Sénéchal, Polin, Montoya and Bouchard shine at the French Championships

10K: Heroic finishes for Montoya and Bouchard

The standard of French 10K running continues to rise, and Sunday delivered another thrilling battle. Conditions were far from ideal for fast times, with a bright sun and temperatures reaching 23°C, but the favourites came through. After a bunched start, Nicolas Navarro, Raphaël Montoya and Yoann Kowal finally broke clear of the lead pack from the 5K mark.

Everything came down to the final kilometre. Nicolas Navarro tried everything, Yoann Kowal brought his speed, but it was Raphaël Montoya who had the final say after a huge finish. The Nice Côte d’Azur Athlétisme runner crossed the line in 29:12 to retain his French 10K title. Yoann Kowal followed in 29:15 after a remarkable effort. Nicolas Navarro (29:18) completed the podium and showed he is still in top form, just a few weeks after dropping out of the Barcelona Marathon. His focus is now firmly on the European Marathon Championships in Brussels on April 13.

The women’s race was every bit as intense, with Clémence Calvin and Marie Bouchard battling it out. In the heat of Cogolin, the two French runners went through 5K in 17:17 and 17:20. Despite several attacks throughout the race, neither gave way. On a relentlessly undulating course with 94m of elevation gain and loss, both runners were pushed to their limits. Just like in the men’s race, it all came down to the final straight. After a heroic sprint, Marie Bouchard of Iroise Athlétisme moved into the lead on the final corner and crossed the line in 34:20, just ahead of Clémence Calvin (34:21). It was a spectacular finish through the streets of Cogolin, where the atmosphere was electric. Marie Bouchard became French 10K champion for the first time in her career. Delighted with the title, she said after the race that the crowd’s support carried her through her final push. Clémence Calvin, meanwhile, continued to confirm her excellent form with another strong performance. The Martigues Sport Athlé runner will represent France in the Marathon at the European Running Championships in Brussels.

Marathon: Sénéchal earns her title, Polin rules the race

The marathon. The ultimate distance. Mathilde Sénéchal is starting to get the measure of it. After a major personal best in Valencia in 2024 (2:32:43), she was the clear favourite for these French Marathon Championships. She duly honoured the AJ Blois-Onzain vest with a classy performance. On a demanding course, she paced her race perfectly. The 350m of elevation gain, concentrated mainly in the second half, held no fear for her. Passing halfway in 1:18:43 (3:44/km), she showed tremendous strength to maintain her pace despite the many climbs on the course. Her rivals never managed to close the gap. She finished in 2:37:52 to claim a title that means a great deal to her. After shining on the track during her junior years, Mathilde Sénéchal has confirmed her place among the best over the longer distances. Behind her, Augustine Emeraux-Lombard took second in 2:40:19. It was the second straight year that the Nancy Athlétisme Métropole runner had won silver. Her consistency at the highest level is beyond doubt, an essential quality in the marathon. After a committed effort and a well-managed race, former champion Floriane Hot (2:40:38) completed the podium. Her performance also secured the French team title for her club, Athlé Provence Clubs.

In the men’s race, Benjamin Polin was determined to defend his crown. He did so in style. The defending champion executed his race plan perfectly, handling the heat and, above all, the climbs in the second half of the course. The Athletic Vosges Entente Clubs runner finished strongly and crossed the line in 2:16:18. On such a difficult course, it is a highly promising time. There is little doubt he can lower it on a faster course. Behind him, Julien Devanne (2:19:15) and Pierrick Bernard (2:20:31) completed the podium.

The Gulf of Saint-Tropez Marathon once again delivered on every promise. With its postcard scenery, sunshine and elevation, France’s road racers put on a show and proved that running is in excellent health across the country.

| We’re already looking forward to the next championships in 2026.

✔ Full marathon results
✔ Full 10K results