© Thierry Jouanin / Hyères Running Days
Popular appeal and top-level performances at the Hyères Running Days
For five days, from December 10 to 14, Hyères was alive with the rhythm of running during the Hyères Running Days. A total of 6,500 participants took part in this fantastic 2025 edition on the French Riviera, across a wide range of races. It was a record turnout for the 9th edition, alongside an exceptionally strong elite field in the main events.
Road races, a night trail, corporate and parent/child challenges, youth races, hikes, and Longe Côte—the weekend program was full and varied, with nine different formats. A new addition this year was the Crazy Run, a 7 km seaside event featuring a high-energy atmosphere, plenty of costumes, and entertainment along the entire course.
La Prom’Hyères attracted a strong field of runners aiming for top performances and qualifications for the French 5K and 10K Championships from December 10 to 14. Under bright sunshine and perfect conditions, the flat, fast course along the Port of Hyères, Bronze-labeled by the French Athletics Federation, delivered impressive performances.
| French Master 0 Record for Fadouwa Ledhem
This achievement was perfectly embodied by Fadouwa Ledhem’s victory in 31:31, earning her the French Master 0 record. The Athlé 91 athlete, who competed in the half marathon at the 2024 European Championships in Rome, was followed by Olympian Mekdes Woldu in 31:42 and Philippine De La Bigne in 32:05. A very high-level podium with performances at an international standard, reflecting the depth of competition in Hyères.
The men’s elite field was equally impressive. Moroccan Soufiyan Bouqantar narrowly claimed victory in 28:27, just ahead of Kenyan Victor Kimosop in 28:28. Franco-Algerian Abderrazak Charik completed the podium in 28:37. French Olympian Nicolas Navarro also set a personal best with 28:45, just a week after the Valencia Marathon.
| A high-quality 5K
The 5K also drew numerous runners chasing personal bests. The Moroccans Saïd Mhaimer (13:50) and Soufiyan Bouqantar (13:53) claimed first and third place, respectively, while 1500 m specialist Gaor Drouin Viallard took second in 13:54. Notable performances also came from junior triathletes Quentin Baue in 14:15 and Jules Chabanel in 14:25.
On the women’s side, reigning French U23 1500 m champion Augustine Haquet was the fastest in 15:40. Algerian runner Abir Reffas followed in 15:56, setting a new national record. Third place went to Clara Entresangle, 11th in the 3000 m steeplechase at the last European U23 Championships, finishing in 16:11.
| A full and festive program
Beyond the performance races, a wide variety of formats delighted runners of all ages and levels. The Cross des Lutins brought together more than 150 children aged six to twelve, kicking off the running festivities, which concluded with the Longe Côte and Trail Longe Côte events on Almanarre Beach. These two races also counted toward the French Clubs Cup.
Over 900 participants took part in the night trail and hike, tackling the Château de Hyères and surrounding hills. The Corporat’Run then brought together 26 teams, who relayed along the Port of Hyères for two hours, aiming to complete as many laps as possible within the time limit.
Not to be forgotten, the Parent/Child Challenge, a fun relay race on the Port, attracted 150 pairs, alongside the Crazy Run. Some 600 runners took part in this festive 7 km seaside race, with DJs lining the course to keep the energy high. It was the perfect opportunity to run and celebrate at the same time, starting on the sand and continuing to the village of La Capte on the Giens Peninsula.
| A race with a charitable focus
Beyond being a competitive and friendly running event, the Hyères Running Days are committed to charity. A portion of the registration fees is donated to the association Vaincre Maladies Lysosomales, which supports patients and families living with one of these 60 rare genetic lysosomal diseases. Some of them even took part in the races wearing orange t-shirts.
✔ All the results of the Hyères Running Days
Emma BERT
Journaliste
