© Gwen Marche Fuerteluz-Project
Nicolas Duplàa Wins the 100K Marathon des Sables Jordan… in Espadrilles
Under the blazing sun of Wadi Rum, a Basque runner made headlines… wearing espadrilles. During the Marathon des Sables Jordan, Nicolas Duplàa, 39, won the 100 km race—run over three stages—in 10:21:34, combining extreme performance, minimalist spirit, and Basque pride to write a remarkable new chapter in ultra-running history.
In the heart of Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert, beneath a scorching sun and surrounded by endless red dunes, Nicolas Duplàa achieved something truly singular. One hundred kilometers. Three stages. Brutal conditions. And to conquer this furnace of sand and stone, the Frenchman didn’t lace up the latest carbon-plated super-shoes—he slipped on a pair of traditional espadrilles. Yes, really.
Based in Orthez, where he works as a project manager and IT trainer, Duplàa has been running for two decades, with multiple extreme trail races and three previous appearances at the Marathon des Sables (in Fuerteventura, Peru, and the “Legendary” Moroccan edition in 2021).
Originally from Soule, in the French Basque Country, Duplàa completed his Jordanian odyssey in 10:21:34, claiming victory by a narrow margin. The performance itself is impressive—but the symbolism runs deeper. In a sport increasingly dominated by technology, he proved that authenticity and simplicity still have their place.
| Running through the desert, differently
The Wadi Rum desert doesn’t forgive. Soft, shifting sand, rugged rocks, searing heat, and gusts of burning wind make every stride uncertain. Most runners rely on ultra-technical shoes, cushioned soles, and carefully engineered grip. Duplàa, meanwhile, chose what many would consider a relic from another era.
“The landscapes were breathtaking—the endless dunes, the monumental rocks, the colors,” Duplàa said. “The Marathon des Sables felt like a true sporting vacation!” Physically, though, the challenge was immense. Running in espadrilles required complete adaptation. “On sand, there’s little difference from traditional shoes,” he explained. “But on hard terrain, it’s tougher—your stride must be lighter and more minimalist, which really works the calves and Achilles tendons.”
| The art of running your own path
Duplàa’s victory wasn’t just about speed—it was about philosophy. In a world of ultra-marathons obsessed with data, materials, and millimeters of drop, his win felt like a quiet rebellion.
« I run in espadrilles to promote my homeland, the Basque Country—and especially Soule, my native province,” he said. “It’s a way of showing that our products are high-quality, durable, and authentic. »
Nicolas Duplàa
Running in espadrilles naturally drew attention. “It always sparks conversation—it connects people,” he added with a smile. “Even my footprints in the sand were different from everyone else’s. My fellow runners could literally follow me by them!” His footwear became a symbol—a reminder that daring to be different, staying rooted, and keeping joy at the heart of running can lead to something extraordinary.
| A performance beyond measure
Finishing 100 km in 10:21:34 under such conditions ranks Duplàa among the greats. Across the three stages, he combined endurance, strategy, and experience, managing the relentless heat, shifting sands, and accumulated fatigue. Each kilometer became a test of both body and mind—and in espadrilles, the test was twice as fierce.
But the beauty of his story lies in its simplicity. Duplàa wasn’t chasing records; he was telling a story—one of identity, connection, and the spirit of movement. “I run in espadrilles to promote my homeland, the Basque Country, and especially Soule, my province of origin. It’s a way to show that our products are high-quality, durable, and authentic.”
| A victory that inspires
For amateur runners and road racers alike, Duplàa’s journey is deeply inspiring. It reminds us that willpower, experience, and a sense of place can sometimes outweigh gear and gadgets. Running can still be an act of self-expression as much as an athletic achievement.
As president of the Xiberotarrak Running Club and of La Grande Espadrouille, an association promoting accessible sport and Basque culture, Duplàa works year-round to share this philosophy. His triumph proves that even in the most extreme conditions, running can remain an act of authenticity and joy.
In the silence of the desert, between dunes and canyons, a Basque man ran differently. He left his rhythm, his style, and his homeland’s imprint on 100 kilometers of sand. Nicolas Duplàa didn’t just win—he redefined what victory can mean. In a world that measures everything, he reminded us that sometimes, the most meaningful step is the one taken off the beaten path.
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
