© Kinetik Toulouse Urban Trail
Kinetik Toulouse Urban Trail: 5,000 runners paint the city pink with joy
This Sunday, April 19, French runner Mostapha Lambach took control of the 24 km race (1:28:10) and never let go, while Marie Laplace set the tone in the women’s field at the Kinetik Toulouse Urban Trail. Matteo Gerlin (9 km) and Guillaume Soudais (14 km) delivered as expected, and Luce Vergneaux produced a remarkable double—winning the 9 km before returning to claim a podium spot in the 24 km. It was a morning where the times spoke clearly and the hierarchy left little room for doubt.
The numbers tell the story: more than 1,000 additional participants in just one year. From 4,000 to 5,000 bibs, without hype or overstatement—just steady, organic growth driven by a format that works. Three distances (9, 14, and 24 km), a central hub at the Cours Dillon, and a simple promise: to experience Toulouse differently, through its heritage, sharp accelerations, and leg-burning staircases.
Audric Auriel, director of My Sport Agency, didn’t hide his satisfaction at the finish. The long-awaited event delivered smoothly, backed by nearly 300 volunteers and four months of behind-the-scenes preparation. The kind of well-oiled machine that makes runners want to come back—and almost frustrates, given that demand already exceeded capacity. By his estimate, 7,000 runners would not have been unrealistic.
Gone was last year’s rain. This time, the weather played along perfectly—neither too warm nor too cool. Ideal conditions to push the pace, but also to enjoy the setting. Because this Kinetik Toulouse Urban Trail isn’t just about ticking off kilometers—it tells the story of Toulouse, the “Pink City.” Narrow streets, relentless staircases, constant changes of rhythm: a technical but fair urban playground where everyone writes their own race. And within that narrative, one theme kept coming back—the dominance of SATUC.
| SATUC leaves its mark
Five athletes in the top three, including two victories. The Toulouse-based club made a massive impact on the 2026 edition. A constant presence, almost suffocating for the competition, and a clear ability to lock down podium spots—proof of impressive depth. In the 9 km, Matteo Gerlin took the win in 34:38, just ahead of teammate Evan Cornu (34:44), sealing a clean one-two finish. Over 24 km, Baptiste Roux added another podium (3rd in 1:34:40), reinforcing the club’s collective strength.
| Luce Vergneaux: a weekend at full speed
Amid an already stacked field, one performance stood out. France’s Luce Vergneaux delivered something special. The day before, she claimed a departmental title over 5,000 meters. The next day, she won the 9 km (42:59)… then came back for the 24 km and grabbed third place. All of it with a smile—and a simple line that captured the mood perfectly: the legs respond, but the stairs leave their mark. Hard to be more complete. Hard not to see her performance as the perfect symbol of a race that rewards versatility, commitment, and resilience without pause.
| Lambach in control, Laplace in command
On the main event, the 24 km, Mostapha Lambach ran a composed, authoritative race. Victory in 1:28:10, ahead of Tom Toussaint (1:29:05), built on smart pacing and zero mistakes in a format where every error costs dearly. In the women’s race, Marie Laplace secured another win for SATUC in 1:43:04, controlling the race from start to finish and confirming the club’s dominance. Over 14 km, Guillaume Soudais (49:35) and Léa Vergondy (59:07) completed the winners’ list in tighter but equally committed races.
| More than a race: a meaningful weekend
The Kinetik Toulouse Urban Trail was more than a sequence of start lines. The day before, children opened the weekend in a softer but equally meaningful atmosphere. Two charities were highlighted: Colosse aux pieds d’argile, which fights against abuse in sports, and 1 Maillot pour la Vie, supporting hospitalized children. A reminder that running can serve a purpose beyond chasing times.
No incidents, solid organization, rising participation, and a clear identity taking shape. In just two years, the Toulouse event has secured its place on the calendar—quietly, but with real coherence. What’s next? It almost feels inevitable. More runners. A few adjustments. And the sense that the Pink City hasn’t finished getting people moving just yet.
✔ Results of the 2026 Kinetik Toulouse Urban Trail
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
