Manon Trapp sets new French marathon record

A landmark performance from Manon Trapp! Runner-up after a thrilling finish against Kenya’s Koskei, the Entente Savoie Athlé athlete made her mark on the 40th edition of the Seville Marathon in Spain on Sunday morning. Crossing the line in 2:23:38, she not only broke the 2:24 barrier over the classic 42.195 km distance, but also set a new French record.

From a black belt to the starting line. A former judoka, the athlete from Savoie swapped the tatami for tracks and trails in 2017, discovering athletics and running. She was first drawn to cross-country, her first love, but soon found herself eyeing the ultimate distance: the marathon.

After an intense season highlighted by a win at the 20 km de Paris, a podium finish at the Allonnes cross-country race and a month-long training camp in Kenya, one idea took hold: the Seville Marathon. An ambassador for the three-stripes brand, she recently renewed her contract with adidas, driven by a single dream: to make a living from her passion. For her, running goes far beyond sport. It is a way of life, a deep sense of balance, and a way to reconnect with her sensations and her surroundings.

In this interview, Manon Trapp opens up about her passion, her achievement and the values that drive her. A rich and intense conversation captured at a moment when, still riding the buzz of her record, she was struggling to find calm amid the constant stream of attention.

The build-up before the race

When we asked how she felt before the race, Manon told us she was fairly confident despite the stress and apprehension. Her preparation had been thorough and she had trained hard, though she had done little work at goal pace because of the altitude in Kenya.

During the marathon

What goes through your mind over 42 kilometres?

“I was extremely focused. You can’t let that focus slip, you can’t switch off because every second counts. I was also regularly checking in with my body to make sure I still felt comfortable: breathing, rhythm, posture and so on.”

What was the atmosphere like on the course?

“There were a lot of French people lining the course, including some taking part in the race. It really warms your heart and gives you energy. It lifted me.”

How did you feel during the race?

“Overall, I felt good the whole way, almost better and better as it went on. After 25 kilometres, I was really in a state of flow. I felt good, my mind was completely clear, and it was almost meditative.”

When did it really sink in?

“I realised I was going to set the French record at 39 kilometres. I could see on my watch that I was on track, I felt good, I was fired up, euphoric. I told myself: three kilometres to go, let it rip.”

What does a French record change?

“I’ve been flooded with messages on social media, so many incredibly moving words. I’m receiving lots of requests and invitations… I hope all of this will give me greater visibility, particularly with sponsors.”

« I hope all of this will give me greater visibility, particularly with sponsors.

More than a time, a story

At the end of the interview, we asked Manon Trapp to sum up her race in three words. It quickly became clear that three words could not capture an experience this intense and euphoric. She spoke about her values and about running simply, with passion. This marathon was not just a French record. It was the culmination of a journey that has not always been straightforward.

Manon, the final word? “The lesson is to have the courage to make choices and changes while listening to what I need. The record is possible because I listen to myself.”

A huge congratulations to this outstanding athlete.