Marvejols-Mende Half Marathon: Mélody Julien and Nixon Kiprotich shine in Lozère

A legendary race for its scenery… and its difficulty

This is one of France’s historic races. With its unique format, Marvejols-Mende is a half marathon in name only: at 22.4 kilometres, it is longer than the standard distance. Between the two towns of Marvejols (688 m above sea level) and Mende (740 m), the twisting course takes runners over two iconic passes in the region: Goudard (1,018 m) and Chabrits (960 m). A punishing succession of false flats, steep climbs and quad-busting descents is offset by breathtaking views across the region, far removed from the urban scenery usually associated with road races. Marvejols-Mende is the ultimate test: mental strength, muscular endurance and burning quads… On this hilly course, holding a steady pace is impossible. Runners are constantly forced to deal with changes in rhythm and elevation.

Mélody Julien: the Tarn native on top

The field set off beneath clear skies at 9 a.m., cheered on by thousands of spectators and supported by more than 550 volunteers, in a warm and festive atmosphere. Authentic, local running at its very best.

France’s Mélody Julien confirmed her upward trajectory. A regular on this course over the years, the 2022 French half-marathon champion and marathoner at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (74th) crossed the finish line in 1:27:29, despite a massive blister on her right foot caused by the course’s steep descents. She finished ahead of Morocco’s Hanane Bouaggad (1:29:00) and Fatiha Asmid (1:29:31).

It was a high-level performance on a demanding course, well outside her half-marathon personal best of 1:10:31, set in Seville earlier this year, but one that underlined her ability to adapt and thrive on any terrain.

Nixon Kiprotich: a winning debut

In the men’s race, Kenya’s Nixon Kiprotich made a perfect debut at Marvejols-Mende, taming the Lozère course in style. He won in 1:15:04, ahead of Morocco’s Youssef Benhadi (1:15:26) and France’s Raphaël Montoya (1:15:55). The course record, still held by Luka Kanda (1:10:09 in 2011), remains untouched, but Kiprotich made a strong impression on his first appearance at the race.

Notable performances and familiar faces

The performance of local runner Corentin Capelier also deserves a mention. He finished 17th overall in 1:20:49, securing his fourth consecutive local title. Anne Moulin, the daughter of the event’s founder, took fourth among the women in 1:32:58, her fastest time on the course.

The field also included Olympic marathoner Nicolas Navarro, who had to battle through severe muscle pain. He finished 11th in 1:18:47 on a course that does little to favour specialists of fast, flat races. Two-time 100K world champion Floriane Hot was also on the start line, crossing in 14th place in 1:40:54.

A sporting challenge in the heart of Lozère

The course profile lives up to its reputation. After easing into the race on Bouldoire’s false flats, runners face the severe gradients of the Goudard pass, reaching 15%, followed by a technical descent towards La Planchette, where the quads take a serious beating. The Chabrits climb provides one final obstacle before the long descent to Mende and the finish on Boulevard Henri Bourrillon, amid jubilant crowds and scenes reminiscent of the Tour de France.

The course winds through magnificent scenery, with forests, valleys and panoramic views. Around every bend, spectators’ cheers, brass bands, drums, local dances and the energy of the volunteers accompany the runners’ footsteps through this remarkable setting.

A race steeped in history

Created in 1973 by Jean-Claude Moulin and a few passionate friends, Marvejols-Mende was the first race in France to welcome unlicensed runners and women, at a time when women were still barred from competing over distances beyond 5 km. That pioneering move earned its founder a suspension from the FFA, before the French Sports Ministry created a commission to regulate road races… taking inspiration from Marvejols-Mende.

Over fifty-two editions, the event has become a symbol of sporting freedom and inclusivity, while preserving its popular, festive and authentic spirit. Races such as Marseille-Cassis and Paris-Versailles were created in its wake. Quite an achievement.

Year after year, Marvejols-Mende retains the authentic character that makes it so unique. Running this race means celebrating the sport and the freedom it represents, while becoming part of an event that is both grassroots and elite. The perfect link between amateurs and professionals, united by the same passion for running. As they crossed the finish line, the 5,000 runners in the 2025 edition could say it with pride: they had dared to run the legend.

✔ Check out the Marvejols-Mende Half Marathon results