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Métropolitaines BLOT 10K 2026: Ethiopians Sewmehon Anteneh and Tekan Berhe light up a Breton winter
Saint-Grégoire, near Rennes in western France, once again found the perfect formula to turn up the heat in mid-winter. In the international 10K race, Ethiopia’s Sewmehon Anteneh shattered the course record in 28:08, while compatriot Tekan Berhe claimed victory in the women’s race in 31:30, just one second shy of the benchmark time. Later in the morning, the Grégorienne Grand Quartier (7.5 km) delivered its own share of emotion, with Amélie Sinquin winning in 26:56 after a thrilling all-female race that remains hugely popular. From elite depth and records under threat to shared enjoyment both inside the start corrals and along the roadside, the 2026 Métropolitaines BLOT delivered an edition experienced from the inside, paced by footsteps and fuelled by constant encouragement.
Riding the spectacular momentum of the 2025 edition, the Métropolitaines BLOT 10K entered 2026 with a clear ambition: bigger, deeper, more popular. Mission accomplished. With nearly 7,000 runners expected across the three races and around 5,000 spectators lining the course, Saint-Grégoire confirmed its status as a stronghold of winter running—not only in Brittany, but well beyond.
This 31st edition had all the ingredients to leave a mark. More than 30 years of history for the BLOT 10K, and 20 years for the Grégorienne Grand Quartier, the 7.5 km women-only race. Behind the scenes, 379 volunteers were already hard at work, transforming a January Sunday into a true community celebration. Entertainment, extra giveaways, prize draws, and a dedicated food area to extend the post-race experience—the Métropolitaines fully embraced their convivial spirit without ever compromising sporting standards.
| A 10K that has become a national benchmark
Ranked among the top ten French Athletics Federation-certified 10K races, listed on the World Athletics calendar and awarded Gold Label status, the BLOT 10K now plays in the big leagues. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2025, 250 runners dipped under 35 minutes, nearly 900 broke 40. A rare level of depth that continues to attract the best regional, national and international athletes year after year.
The 31st chapter was no exception. The elite field, assembled by race director Christian Moreau, featured athletes from 16 different nationalities, around 15 runners under 30 minutes, and several capable of flirting with the 28-minute barrier. Unsurprisingly, the course record held by Youssef Benhadi (28:34, set in 2024) looked seriously under threat.
| Sewmehon Anteneh unleashes the stopwatch, the race ignites
The answer came fast—very fast. At the finish line, Sewmehon Anteneh, just 18 years old on paper, was all smiles as the clock stopped at a staggering 28:08. A new Métropolitaines BLOT record, obliterated by 26 seconds. A stunning display of power and freshness from the young Ethiopian, who committed fully from the opening kilometres and left little breathing room for his rivals. Behind him, Uganda’s Hosea Chemutai (28:11) and Kenya’s Kiprop Rotich (28:13) completed a podium of exceptional quality.
Ethiopia’s Getinet Mele Gedamu (28:21) and Uganda’s Martin Kiprotich (28:31) also dipped below the former course record. Five men faster than the previous best mark in a single race—rare even on the international circuit. In total, nine runners broke 30 minutes, 41 went under 32, 208 under 35 and 786 under 40. A morning of pure, relentless athletics—dense, fast-paced and almost dizzying.
| Strong French performances, Florian Caro leading the way
Against this African whirlwind, the French contingent stood firm. First French finisher Florian Caro crossed the line in 29:28, placing eighth overall. A solid performance for the Brittany marathon record holder, who recently ran 29:04 over 10K in Nice. Charlelie April secured a top-10 finish in 30:06, confirming the strength of the French camp in an ultra-competitive field. Also noteworthy was Guillaume Ruel’s 13th place in 30:20, the Normandy runner more commonly seen excelling over much longer distances.
| Tekan Berhe, one second from history
The women’s race featured less suspense but just as much intensity. Twenty-three-year-old Ethiopian Tekan Berhe quickly took control and claimed victory in 31:30, finishing just one second above the course record set last year by Marwa Bouzayani. Frustrating, perhaps—but also a clear sign of the rising standard.
Behind her, refugee athlete Farida Abaroge clocked a strong 32:38, while local favourite Marie Lohéac-Bouchard secured a podium spot in 32:58. The 2025 French 10K champion and Brittany record holder confirmed her status on home soil, in a season already geared toward the French Cross-Country Championships. Inside the top ten, three other French women impressed: Lucile Mary (35:13), Anne Le Cunuder (35:47) and Chloé Lemoigne (36:23), highlighting the depth and vitality of women’s running in France.
| The Grégorienne, true to its spirit
On the Grégorienne Grand Quartier, the 7.5 km women-only race, the atmosphere was different—but the intensity just as real. Amélie Sinquin took victory in 26:56, ahead of Fanny Malagré (27:23), a multiple Brittany marathon champion, and Manon Creff (27:35). Sold out weeks before race day, the event has become a fixture in its own right within the Métropolitaines programme.
| A community celebration that stays authentic
With a non-timed 5 km open to all, hundreds of spectators lining the course and favourable weather conditions, the event once again struck the perfect balance between performance and shared enjoyment. Two laps, Breton flags handed out along the final straight, and constant cheers—here in Saint-Grégoire, running is something you feel as much as you time.
Despite a crowded national calendar—competing with regional cross-country championships and national training camps—the Métropolitaines BLOT continue to chart their own course. “The depth of the field suggests some outstanding performances, maybe even falling records,” race official Jean-Pierre Pen said before the start. The verdict from the tarmac proved him right.
Thirty years after its creation, the BLOT 10K has never looked so young. And judging by the enthusiasm surrounding this 2026 edition, the future in Saint-Grégoire promises to be even faster.
✔ Full results from the 2026 Métropolitaines BLOT 10K
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
