Christelle Sturtz: “I’ll always be a samurai”
A former karate champion, Christelle Sturtz has embraced roads and trails in recent years. Driven and full of life, she draws on a deep-rooted love of hard work and sharing. Since 2012, she has worked as development officer for ELA, the European Leukodystrophy Association, giving her time and energy without expecting anything in return.
Former Karate World Cup champion
Nothing suggested that this Alsatian, now 45, would grow to love karate. As a child, Christelle Sturtz was lively and highly active. “When I was little, people called me Mowgli, I was always outside, in nature or up in the trees.” At the time, her parents signed her up at the club opposite the family home, thinking the martial art might help calm their daughter’s energy. Instead, the discipline revealed her full potential. In 2010, she won the prestigious Karate World Cup.
Why make the switch to running?
Running did not suddenly appear in Christelle Sturtz’s life. As a child, she watched her father train, run and pin on race numbers. “When I was a kid, I used to go with him when he went running .” As well as seeing those around her run and train, she would sometimes put on her running shoes as part of her general conditioning. Running truly entered Christelle Sturtz’s life at the age of 39, in 2017. As the karateka brought her career to an end, she still wanted to keep exercising, with a real need for freedom and escape. Running was the obvious choice. “I’ve always loved being outdoors, close to the elements and nature.” The new runner quickly got hooked on training and wanted to take part in races.
After several races, both on the road and on trails, Christelle Sturtz found her sweet spot over the longer distances. “I have a particular love for the marathon distance, that’s for sure.” For her, the right balance is to combine road and trail throughout the year. “I like doing two marathons a year, one at the beginning and one at the end, with trail running in between. It’s impossible to choose between asphalt and trails. I love how complementary they are.” In trail running, it is the ultra distances that attract this former dojo regular. “I like long races. I really enjoy anything from 80 kilometers upwards, but I’m still at the beginning of all this. ”
What remains of karate today?
Although Christelle Sturtz no longer practices karate, it is still part of her life. “Karate is my strength of character. I’ll always be a samurai.” A state-qualified karate and self-defence coach, she now coaches children and teenagers at a club in Alsace for a few hours each week. In the interview, she acknowledges that karate back then was not quite the same as it is today. The sport has evolved, and for the better. “It was tougher back then. I had cracked ribs, a fissured sternum and a fractured elbow… Even with those injuries, I still went into fights. These days, the sport is much better regulated.” That experience also helped Christelle Sturtz build herself, learn and become the woman she is today. “Karate taught me a lot. It made me who I am today.”
What has she achieved as a runner?
Although enjoyment comes first for this runner, the pursuit of performance is clearly part of the picture too. With a marathon best of 3:09 in Seville in 2023, the ultimate goal is obviously to edge closer and closer to the legendary three-hour barrier. “I know it’s a high bar, but I want to believe it’s possible. Getting closer to three hours is a dream.” This determined, dedicated athlete has been coached by Julien Lyon since they met in Kenya in 2019. Christelle Sturtz applies the same discipline to running that she once brought to karate, and weeks topping 100 kilometers are not unusual… “I love training, I love running. I love marathon preparation. It’s demanding but almost meditative, and I’m completely focused on the time. It’s as if I’m in a bubble.”
What’s next?
After Seville in 2020 (3:22), 2023 (a 3:09 personal best) and 2024 (3:13), how could she not sign up again for 2025? Christelle Sturtz will therefore line up at the Seville Marathon next February, with the goal of improving her best over the classic distance. Despite that ambition, she remains mindful of everything that can happen over 42 kilometers. “I want to improve my PB, but so many things can happen. I’m staying realistic, and we’ll see.” Her first marathon of 2025 is settled. The question now is what Christelle Sturtz has planned for the rest of the season, split between road and trail…
A life devoted to others
Away from sport, Christelle Sturtz is committed to causes close to her heart, not least through a job to which she gives 100 percent. She is now development officer at ELA, having previously served as the organization’s sports ambassador while she was part of the French karate team. A loyal supporter of ELA for more than 24 years, she feels the experience reminds her every day that life always catches up with us, and that our priorities are rarely where we think they are. “Through my work, I realize that life is crystal clear.”
In 2024, Christelle Sturtz also joined Julien Lyon and the Milimani Runners team in Kenya for the trail project at several races on the UTMB circuit.