© Emma Bert / Marathons.com
Christmas Corrida in Issy-les-Moulineaux: 12,000 runners celebrating running
For its 47th edition, the Corrida de Noël d’Issy-Les-Moulineaux brought together more than 12,000 participants on December 14. The event once again combined performance and conviviality across its various races on the program. The 10K confirmed its popularity, highlighted in particular by a French age-group record in the over-80 category.
A persistent mist and darkness still shrouded the sleepy town of Issy-les-Moulineaux on that December Sunday morning. It was not yet seven o’clock when the first runners began making their way to the Cité des Sports to drop off their bags before the start. Meanwhile, volunteers were setting up barriers that clanged metallically against the sidewalks.
Police and race motorcycles hummed softly before cruising through the nearly empty streets to ensure the course was properly set. Their flashing lights cast streaks of orange, blue, and bright yellow across the pale façades. The town slowly came to life to the sound of passionate runners warming up and the coordinated movement of the organizing team ahead of the morning’s start.
| The Rennes 5K: young triathletes take control
The day got off to a great start with the Rennes 5K. This 5.2 km race, both accessible and competitive, took place on perfectly paved streets, along a loop filled with opportunities to accelerate. Participants were cheered on by numerous marching bands, adding warmth and energy to the atmosphere.
The finish thrilled local spectators, with the city’s young triathletes dominating the race. First across the line was Tristan Douché in 14:48 (Issy Triathlon and Neuilly-Plaisance), the 2025 junior world triathlon champion, who claimed victory effortlessly. Timothée Neouze (15:11) and Gabin Yonnet (15:17) completed the podium.
“I went straight to the front at my own pace because it felt like a training session for me, so I was targeting a specific time and managed my rhythm to hold it all the way to the finish.”
Tristan Douché, 2025 junior world triathlon champion and winner of the Christmas Corrida
The same story unfolded in the women’s race, with her club teammate Ambre Grasset, 2024 junior world triathlon champion and 23rd at last year’s World Cross Country Championships, taking the spotlight. Alizée Benaiteau (2nd in 16:45) marked her return to competition after several years away, while Aude Korotchansky claimed third place in 17:04.
“I’m quite happy with the result. I ran alongside teammates from Issy Triathlon and Neuilly-Plaisance. I love the course—I’m from Issy, so I’ve been taking part since I was little. It’s always a pride to win at home.”
Ambre Grasset, junior world triathlon champion and winner of the Christmas Corrida
| The 10K Performance Race, the most popular distance
If there is one distance that always draws a crowd, it’s the 10K. Issy-les-Moulineaux was no exception, with nearly 4,000 runners tackling the double loop. The race, Bronze-labeled by the French Athletics Federation, was highlighted by a rare French record: André Ozanne, in the over-80 category, ran 44:57. This marked the first time in France that a Master 9 runner broke the 45-minute barrier over the distance.
At the front, Geoffrey Delver claimed victory in 30:23, followed by Théodore Liot in 30:34 and Yliès Mihoubi, fifth in the 1500 m at the 2021 European Junior Championships. In the women’s race, Mathilde Vinet was fastest in 35:04, with Salomé Astier (35:48) and Perrine Lequitte-Charransol (37:03) completing the podium.
“The race went really well, and the conditions were perfect. I found myself alone at the 5th kilometer after pushing the pace. I finished faster, just like at the Boulogne half marathon where I ran 1:07:18. The form is definitely there.”
Geoffrey Delver, 1st of the 10 km
“The race was very competitive. I tried to stick with the packs because it helps conserve energy, but I lost several of them since they were going too fast, so I ran alone at times and with other participants at others. At the very start, I was side by side with another runner, but I quickly lost sight of her.”
Mathilde Vinet, 1st of the 10 km
| The 10K Fancy Dress Race: Santa Clauses Take the Spotlight
After the timed races, it was time for the fun and festive spirit that define the Corrida. The program included races for young runners and for those who wanted to push themselves while dressed in costume. More than 4,500 Santas, reindeer, and other magical characters brought smiles to the faces of spectators lining the streets. For the children, over 2,000 took part in the Elf and Snowman races.
| A strong commitment to community and social causes
The Christmas Corrida in Issy-les-Moulineaux is committed to both sustainability and social responsibility. This year, €3,199 was raised through race entries for the association Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, helping to fund initiatives for children suffering from heart defects.
Beyond its charitable focus, the organizers have embraced a sustainable approach, aiming to eliminate plastic bottles. This commitment is also reflected in the finisher medals, made in France from wood sourced from sustainably managed French forests to reduce CO2 emissions linked to international transport.
December is here, bringing with it the traditional Christmas Corridas, like the one in Issy-les-Moulineaux. With more than 12,000 participants across all the races in the program, this festive and friendly event once again proved its appeal. Between renowned champions and Santa Clauses, the streets buzzed with a lively end-of-year atmosphere.
✔ All the results from the Christmas Corrida in Issy-les-Moulineaux
Emma BERT
Journaliste
