Reims Champagne Run: a sparkling edition with 23,000 runners

Organised by the city and Playground Event, the 2025 Reims Champagne Run celebrated its third edition on October 12 and 13, with 23,000 runners lining up for the various formats across the roads, tracks and trails of the Champagne region. Over two days, eight events were on offer, including trail races, a 5K, a children's race, a half marathon and a 10K, all wrapped up in a festive and memorable atmosphere.

The Reims Champagne Run has established itself over the past three years as an unmissable fixture on the running calendar, right in the heart of the Champagne capital. Participation hit a new record this year, as it has at almost every race in France. The event grew from 18,000 participants in 2024 to 23,000 this year.

It was a sunny, good-humoured edition winding through the city's cobbled streets. The Champagne region echoed all weekend to the sound of runners' footsteps. Visitors were able to admire the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Champagne's hillsides, houses and cellars. The Saint-Clotilde and Saint-Rémi basilicas, Foujita Chapel and Parc des Expositions were also well worth a visit.

Sacré Trail offers four distances

This was a packed and varied weekend, leaving enthusiasts little time to get bored. On Saturday, the Sacré Trail offered four formats. The range of accessible distances was particularly appealing, with an 87K (1,307 m of elevation gain), a 42K (377 m of elevation gain), a two-person relay and a four-person relay. Some 2,000 trail runners took on these races, now listed in the UTMB Index, allowing them to earn points towards a future entry in the UTMB World Series.

The 87K route crossed the city, the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park and Champagne estates. Pierre Fossard (6:36:11) and Camille Prince (8:53:26) took the wins over the longest distance. Teddy Colombe (2:50:22) and Maëlle Boucher (3:48:05) won the 42K. That same day, 850 children aged between 7 and 15 lined up for the Course des P’tits Rèmes in Parc de Champagne.

Sunday belonged to the kings and queens of the road

October 12 was the big popular gathering, the weekend's highlight. Spectators' cheers filled the streets of the City of Coronations as 20,000 runners made their way around the course under a gentle autumn sun. Some 9,000 enthusiasts took on one of the event's flagship distances, the Semi des Rois. Rémi Richard (1:09:42) and Norwegian runner Marte Lien Johnsen (1:18:23) left the competition trailing in their wake. The two-person and four-person relays were a big hit with those who were not ready to tackle the full course. The finish beneath the Porte de Mars delighted the thousands of athletes taking part. The 10K de Rémus drew the biggest field, with 10,000 registered runners. Quentin Bouvier won the men's race in 29:55, while Julie Giacomelli was the fastest woman in 35:39.

The free 5K could be run at any pace and supported a good cause. The collective effort raised €1,190 for Premiers de Cordée, an association that helps fund HOPI Sport stations. All the events were also open to companies wishing to enter teams.

Community-minded, responsible and local

A range of musical and artistic activities added to the friendly, festive atmosphere of the sporting weekend. The organisers had set up glitter and supporter stations where runners could get their faces painted, make cheering signs and have their medals engraved. The crowds and brass bands carried the road runners along, including at the foot of the fountain in Place Royale.

The organisers of the Reims event place particular emphasis on its environmental impact. Water came from the local drinking-water network, eliminating plastic bottles at aid stations. The cups were reusable, collected, washed and used again at other events. Food and products were local and seasonal, while the medals were made from engraved wood sourced from sustainably managed French forests. Waste sorting and recovery were also given top priority.

Trail runners, road racers, beginners and elites alike, the Reims Champagne Run is establishing itself a little more firmly each year as an unmissable event for competitors of every background and age. With a packed programme combining races and artistic workshops, enthusiasts enjoyed a memorable weekend in the Champagne capital. There is little doubt this festival will continue to grow in the years ahead. The 23,000 participants in this third edition would certainly agree.

✔ All Reims Champagne Run results

✔ All the information on the organiser's website