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Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice–Cannes 2025: A Record-Breaking Edition Struck by Tragedy
The French Riviera witnessed an unforgettable Sunday as nearly 22,000 runners took part in the 2025 Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes from Nice to Cannes, carried by radiant sunshine and cheering crowds lining the coastline. With an electric atmosphere, Kenyan victories, and unwavering excitement, the celebration seemed flawless. Yet only a few meters from the finish, tragedy struck—an abrupt reminder that the marathon, magical as it may be, never offers absolute certainty. The joy of achievement collided with the silence of loss, turning this radiant edition into a fragile one.
Sunday, 9 November 2025, will remain etched in local memory. The 17th edition of the Nice–Cannes Marathon unfolded in ideal conditions: almost 22,000 runners spread across four race formats (individual marathon, duo, relay, and the 20 km Nice–Villeneuve-Loubet). Record participation, joyful faces, the Mediterranean shimmering beside the course, and a blue ribbon stretching from Nice to Cannes—everything suggested a perfect day. But behind the performances and celebrations, devastating news cast a shadow, reminding everyone how sport, as exhilarating as it is, sometimes veers into darkness.
| A Dream Course
The route is considered one of the most beautiful in France: starting on the legendary Promenade des Anglais in Nice, weaving through Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet, Antibes/Juan-les-Pins, Golfe-Juan, and finishing on Cannes’ famed Boulevard de la Croisette, just steps away from the Palais des Festivals. A journey of sea views, palm trees, soft shade, and blazing light. With approximately 70 meters of elevation gain, the course is suited even to first-timers hoping to enjoy the full 42.195 km experience.
This year sold out six months in advance. Of the 21,753 registered runners, roughly 30% came from abroad, and women made up 33% of the marathon field. Across 85 represented nations, a cosmopolitan pack poured forward along the azure coastline—a setup for a truly unique moment.
| Performances Worth Celebrating
The elite delivered. Kenya’s Dickson Kiprop took the win in 2:13:30, ahead of fellow countrymen Rugut Kipchumba (2:15:17) and Moses Kimulwo (2:17:38). In the women’s race, Kenya once again dominated: Irène Korir claimed victory in 2:39:41, followed by Winnie Jebet (2:44:46) and Lilli Borries Gruber (2:51:00), the latter based in Europe. The honor of first French finishers went to Laurent Yardin—4th in 2:21:33—and Mélodie Subiros, 4th in 2:53:08.
Relays, duos, and the combined duo-21 km format also brought joy to thousands. Nearly 49% of marathoners were first-timers discovering the distance in this exceptional setting. The scenery, the crowd energy—everything aligned to make this a true running celebration.
| Benjamin Berkoukchi and Émilie Brouard Dominate the 20K
The 20 km race produced a tightly fought contest. Benjamin Berkoukchi controlled the race to win in 1:06:52. Matthieu Kirion followed close behind in 1:07:43, with Aziz El Barrah taking third in 1:08:23 for Aix Athlé Provence. The women’s field offered equal excitement. Émilie Brouard led from start to finish, crossing the line in 1:17:45. Constance Gallery des Granges claimed second in 1:19:55, while Céline Plasseraud rounded out the podium in 1:20:37, completing a dense top trio.
| A Shadow on the Croisette
Just as smiles grew near the marathon finish, tragedy intervened. A 32-year-old runner from the Alsace region collapsed only 100 meters from the line, suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest. Despite immediate intervention from emergency personnel, he could not be revived. A regular runner, he had spent a year preparing for this race. His wife was cheering him on from the sidelines.
The mayor of Cannes, who was present, expressed his “deep condolences to his family and loved ones.” What moments earlier felt like triumph became heavy with silence. The celebration took on a more poignant dimension—exaltation mixed with the thought of a runner who would not cross the finish. Sport reveals its brightest face, but never hides its vulnerability.
| A Brilliant, Yet Fragile, Edition
This 2025 edition will be remembered for many reasons: a participation record of nearly 22,000 runners across formats—12,800 in the marathon, 2,757 in the 20 km, 2,272 over the 2×21 km, and 3,924 in the relay. Women represented 33% of participants; international runners, 30%.
The event also carried a charitable dimension: one euro from every entry was donated to the Alpes-Maritimes Food Bank, totaling €21,611.
But behind every bib is a story: a life, an effort. The commitment of volunteers, emergency teams, and local authorities ensured a safe, fluid, and beautiful event. The president of the Alpes-Maritimes regional council expressed pride in giving the start, pride in seeing the race grow, and emotion in remembering a day touched by loss.
✔ Find the full 2025 results of the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes Nice–Cannes.
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
