45. He beats two men who disputed the podium places in a sprint finish. Spaniard Alex Garcia Carrillo finishes second in 4h15”51, ahead of Italian Andrea Prandi who completes the race just eight seconds behind the silver medal.
Similar scenario for the women. Icelander Andrea Kolbeinsdottir managed to reach the Promenade des Anglais in first place (4h43”31). Behind her, Spaniard Julia Font Gomez (5h12”39) beats Italian Martina Bilora (5h16”20).
The 20 kilometers closes this weekend beautifully
Starting from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the short format of this weekend allowed the fastest to shine. Another French triple on the men’s race, Corentin Chouvelon (1h45”55) beats Morgan Le Tennier (1h47”45) and Léo Morgana (1h49”57). An impressive average of over 13 km/h for the three men, who covered the 23 kilometers of the race and its 700 meters of elevation gain very impressively.
Among the women, the podium is decided in less than two minutes. British Emilia Platt wins in 2h08”15. Two French women complete the podium, Julie Hoarau (2h09”07) and Aurélie Delattaignant (2h09”55).
After this fine trail weekend, many praised the quality of the organization and the beauty of the course. Marianne Leroux, bronze medalist on the 100 miles, plans to return next year: “it will be part of my 2027 calendar, I really enjoyed this race.”
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