© Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon
Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon: Guillaume Ruel takes silver
The 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon took place on October 5, 2025, in the heart of the largest of the Channel Islands, Saint Helier. More than 2,500 runners, including a strong international field, lined up at the start. Among them, the Northern French ultra-distance specialist Guillaume Ruel claimed the silver medal, finishing just behind Kenyan runner Kimtai Kwarat. In the women’s race, British athlete Alice Braham stood on the top step of the podium. Spectators lined the course, offering unwavering support to all participants.
For 20 years, the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon has attracted runners from all over the world, with 40% of participants coming from abroad. Located just twenty kilometers off the French coast, this island event offers three race formats: a full marathon, a relay race, and the “Marathon Mile.”
The race starts and finishes in the town of Saint Helier, at Weighbridge Place. The course follows St. Aubin’s Bay before winding its way through Jersey’s countryside and along roads that pass through charming, picturesque villages. Runners had the chance to admire some of the island’s most iconic landmarks, such as La Corbière Lighthouse and Elizabeth Castle. The atmosphere is unique, bringing together elite athletes, amateurs, and corporate relay teams. Funds raised are donated to local charities supporting children’s education.
| Guillaume Ruel, vice-king of Jersey
Winner in 2024, the Norman runner Guillaume Ruel, a 100 km specialist, had to concede this year with a time of 2h19’20 to Kenyan Kimtai Kwarat, who took victory in 2h17’00, just shy of the 2h16’00 course record set in 2023 by Nathan Kioko. The ultrarunner, who holds the European road record for 50 km and who reportedly raced despite having Covid, showed remarkable consistency, running around ten marathons each year. Moroccan athlete Otmane Menbar completed the podium in 2h24’21.
Among the women, victory went to British runner Alice Braham, seventh overall, with an impressive time of 2h40’46. Her performance was no surprise, as the Londoner was a former English champion in both the 3000 m and cross-country events in her youth. The marathoner shattered the course record that had stood since 2013, lowering it by four minutes. She finished well ahead of her closest rivals, including compatriot Donna Morris, second in 2h49’33. German runner Ulrike Maisch (3h01’57), European marathon champion in 2006, claimed bronze to complete this elite podium.
| A human-scale marathon with a festive atmosphere
Windy conditions did not prevent the runners from enjoying this anniversary edition. This small marathon has earned a reputation for offering the atmosphere of a major event. The organization, deeply committed to the success of the race, can take pride in the enthusiastic local crowd cheering all along the course. As one participant described it, “a small race, with a very big atmosphere.”
The event brings together residents, families of participants, and many passionate volunteers. Runners are carried by the cheers of the public, the music, and the improvised refreshment stands. Some even sport humorous costumes. The whole city takes on a festive air, with shopkeepers decorating their storefronts in the colors of the race. The media never miss this event, a true reflection of the local excitement surrounding it.
Between sea winds, the cheers of the island’s crowd, and breathtaking scenery, the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon stands out as a sporting and community celebration, supported by flawless organization. Twenty years after its creation, the event has lost none of its shine and continues to draw runners, volunteers, and spectators from all backgrounds. In Jersey, performance and camaraderie blend perfectly, staying true to the spirit that has made this unique event a lasting success for decades.
✔ All the results of the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon
Emma BERT
Journaliste
