Camille Massol’s meteoric rise from beginner to marathon standout

Discovering running

The Bordeaux native discovered running in 2019, after the birth of her son. “I had a difficult pregnancy and was on bed rest. I gained around 35 kilos, and once I had given birth, I wanted to lose the weight. I tried several different diets, but nothing worked. So I decided to take up running. At first, it really wasn’t a passion. It took several months before I started to enjoy it. Then Covid hit, and I stopped running altogether before getting back into it in 2021. That’s when I joined the local athletics club, Bordeaux Athlé. From that point on, everything moved very quickly. I made friends, found a real sense of belonging at the club, and the supportive atmosphere and encouragement from everyone were a genuine source of motivation.”

A meteoric rise

This passionate runner is particularly fond of road races ranging from 10K to the marathon. The marathon is her favourite distance, too. She ran a personal best of 2:46 at the Marathon de Paris in 2024. Her other PBs are 34:11 for 10K and 1:17:41 for the half marathon, times that point to genuine ability, whatever the distance.

How does it feel to finish as the second French woman at the 2024 Marathon de Paris?

“I had no idea. I couldn’t believe it. I just cried all the way through the finish. It took me a long time to take it in.” When Camille told us about the moment she crossed the line in 2:46, you could almost feel the goosebumps on her forearms, as though she still hadn’t quite taken in the huge performance. Just two years earlier, in 2022, she had run 3:34.

© Corentin Baudry

Did you ever think you would reach this level?

“No, honestly, never. As a teenager, I didn’t like sport at all. When I first started running, I wanted to enter races to finish them, not to go faster than I had the time before.” Listening to Camille talk about her early days, it is hard to grasp just how far she has come. She has taken 36 minutes off her half marathon time in three years and 48 minutes off her marathon time in two years, and she’s not done yet…

Did you face any difficulties along the way?

“Overall, not many. I see injuries as part of being a runner. I don’t view them as a difficulty, but rather as a learning experience. What sometimes caused me problems was finding my place. I struggled to feel legitimate, with the sense that I didn’t deserve to be there, progressing at that rate.” It is worth pointing out that, while Camille’s progress has been extraordinary, she trains for hours and hours: around 100 kilometres a week, plus strength work, mobility drills and yoga.

What are the keys to your progress?

“I’d say there are several things. First, my deep and genuine love of running, and then my coach, who has been working with me for a year. We make a great team. He knows how I work, and I’m aware that I owe him and his support a great deal. I also like exploring every performance lever we can pull, including mental and physical preparation, nutrition and recovery.”

Seville Marathon is next on the agenda

The Marathon de Séville takes place on 23 February. After a year of training and preparation, this passionate marathoner is more motivated than ever as she looks ahead to her next race, with the goal of edging closer to 2:40.

What can we wish you for 2025?

“First of all, I hope Seville goes well. 2025 looks set to be a year of change, with a new professional life, fewer constraints and therefore more time to train.”

Thanks to Camille for the interview. Good luck in Seville, and here’s to plenty more good things to come.