Valence 5K and 10K 2025: A record-breaking fourth edition with 2,000 runners

As darkness settled over the Drôme sky, athletes streamed onto the Champ-de-Mars, near the kiosk overlooking the Rhône. This September Saturday evening, 912 runners were entered in the 10K, with more than 1,000 taking part in the individual 5K and the 5K relay for pairs. It was a record for an event that has been held in Valence since 2013 under the direction of the Vitaville merchants’ association, before being taken over by the city four years ago. “We saw a 25% increase in participation compared with last year”, reported the city’s sports department, whose aim is to promote running while bringing the city center to life. At first glance, the gamble has paid off.

Sarah Rouquier and Gabin Giffon take the honors

This year, local Ardèche runner Mélanie Allier was absent from the start line. “The Valence 10K doesn’t fit into my preparation for the Valencia Half Marathon (on October 26, ed.)”, said the runner who had smashed the course record last year in 34:29, after also winning the 5K in 16:38 just minutes earlier. This time, it was Sarah Rouquier of EA Tain Tournon who claimed the top step of the podium in 35:56, well clear of Valence runner Laetitia Letz Ruiz in 40:24, followed by Mathilde Dragon in 42:11. A trail specialist, Sarah Rouquier is racking up victories across the Drôme running scene.

Although the race is not officially certified, it attracts high-level athletes. Much of its appeal lies in a demanding course best experienced at dusk. “Runners alternate between the city center and green spaces, passing iconic locations such as the Champ-de-Mars, Grande Rue, Place de la Liberté and rue d’Arménie, while also running through two major parks: Jouvet Park, awarded the ‘Remarkable Garden’ label, and the wilder, more natural Parc des Trinitaires. This combination of urban heritage and nature gives the race a strong identity and lets participants discover Valence from a different angle”, explained Jean-Philippe Thomas, head of the sports department.

In the men’s race, Privas runner Gabin Giffon ultimately came out on top in 31:15, after battling with Nicolas Zalejski and Axel Bruyas , who finished second and third respectively, just seconds apart. It made for an entertaining spectacle for the large crowd that came out to enjoy the summer evening.

A demanding course

With numerous turns and around 89 meters of combined elevation gain and loss, the course requires constant adaptation to the terrain. “This is not a purely flat, straight course, but a lively, technical and varied route that highlights the runners’ versatility. That makes it a stimulating challenge for experienced athletes and amateurs looking to gain experience alike”, added the head of the sports department. For the spectators, missing a moment was out of the question. Large numbers had come out to cheer on the 2,000 athletes.

✔ See all the results from the 2025 Valence 5K and 10K in Drôme

Julia Tourneur