Paris-Versailles 2025: Mélody Julien and Faustin Guigon take the crowns

The 46th edition of Paris-Versailles once again brought the streets to life, from Paris's 16th arrondissement to the Château de Versailles, with nearly 25,000 runners lining up at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Blue skies, blazing sunshine and a vibrant atmosphere: the event, organised by the Paris-Versailles association, drew on the efforts of 1,800 volunteers to keep everything running smoothly. Over the 16.2 km of this iconic course, part mass celebration and part genuine sporting challenge, Mélody Julien (53:03) and Faustin Guigon (50:13) stood out with two impressive performances.

The race has been around for 46 years, and it continues to attract runners, 85% of whom come from the Paris region. While the participation record was not broken, the maximum field has been reached every year since 2013. The success of this “historic” race remains impressive.

Mélody Julien, queen of Versailles

The AM Montredonnaise distance runner has a particular affection for this race. A rolling course, fierce competition and ideal weather conditions: Paris-Versailles has everything needed for a strong outing. At two weeks out from her main goal, the Chicago Marathon, Mélody Julien confirmed her excellent form. She dominated the race to retain her crown in front of the Château de Versailles in 53:02, compared with 55:29 in the 2024 edition. Behind her came plenty of talent, with Anaïs Quemener taking second place in 57:21 and Émilie Christel completing the podium in 1:02:06.

Mélody Julien now faces two weeks of tapering before lining up for the iconic Chicago Marathon, where the men's and women's marathon world records fell in 2023 and 2024. The stage is set. The 26-year-old from the Tarn region will look to continue her spectacular rise in French distance running by setting a new personal best, improving on the 2:25:00 she ran in Valencia in 2023.

Mélody Julien, who travelled from the Tarn specifically to defend her title, won again. Running in the footsteps of the Paris Olympic Games was a fine way for her to launch the season. “I knew I was in good shape, but I’m coming off two big training weeks, so I was a little worried about being tired, like last year when I raced just after the Games. I had very good sensations and I’m optimistic about the Chicago Marathon on 12 October. I’m really happy to run here, and the goal was to do the double,” she said, exhausted but delighted.

Anaïs Quemener, still competing for La Meute and constantly stopped for a few words or a photo, was thrilled with her second place: “I came here a bit to see how it would go, because I haven’t competed officially in Paris since my little boy, Elyo, was born. So I didn’t really have a goal when I picked up my bib. But as the race went on, I got caught up in it and, as usual, I loved it. I found myself in a pack with other runners, and it was brilliant! The place is a bonus because it wasn’t my main objective, but let’s say the season is off to a good start.”

Well behind them, Emilie Christel claimed third place in 1:01:42. A keen runner since childhood, the Versailles native made an impression on her first appearance. “I found out I was third with one kilometre to go. I’m delighted to make it home, ready to enjoy Sunday roast chicken. Being able to start from the preferential pens made the race much easier for me. It was great!” said the former Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines club athlete.

It’s a pleasure to run here. Thanks to the organisers and the volunteers. Last year, I raced after the Games and was a little tired. I’ve just completed two big weeks of preparation and I’m feeling very good for 12 October. My goal is the Chicago Marathon in early October.
Mélody Julien

Faustin Guigon, a much-needed victory

It was barely 10:50 when Faustin Guigon crossed the finish line, well clear at the front in 50:13. Favourite Florian Carvalho, a French international with 23 caps, did not disappoint, finishing in 50:54. The Pays de Fontainebleau Athlétisme representative is now putting enjoyment above everything else. “My form is secondary. I’m coming off the Auray-Vannes half marathon, which has still left its mark, and I had a complicated week personally. I’m pleased to have been up at the front with Faustin and Sacha; it was a great Sunday. We’ll come back stronger. These days I run for pleasure, but I also pass on my experience to the club’s youngsters, and I’m still enjoying myself. That’s what matters most.” Sacha Liguori completed the podium, delighted to share it with two athletes of that calibre.

I’m surprised. This is my third time taking part and I had a few time markers in mind. I wanted to break 52 minutes and ran 50:13. It’s incredible! The conditions were favourable, the weather perfect, I knew the course and I felt good. It’s a magnificent victory, from the Eiffel Tower all the way to the Château de Versailles. I couldn’t have asked for anything better from this great classic.
Faustin Guigon

The formidable Côte des Gardes: runners face the test

The 2 km Côte des Gardes, with an average gradient of 7% and pitches reaching 12%, already enjoys a certain reputation in Paris running circles, thanks in particular to the race’s iconic route. It inspires fascination and attraction, but also apprehension. Fadila Imerglik, who completed the race in 1:18, comfortably lowering last year’s record of 1:22, spoke about how tough it was: “What I feared most was the hill. I was having real nightmares about it. It’s incredibly difficult, with sections at 11%, and hard to train for. I’m not a climber, so I knew I would have to make up for it elsewhere in the race. Even at 7:00 per kilometre, it hurts your glutes and thighs… my God, what a nightmare!” Lola Le Brestec, from Team Infinity Run, advised runners that they “mustn’t set off too fast, because the hill comes in two stages. When you reach the Meudon Observatory, you think it’s over… but there’s still another section. You really need to save some energy for the finish: another two or three climbs, then a 2 km false flat to the finish line, which you can see in the distance.”

The Scouts fuel the atmosphere along the course

Founded in 1976, the race is built on a unique community-based model. There are no public subsidies: the budget comes entirely from entry fees and the mobilisation of nearly 2,500 people, including 1,800 volunteers from local clubs. More than a race, Paris-Versailles is a major public celebration and a showcase for French running-event organisation.

Volunteers play a central role throughout the event. Local clubs are naturally involved, but the Scouts and Guides of France stand out in particular for their energy and enthusiasm. They were everywhere: at the start, at the aid stations and even on the formidable Côte des Gardes with their foghorns. Around 400 of them were tasked with welcoming finishers at the line, and they did far more than hand out race packs: cheers and waves of noise erupted every time a medal or bottle of water was presented. For the Scouts, taking part in Paris-Versailles is almost a rite of passage. Missing it is unthinkable!

Paris-Versailles, a popular yet demanding classic

Paris-Versailles holds such a special place in runners’ hearts because of its unique blend: a mass-participation race with 25,000 participants, but also a demanding sporting challenge. The famous 2 km Côte des Gardes is a legendary section of the course, and was also used for the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Once it is behind them, though, the finish in front of the Château de Versailles makes many of the aches disappear and gives runners an exceptional sense of joy.

Blue skies, blazing sunshine and a vibrant atmosphere: Paris-Versailles delivered another glorious edition on Sunday. From the Eiffel Tower to the Château de Versailles, 25,000 runners took on the iconic 16.2 km course, part mass celebration and part genuine sporting challenge. Against this dream backdrop, Mélody Julien (53:03) and Faustin Guigon (50:13) stood out with two superb performances.

Paris-Versailles 2025: Mélody Julien and Faustin Guigon take the crowns

Blending intense effort, iconic scenery and solidarity along the course, Paris-Versailles once again confirmed its place as a fixture in the French running calendar. Under blazing sunshine, the 46th edition showed the event’s full magic: Mélody Julien confirmed her superiority, Faustin Guigon wrote one of the finest chapters of his young career, and thousands of anonymous runners enjoyed their own moment of glory as they crossed the line in front of the Château de Versailles. The date is already set for 27 September 2026, when the 47th edition will take place. The love story between Paris-Versailles and running is far from over.

✔ Find all the results from the 46th edition of Paris-Versailles