Marvejols-Mende delivers an exceptionally deep field for its 53rd edition

“Hell starts here.” That is what is written on the Lozère tarmac at the foot of the first climb, the Col de Goudard, warning brave runners about the challenge ahead. The classic has attracted thousands of athletes for more than 50 years, backed by a passionate and loyal crowd.

Marvejols-Mende links two climbs through an exceptional natural setting in the heart of the Cévennes. First comes Goudard, a 4.7 km ascent averaging 7.5%, followed by Chabrits, with 8 km at 6%. On some sections, the gradient kicks up to 15%. Both climbs are followed by long, steep and punishing descents. The sequence puts even the most experienced athletes to the test, especially if the effort is not managed to perfection. This legendary race leaves its mark on everyone who takes it on, physically of course, but in the memory too.

With an atmosphere reminiscent of the Tour de France, runners are carried along every kilometre of the 22.5 km course. Here, “MM” is an experience, one of those races you need to run at least once in your life. You only have to reach the top of Goudard to understand why: the crowds grow thicker, cowbells ring out, and spectators dressed in traditional clothing form a true guard of honour for the runners.

Kenyan dominance

On this half marathon, as demanding as it is unusual, another Kenyan runner claimed victory in Mende. Cyrus Kipkemoi Kimaiyo was the fastest, crossing the line in 1:12:54, ahead of Rwanda’s Félicien Muhitara in 1:14:18 and Kenyan Kevin Kibet in 1:14:34.

The first French runner was Adrien Piticco (EA Echirolles), who finished 10th in 1:16:05. The depth of the field was clear from the fact that 20th place was clocked at 1:18:50.

Manon Coste, an outstanding French third place

The women’s race was just as impressive. As in the men’s event, Kenya’s Jepkosgei Janeth Kiptoo raised her arms in victory, finishing in 1:25:24 ahead of Uganda’s Vanis Chemutai. The first French runner was Manon Coste, who finished third overall in the women’s race in 1:25:49. She improved her time by seven minutes compared with her first appearance a few years ago, when the event was still a discovery for her. Just two weeks after lining up for the Mont Ventoux Half Marathon, the Dijon runner produced a superb performance.

She had originally planned to tackle a few summer races without chasing a time, targeting somewhere between 1:28 and 1:28:30 and, above all, a top-15 finish. With a general training programme that included no elevation work, no strength training and little high-intensity running, the athlete was the first to be surprised by her result.

“I felt good from the start and quickly took control of the race. From Goudard onwards, the Kenyan runners moved back to the front, and I was worried they would drop me one by one. At the top of the climb, I was second, and behind me I wanted to control the descent. But two competitors passed me, and because I was apprehensive about those sections, it was mentally tough. On the second climb, I moved back into second and tried to stay in touch as long as possible on the final descent, then I was passed again. I was in third and knew fourth place was not far behind. It was a great battle all the way. I found out at the finish that I was only 25 seconds off the lead. That is very encouraging for what comes next.”

Manon Coste will probably line up for a marathon in the autumn, one of her favourite distances. She holds a personal best of 2:32:43.

Local runner Anne Moulin, the daughter of one of Marvejols-Mende’s founders and a regular at the event, finished eighth in 1:29:11, breaking 1:30 for the first time.

Marvejols-Mende, a tradition and a pioneering race for women

While races now flourish all over France, Marvejols-Mende was one of the country’s pioneering events. The classic’s first edition came about in the 1970s, driven in particular by Jean-Claude Moulin. On Christmas Day, he made the journey from Marvejols to Mende with his friend Begnatbordes and the Boudet brothers. That route gave rise to the now-famous half marathon in Lozère.

The race was open to unaffiliated runners and even to women. At the time, only a handful of events allowed women to compete. Until 1980, women were not permitted to race more than 5 km in competition.

From the very first editions, France’s best runners gathered in Marvejols. More importantly, the organisers understood something essential: running is a celebration, not just during the race, but before and afterwards too. The evening parties and festive meals also helped build the classic’s reputation.

That popularity had not gone down well with the federation. Jean-Claude Moulin was suspended and came close to being banned for life for allowing women and unaffiliated runners to compete. The decision turned the race into a symbol of the fight against conservatism in running.