Jimmy Gressier signs with Kiprun: an ambitious partnership electrifying the running world
14/01/2025 15:44This week, the running world is abuzz with news: Jimmy Gressier, a true icon of French athletics, is joining Kiprun, Decathlon’s running brand. This partnership signals a new era for both the athlete and the French brand, with clear international ambitions on the horizon.
A significant signing for Kipruniste
With an impressive track record and a charismatic personality, Jimmy Gressier is more than just a long-distance runner; he’s a pivotal figure in athletics. Multiple European cross-country champion and holder of the European 5 km record (13’12), he embodies performance, consistency, and passion. After eight years of partnership with Nike, Jimmy Gressier chose to sign with Kiprun and strongly supports the French brand’s development in the running field.
By partnering with an athlete of his stature, Kiprun clearly shows its ambition to compete with major international brands in a highly competitive market.
A remarkable debut at the 10K Valencia by Kiprun
The announcement of this partnership generated widespread excitement in the running world, matching the weekend’s event: the 10K Valencia by Kiprun, one of the fastest races in the world. This Spanish event was not part of Jimmy Gressier’s winter training plans, but he couldn’t resist donning his new Kiprun gear for the occasion. True to his generous nature, he took on the role of a pacemaker to help a friend achieve a remarkable time of 30’33. A straightforward task for Jimmy, highlighting his camaraderie spirit and availability.

A natural choice rooted in his origins
Hailing from Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France, Jimmy Gressier shares a special bond with Decathlon, whose headquarters are also located in this region. It was in a Decathlon store that he purchased his first pair of running shoes as a young boy. Today, this partnership with Kiprun holds a special, almost familial significance.
The north is my home, my roots. Working with a French brand, especially from my region, was an obvious choice. Kiprun is not just a brand for me; it’s a story of passion, ambition, and closeness.
Jimmy Gressier
Kiprun: The rise of a French brand
This partnership marks a turning point for Kiprun, taking a giant leap in the high-level running scene. Since its inception, the brand has been distinguished by its performing yet accessible products. By teaming up with Jimmy Gressier, Kiprun now enjoys enhanced recognition, sending a strong message: French excellence and innovation can compete with global giants. This partnership also offers Kiprun the opportunity to leverage Jimmy’s expertise as a world-class athlete and a passionate running shoe enthusiast. Jimmy’s initial competitive tests of the new Kiprun shoes are eagerly awaited, especially on his signature distances: 5 km and 10 km. The Boulonnais has already tested his new gear during training and shared that he experienced excellent sensations with the KD900X LD+, Kiprun’s racing shoe designed for road running, notably during an intense session of 10 x 1000 m with the last in 2’26.
Kiprun banks on top athletes to strengthen its position
Kiprun deploys impressive resources to bolster its elite brand image and performance over recent years. By recruiting internationally recognized athletes like Jimmy Gressier, Méline Rollin, and Yoann Kowal, the brand is establishing itself in the high-level running world. A key part of this strategy is also the development of a training camp, the 42 House, located in Kenya, an ideal place for altitude training. Jimmy Gressier, who particularly enjoys training in Kenya, will thus be able to exploit his full potential. By bringing together elite athletes and providing them with world-class facilities, Kiprun positions itself among the best. These investments reflect the brand’s ambition to grow and support athletes in achieving top performance.

Shared values: authenticity, generosity, and ambition
Beyond performances and records, this collaboration is based on a coherent and natural alliance between the values championed by Jimmy Gressier and those of Kiprun. Both embody authenticity, generosity, and a certain boldness on the road, whether in taking risks or pursuing their ambitions. For Kiprun, the aim is to become a TOP 5 global brand in running. For Jimmy, his vision is clear and straightforward: to keep running faster and secure an Olympic medal.
My dream is to win an Olympic medal. I know where I come from and where I want to go. I want to achieve great things in athletics. Today, I’m opening a new chapter, and I know that with Kiprun by my side, we’ll accomplish great things.
Jimmy Gressier
A decisive year 2025 for Jimmy Gressier
Jimmy Gressier’s 2025 starts with a bang in the media, and the rest promises to be equally busy and ambitious. On February 1, Jimmy will compete in a highly competitive 5000 m in Boston, aiming to break his own French record (12’54’’97). In March, he will return to his home turf in Lille, aiming to break his own European 5 km record (13’12) before focusing on the European road running championships taking place in Belgium on April 13. Jimmy will be committed to representing France and confirming his status as a leader. Finally, the highlight of his year will be in September, with the World Championships in Tokyo, an event where he aims for top-notch performances.
The Kiprun x Jimmy Gressier collaboration looks ahead to 2028 and possibly… the marathon
The partnership between Jimmy Gressier and Kiprun extends beyond 2024. It is set to last until at least 2028, potentially reaching its peak during the Los Angeles Olympic Games. On the horizon, a possible distance change for Jimmy: he’s contemplating venturing into the marathon, a discipline where his speed and endurance could work wonders. “Aiming for 2h02, 2h03 in the marathon. I know I have the capabilities, and I’ll do it,” he asserts confidently. This statement perfectly reflects the athlete’s confidence and generosity.
This collaboration with Kiprun symbolizes audacity and ambition. Jimmy, now the face of Kiprun, embodies a collective ambition: to bring French running to the pinnacle. Together, they are writing a meaningful story, one that looks towards the future and holds great promise for the athlete, the brand, and all running enthusiasts who will never see Kiprun the same way again.
