Jason Pointeau and Camille Chaigneau rule the French 100 km Championships

Long, unbroken straights and the North wind made for a brutal test against yourself and the clock. The French 100 km Championships may not attract the biggest headlines, but the distance is as fascinating as it is vast.

In Steenwerck, near Lille, runners are not surrounded by spectacular scenery or cheered on by crowds all along the course. Here, the effort is raw and quiet, and commands respect. On these Flemish roads, one of the most unusual and demanding events on the French running calendar takes place every year: the Steenwerck 100 km. Held as the French Championships for the third time, the race has been organised for 50 years and has become a true tradition.

Jason Pointeau wins on his first attempt

He had been eyeing the distance for some time. Jason Pointeau, a versatile athlete with strong credentials across the board (28:55 for 10 km, 1:03:21 for the half marathon and 2:09:50 for the marathon), lined up for the distance for the first time and delivered in style. Making his 100 km debut, the former rugby player, who sprinted in his youth (11.30 for 100 m and 21.98 for 200 m in the junior categories), pulled off a major victory in 6:23:41. Averaging 3:50/km, he set a world-class time and lowered the course record held until then by experienced runner Benjamin Polin, who had run 6:29:16.

He found the resources to take the win after making his move over the final 15 kilometres, finishing ahead of Justin Dourlens (6:24:41) and Steven Galibert (6:29:38). His runner-up was also racing the distance for the first time and came within touching distance of victory. With all three podium finishers under 6:30, the standard was exceptionally high this year.

Camille Chaigneau makes a winning return to the distance

The women’s race was just as fiercely contested, with specialist Camille Chaigneau taking the win in 7:19:50. The 2022 world silver medallist, who holds a personal best of 7:06:32, added a new national title to her collection, five years after her first victory in 2021. Like Jason Pointeau, Camille Chaigneau has shown her versatility across the distances, from 5,000 m (16:28) to 100 km, via the 10,000 m (33:57), half marathon (1:14:30) and marathon (2:37:33).

Behind the winner, twin sisters Malory and Sélina Leroy finished together in 7:28:05. All three women placed 15th, 16th and 17th respectively among the men, in a field of around 100 runners.

➜ Full results from the 2026 French 100 km Championships