Record turnout at the Nice Half Marathon as gender parity moves into focus

On the famous Promenade des Anglais, 17,500 participants, including 16% from abroad, brought the 33rd edition of the Nice International Half Marathon to life. With supporters roaring and Haribo, one of the event’s partners’ mascots, on hand with a smile, the atmosphere was electric. Held over two days, from Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 April, the headline races once again proved a hit, while a brand-new event added another dimension to the weekend.

| A race growing in popularity in a historic city

Under a grey morning sky, the half marathon got underway at 8 a.m. on the iconic avenue of the Côte d’Azur. 9,000 runners set off on roads still damp from the night before. The record number of entries comes as no surprise given the flat, wide and fast course, tailor-made for strong performances. The plan was to settle into a smooth rhythm along the Promenade des Anglais, closed to traffic for the occasion, head out to the port, then return along the course in the opposite direction.

The starting gun fired at 11 a.m. for the 6,400 participants in the 10K. The late start gave runners plenty of time to get out of bed without grimacing, while also allowing finishers from the headline race to recover and enjoy the best possible conditions.

The previous day, under brilliant sunshine, young and old were treated to an exclusive sporting experience: the family relays on a 500 m loop. The new event brought 600 entrants together around some powerful values: teamwork, mutual support and love.

Even with extra bibs added to meet growing demand, this year’s new additions and the traditional distances attracted plenty of interest. By 14 April, the 2025 edition was already sold out, with the final 5K places snapped up.

| Nikê inspires record female turnout at the Nice Half Marathon

Female representation rose sharply at this year’s Nice International Half Marathon: women made up 45% of the field. That strong presence reflects better conditions for women, but above all, a shift in attitudes. Often held back in their sporting lives by outside scrutiny or the mental load they carry every day, whether at work or at home, many have found in running a way out. A bubble of wellbeing, a chance to switch off, a space to push themselves and find enjoyment in the effort, made possible by events like this one.

Women accounted for just 33% of the field in 2023, then 39% in 2024, before reaching 45% this year. The progress is striking, all the more so because the Nice 10K achieved perfect gender parity. These figures are far from ordinary and carry real weight in sport: they point towards the right path, one leading to a fully balanced field next year.

It is hard not to draw a connection with Nikê, the Greek goddess of victory who gave the city its name. A powerful symbol that may still hover over this fast-growing race today.

| Front-runners who left no room for doubt

Against a blue backdrop that lifted the gloom of the sky, Kenyan Erick Ndiema crossed the line first after taking control of the race from the 9 km mark. Looking effortless, the masters runner won in 1:03:41, almost a minute clear of Raphaël Montoya. Montoya clocked an impressive 1:04:36. Arthur Cosson just secured third in 1:05:54, holding off a fierce challenger from SPN Vernon.

A few minutes later, Lucy Nthenya brilliantly claimed the women’s victory in 1:09:14. The Kenyan quickly moved into the lead and never gave it up. Delighted to represent Asics, Inès Hamoudi took second in 1:11:59, setting a personal best, while Kereen Chemusto claimed bronze in 1:13:57.

Gabriel Briand proudly raised the banner to celebrate his 10K victory in 29:40. In his wake, Alessia Zarbo, the first woman over the distance, lifted her arms in delight as she crossed the finish line. Relaxed and accompanied by her family, the Espérance Racing Antibes athlete finished with a well-deserved personal best of 32:22.

✔ See all results