Running Influencers: 10 French Runners to Follow in 2025
They don’t all run marathons in 2:45, follow meticulously crafted training plans, or have major brand sponsorships. Yet they inspire thousands of runners across France. These connected athletes share their running journeys on Instagram with honesty, humor, dedication, or lightness. Here are ten French runners you should definitely follow if you haven’t already.
| @mustapha.salmi__(Mustapha Salmi)
Mustapha Salmi swapped his tennis racket for running shoes—and he’s never looked back. Whether on the tracks of Rouen or roads around the world, he runs with a mix of energy and calm. Son of an Olympic marathoner, he carries on the family legacy—but in his own way: more connected, modern, and focused on sharing. His social media is an extension of his stride: vlogs, stories, posts where effort meets humor and honesty. Known as “Muss”, he shares his doubts and his personal records, sleepless nights and podiums, all unfiltered. Between sessions, he brings together a community that follows him as much for his performances as for his infectious positivity. At just 25, he’s already setting his sights on classic long-distance races, with the marathon on the horizon—a 2.0 athlete, part performer, part storyteller, proving that a run can be as much about the journey as the finish line.
| @alicebruns (Alice Bruns)
Alice is the thoughtful runner who balances sweat with reflection. On her account, you’ll find workouts, marathons, and training stories—but also candid discussions about pressure, norms, performance, and how women’s bodies are viewed in sport. Founder of the innovative “Chess Running Club,” Alice runs not to hit a pace but to feel alive, free, and aligned. Through her “side quests,” she shares this journey with honesty, sensitivity, and a keen awareness of the politics of sport. Inspiring, without ever taking a preachy tone.
| @joggeuse_ (Joséphine Bayle)
Joséphine Bayle embodies the rockstar of French running on social media. She has run across France, connected Paris to Milan like it was a Sunday jog, and climbed Mont Ventoux effortlessly—all while radiating contagious energy. Beyond the feats, what draws people in is how she tells the story of effort: with humor, simplicity, and authenticity. Set to tackle a Paris-Los Angeles run in 2027 ahead of the Olympics in Los Angeles, she shares her struggles and victories alike, which resonates with over 160,000 followers. Her posts are filled with sweat, adventure, personal growth, humor, Nutella pancakes, and running buddies. Following @joggeuse_ is like having a friend showing every day that running can be a celebration, a challenge, and a path to self-discovery.
| @clemquicourt (Clément Deffrenne)
Clément Deffrenne, aka @Clemquicourt, has become one of the most original figures in French trail running on Instagram and YouTube. With over 400,000 followers, the Lille-born runner has captured a wide audience beyond ultra-purists with a universe inspired by video games and pop culture. His videos turn every run into a scripted adventure, complete with his signature “Kill Cam,” punchlines, and offbeat humor. Behind the character, he’s a true mountain enthusiast, tackling some of the most demanding races in the calendar.
From the 50 km Dodo Trail eXtrême (3,000 m of elevation) to the Ultra Terrestre and the Diagonale des Fous, Clem has shown unwavering resilience, earning a Brooks sponsorship this year. At UTMB 2025, his popularity surged: between selfies, shout-outs, and live streams, he almost ran as much for his fans as for himself. This mix of performance, sincerity, and entertainment makes Clem a new icon, proving that trail running can be serious without taking itself too seriously. Authentic, generous, and creative, he embodies a generation of runner-influencers redefining how the sport is shared.
| @runningaddictfr (Nicolas Spiess)
Behind @runningaddictfr is Nicolas Spiess, aka Niko, a passionate runner who has turned his love for the sport into a go-to platform for running enthusiasts. For years, he’s shared training tips, gear reviews, and reflections on running via a blog followed by hundreds of thousands, an app (campus.coach), and an Instagram account with over 137,000 followers. His mantra: “Train seriously without taking yourself too seriously.” This philosophy appeals to both beginners and seasoned marathoners. Niko covers everything—progression, nutrition, recovery, motivation, and pure passion—with always-accessible guidance. Through his podcast, videos, and regular posts, Running Addict has become more than an influencer—he’s a mentor for a generation of runners seeking balance between performance and enjoyment.
| @coursptitetomate (Marine Gibard)
“Coursptitetomate” delights her 127,000 followers and has become a key figure in the French running and trail community. Six-time marathoner Marine Gibard alternates between road and mountain running with the same contagious energy. Founder of @pepinrunningclub and member of @campus.coach, she shares her daily life as a passionate runner: preparing for the OCC at UTMB, trail tips (like packing for a 57 km run), and light reflections on pacing struggles in nature runs. Her approachable tone and positivity inspire a wide community of runners, offering both serious guidance and fun.
| @wakeupmanon (Manon)
Less focused on pure performance than passion, Manon lives by a simple credo: “We’re not pros, we’re enthusiasts!” With 15.8k followers, @wakeupmanon shares her times—10 km in 44:59, half marathon in 1:40:47, marathon in 3:30:21—with refreshing transparency. Her account mixes Parisian races, long runs captured on Strava, and smiles at the finish line. In a world of easy comparison, she embodies accessible, motivating, and pressure-free running, appealing to a generation of amateur runners.
| @marinoret (Marine Noret)
With 84,000 followers, Marine Noret has carved a unique niche blending sport, lifestyle, and outdoor adventure. As Athletes & Talents Manager at @onemoremile.fr, she wears two hats: behind-the-scenes professional and inspiring creator. Her feed alternates cycling shots, mountain landscapes, and personal moments, always with a natural aesthetic. Her mantra, “Fueled by passion,” reflects her genuine love for outdoor effort, conveyed in her work and content. Following @marinoret offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated runner balancing impressive times, compelling race stories, and playful humor.
| @fannymesenvies (Fanny Fernandez)
Fanny radiates energy and authenticity. Based in Aix-en-Provence, @fannymesenvies balances her career as a real estate agent with her life as a passionate marathoner. Having run eight marathons with a personal best of 3:04:47, she proves that dedication and performance can go hand in hand. What captivates her followers is how she tells her race stories: at Boston, she described the brutal Newton Hills and her “tears of joy” at the finish, delivering a raw and sincere account. On Instagram, she shares both her prep and her sunny moments, always with a positive tone, embodying an accomplished yet relatable marathoner.
| @casquetteverte (Alexandre Boucheix)
No top 10 would be complete without him, the trail runner with an unconditional love for the sport. Sporting a neon cap and a voice instantly recognizable, Alexandre Boucheix has become the most identifiable figure in French-speaking running. What sets him apart isn’t just his level, but the way he tells the story: pre-race nerves, messy aid stations, rainy training sessions, doubts, and laziness—all with self-deprecating humor, sincerity, and contagious joy. @casquetteverte has shown that you can talk seriously about running without ever taking yourself too seriously. Irreplaceable in every sense.
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
27/09/2025
