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Prom’Classic 2026 in Nice: registration opens for France’s most competitive 10 km race
The Prom’Classic in Nice, known as the most competitive and one of the fastest 10 km races in France, returns on January 4, 2026. Don’t miss registration, which opens on Tuesday, October 7, at 11:00 a.m. Spots are expected to sell out in record time — almost as fast as the runners who will be flying down the Promenade des Anglais early next year. Marathons.com brings you all the key information about this must-attend event on the French Riviera.
In recent years, race bibs for road events have become as hard to get as concert tickets — and the 10 km in Nice is the perfect example. A must on the French running calendar, the Prom’Classic will celebrate its 26th anniversary on January 4, 2026, with the same enthusiasm that has made it a crowd favorite. Some runners eagerly await this event, describing it as “the most important day of the year,” like promising young runner Louis Michel, who clocked 29:03 in 2025 — the 16th fastest U23 performance ever by a French athlete. Taking place in the very heart of Nice, this race remains one of the most beautiful running events in France.
Whether or not you’re the type to start the year with good resolutions, it’s a great opportunity to kick off 2026 on your own or with your training group. The event’s success has grown steadily over the past quarter-century and has sold out three years in a row, weeks before race day. In 2025, registration closed as early as November 18, 2024. If you want to be among the lucky ones this time, you’ll need to be ready when registration opens on Tuesday, October 7, at 11:00 a.m. The first 1,000 runners will benefit from a special early-bird rate of €19 (note: this special rate was snapped up in just 15 minutes last year).
To ensure smooth organization, Azur Sport Organisation has capped the number of participants at 15,000 — 3,500 more than last year. There’s little doubt those bibs will go fast. As always, the event maintains its charitable spirit, donating €1 from each entry to its partner organization, the Banque Alimentaire des Alpes-Maritimes (local food bank).
| A fast out-and-back course along the Promenade des Anglais
Each year, waves of runners take over one of the world’s most famous avenues, the Promenade des Anglais. The start line is set near the Théâtre de Verdure, and after 5 kilometers, runners make a single 180-degree turn close to Phoenix Park, near Nice Airport. From there, it’s a flat-out dash for the final 5 kilometers to the finish line. There’s simply no faster or flatter course than the Prom’.
Runners get to enjoy this iconic seaside boulevard — a UNESCO World Heritage site — closed to traffic and entirely reserved for them on race day. It’s a perfectly smooth stretch of road where you can push your limits and aim for a personal best. The atmosphere is electric, with crowds of spectators lining the route, and the scenery is breathtaking, offering an open view of the Baie des Anges.
| An ideal race for all levels
This legendary race on the French running calendar welcomes everyone — from first-timers to elite athletes — and attracts a wide range of passionate runners. Few races in France have achieved such status. In 2025, 40% of participants were women and 10% came from abroad. The 10 km distance is perfect for newcomers as well as more experienced runners.
Pace leaders are available to help you reach your goal, with target times of 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 minutes. The event is officially listed in the French Athletics Federation calendar and serves as a qualifier for the French Championships over the 10 km distance.
Last year, the oldest participant, Charles Stuyven (91 years old), crossed the finish line in 1h48’31. The 2025 edition was dominated by Azeddine Habz, who won in 27’44 after an impressive solo effort. On the women’s side, the race offered a remarkable performance from Sarah Madeleine, who equaled the French record with a time of 31’15 (a mark since reclaimed by Nice native Alessia Zarbo in 31’00 in Prague on September 10, 2025).
Its perfectly flat and fast out-and-back course, exceptional field depth, stunning seaside setting, and often ideal weather conditions make it one of the most coveted events for runners chasing personal bests.
| Key figures from the 2025 edition (source: Stadion)
✔ 579 runners under 35 minutes
✔ 207 under 32 minutes
✔ 113 under 31 minutes
✔ 52 under 30 minutes
✔ 10 under 29 minutes
✔ 4 French records : Sarah Madeleine (31’15, seniors), Martin Hubner (29’01, U20), Emmanuel Meyssat (29’38, M2), Fekih Lahcene (31’08, M4)
Registration for one of France’s most iconic races opens this October 7. You’ll need to be quick to secure one of the 15,000 bibs released by the organizers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, the Prom’Classic — a true celebration of running — never disappoints. It’s the perfect opportunity to start 2026 on a high note, under the banner of running and good vibes.
✔ Find all the event information here
Emma BERT
Journaliste
