© Mairie du 17e Paris
Onatéra Paris 17 10K: Loréna Meningand extends her reign, Julien Pallierne claims the crown
A wake-up call delivered by 6,500 pounding pairs of shoes, two neighbouring districts turning their streets into a giant playground, and a livelier-than-ever Onatéra Paris 17 10K: the 17th arrondissement came alive at dawn. Warm-up zones had the vibe of a mini-festival, crowds packed the intersections, and the redesigned route encouraged pure speed. In these near-perfect conditions, Loréna Meningand ruled at home once again, while Julien Pallierne seized control of the men’s race. A sharp, surprising, and electric edition from start to finish.
Nearly four decades on, the race still has the same spark. To bring people together, shake up the neighborhood and inject new energy with a reworked, faster, more intuitive, and more open course, the 39th edition offered the perfect excuse to slip outside on a Sunday morning. Pereire Boulevard, Guersant, Wagram, Batignolles, Épinettes… One single loop, a slice of Paris packed into 10 kilometers with only 51 meters of elevation gain — 19 fewer than last year. Runners flowed from one neighborhood to the next like a long tracking shot. With crowds thicker than ever and cheering from every corner, the women’s race quickly turned into the main firestarter.
| Loréna Meningand: winning on home turf
Already the talk of the race last year, French runner Loréna Meningand returned to defend her crown… literally on her own doorstep. She delivered a smooth, controlled 34:53, running without pressure but clearly thrilled to race at home. “I actually came here planning to use it as a workout because I’ve got the Eiffel Tower 10K next week,” she said. “But I still really wanted to win — it’s right below my apartment.”
The best frenchie on the Paris Marathon 2025 describes the finish almost like a childhood memory: “Those last 300 meters… we run right past my building. I train here every day. And I won last year, so I just love this race. I had to push a bit, but I enjoyed it so much.” More fans, more atmosphere, and a smoother course overall: “Honestly, way more people this year. And the route is pretty fast except for the final climb. After that, it drops and you can really fly.”
| Not comfortable over 10K — really?
Long accompanied by French runner Alix Vermeulen, who finished 2nd in 34:58, Meningand admitted she played it smart out on the road. “I stayed with Alix from Racing the whole way. I kind of tucked in behind her… it was faster than I expected.” Then came the coach’s command: “I was supposed to go all-out in the last kilometer, so I kicked. And I loved it — it felt great.” Sarah Hamzaoui completed the podium in 35:35.
Meningand never hides it: the 10K is not her favourite distance. “I hate the 10K! I don’t have the speed. My half-marathon pace is basically my 10K pace, and almost my marathon pace too.” So why race it? “Because it’s the end of the season, there are no big goals left, and my whole club does it. I know I won’t run a crazy time, but I love the atmosphere.”
What’s next? Rest, reflection, and building momentum again. “Normally a marathon next year. Maybe Barcelona. We’ll see if I find the motivation. If I’m up for it, we’ll probably start training in January.” A 10K during marathon prep? “No!” she laughed.
| Julien Pallierne takes command
A few minutes earlier, Julien Pallierne had dominated the men’s race from gun to tape, winning in 30:10 with a solo effort from the first kilometer to the last. Representing Nantes Étudiants Club, he pulled off a double victory by also winning the SCUF Golden Kilometer Trophy, awarded to the fastest athlete over the final kilometer — clocking a rapid 2:43.
Quentin Cau took second place in 30:15, just ahead of Lahoucine Douzi in 30:17. 2022 winner Luc Montaudon — who holds a 29:34 PB — finished eighth in 30:45, while defending champion Saad Simani Tlemcani crossed the line in 12th place (31:09).
| A 10K that keeps growing
With the atmosphere turned up, an improved course, standout winners and constant noise from the sidewalks, the Onatéra Paris 17 10K is steadily cementing its place among Paris’s warmest, smoothest-running events. A rare mix of strong competition, community vibes, neighborhood energy and shared fun. Two local champions winning at home, a crowd lifting every stride, and streets that vibrated from start to finish — that’s how the 39th chapter wrote its story.
✔ See all the results from the 2025 Onatéra Paris 17 10K
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
