Jimmy Gressier joins Kiprun in ambitious partnership shaking up the running world

A major signing for Kiprun

With an impressive record and a charismatic personality, Jimmy Gressier is far more than a distance runner: he is one of the defining figures in athletics. A multiple European cross-country champion and European record-holder over 5K (13:12), he embodies performance, consistency and passion. After eight years with Nike, Jimmy Gressier has chosen to sign with Kiprun and is throwing his full support behind the French brand and its growth in running.
By teaming up with an athlete of this calibre, Kiprun is making its ambition clear: to establish itself among the major international brands in an intensely competitive market.

A high-profile debut at the 10K Valencia by Kiprun

The partnership announcement sparked huge excitement across the running world, matching the scale of the weekend’s big event: the 10K Valencia by Kiprun, one of the fastest races in the world. The trip to Spain was not part of Jimmy Gressier’s winter training plan, but he could not resist the chance to pull on his new Kiprun kit for the occasion. True to his generous nature, he acted as a pacemaker to help a friend clock an impressive 30:33. An easy effort for Jimmy, but one that highlighted his team spirit and his willingness to help.

A natural choice rooted in his origins

Originally from Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France, Jimmy Gressier has a special connection with Decathlon, whose headquarters are also based in the region. In fact, he bought his first pair of running shoes at a Decathlon store when he was young. His partnership with Kiprun therefore carries a particularly personal dimension, almost a family one.

The north is home for me, it’s where my roots are. Working with a French brand, especially one from my region, was an obvious choice. Kiprun isn’t just a brand to me. It’s a story of passion, ambition and closeness.

Kiprun’s rise as a French running brand

This partnership marks a turning point for Kiprun, which is taking a giant step into the high-performance running world. Since its beginnings, the brand has stood out for products that are not only high-performing but also accessible. By joining forces with Jimmy Gressier, Kiprun now benefits from greater visibility and is sending a clear message: French excellence and innovation can take on the global giants. The partnership also gives Kiprun the chance to draw on Jimmy’s expertise, both as a world-class athlete and as a passionate running-shoe enthusiast. His first races in Kiprun’s new shoes are eagerly awaited, particularly over his favourite distances: 5K and 10K. The Boulogne native has already tested his new kit in training and said the KD900X LD+ felt excellent. Kiprun’s racing shoe for the road, it was put through its paces in a tough 10 x 1,000m session, with the final rep in 2:26.

Kiprun turns to elite athletes to strengthen its position

Kiprun has invested heavily in recent years to build its elite performance image. By recruiting international-calibre athletes such as Jimmy Gressier, Méline Rollin and Yoann Kowal, the brand is making its mark at the highest level of running. Another key part of the strategy is the creation of a training camp, the 42 House, in Kenya, an ideal base for altitude training. Jimmy Gressier, who particularly enjoys travelling to Kenya to train, will be able to make full use of its potential. By bringing elite athletes together and providing world-class facilities, Kiprun is clearly positioning itself among the best. These investments reflect the brand’s ambition to grow and help athletes perform at their highest level.

Shared values: authenticity, generosity and ambition

Beyond performances and records, this collaboration is built on a natural alignment between Jimmy Gressier’s values and those of Kiprun. Both embody authenticity, generosity and a certain fearlessness on the road, whether in taking risks or pursuing their ambitions. Kiprun’s goal is to become a global TOP 5 running brand. Jimmy’s vision is just as clear and direct: to keep running faster and win 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’re going to do great things.

A decisive 2025 for Jimmy Gressier

Jimmy Gressier’s 2025 has begun with a media splash, and the months ahead look just as busy and ambitious. On 1 February, Jimmy will line up for a stacked 5,000m in Boston, where he will attempt to break his own French record (12:54.97). In March, he will return to his home region in Lille, where he will try to lower his own European 5K record (13:12) before turning his attention to the European Road Running Championships in Belgium on 13 April. Jimmy will be determined to represent France proudly and confirm his status as a leader. The climax of his year will come in September at the World Championships in Tokyo, where he will be targeting a world-class performance.

© KIPRUN

© KIPRUN

© KIPRUN

© KIPRUN

© KIPRUN

© KIPRUN

Kiprun and Jimmy Gressier set their sights on LA 2028 and perhaps… the marathon

The partnership between Jimmy Gressier and Kiprun will not end in 2024. Set to run until at least 2028, it could reach its high point at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. Looking further ahead, Jimmy may change distances: he is considering moving up to the marathon, where his speed and endurance could produce something special. “I want to get close to 2:02 or 2:03 for the marathon. I know I’m capable of it, and I’ll do it,” he says with determination. The statement reflects both the athlete’s confidence and his generosity.

This collaboration with Kiprun is built on boldness and ambition. Now the face of Kiprun, Jimmy embodies a shared goal: to take French running to the top. Together, they are writing a meaningful story focused on the future, with plenty of promise for the athlete, the brand and every running enthusiast who will never see Kiprun in quite the same way again.