© Reims Champagne Run
Reims Champagne Run: a sparkling edition with 23,000 runners
Organized by the city of Reims in partnership with Playground Event, the 2025 Reims Champagne Run celebrated its third edition on October 12 and 13, bringing together 23,000 runners across various race formats on the roads, trails, and paths of the Champagne region. Over the course of two days, eight events were held—trail runs, a 5 km, a children’s race, a half marathon, and a 10 km—all set in a festive and unforgettable atmosphere.
For the past three years, Le Reims Champagne Run has established itself as a must-attend running event in the heart of France’s Champagne capital. This year saw a new record number of participants, reflecting the nationwide surge in race attendance: from 18,000 runners in 2024 to 23,000 for this year’s vintage edition.
Bathed in sunshine and filled with good cheer, the event unfolded through the cobblestone streets of the city center. The “City of Champagne” echoed all weekend with the rhythmic strides of the runners. Visitors were treated to views of the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims—listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—along with the region’s famous Champagne hillsides, houses, and cellars. The course also passed by local landmarks such as the Basilicas of Saint-Clotilde and Saint-Remi, the Foujita Chapel, and the Parc des Expositions.
| The Sacré Trail and its four distances
This lively weekend offered a rich and varied program that left running enthusiasts no time to get bored. On Saturday, four formats of the Sacré Trail were on the agenda, providing an appealing range of accessible distances: the 87 km (1,307 m of elevation gain), the 42 km (377 m of elevation gain), and two relay options—one for teams of two and another for teams of four. Around 2,000 trail runners took part in these races, now certified as UTMB Index events, allowing participants to earn valuable points toward future entries in the global UTMB World Series circuit.
The 87 km course wound its way through the city, the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, and the surrounding Champagne vineyards. Pierre Fossard (6:36:11) and Camille Prince (8:53:26) claimed victory over the long distance. The 42 km race was won by Teddy Colombe (2:50:22) and Maëlle Boucher (3:48:05). That same day, 850 young runners aged 7 to 15 took part in the “Course des P’tits Rèmes” in the Parc de Champagne.
| Sunday: time for the kings and queens of the road
October 12 marked the highlight of the celebration—the main popular event of the weekend. The streets of the “City of Coronations” were filled with cheering spectators as 20,000 runners took to the course under a gentle autumn sun. Around 9,000 participants lined up for one of the flagship races, the “Semi des Rois” half marathon. Rémi Richard (1:09:42) and Norwegian runner Marte Lien Johnsen (1:18:23) dominated their fields, leaving no chance for their rivals. The two- and four-person relay options were also a big success, offering a fun alternative for those hesitant to take on the full distance. The finish line, set beneath the historic Porte de Mars, left thousands of runners thrilled by the experience.
The “10 km de Rémus” drew the largest crowd, with 10,000 registered participants. Quentin Bouvier won the men’s race in 29:55, while Julie Giacomelli was the fastest woman, finishing in 35:39.
The 5 km event, free and open to all paces, carried a charitable purpose. Collective effort raised €1,190 in donations for the association Premiers de Cordée, which funds HOPI Sport stations for hospitalized children. It’s also worth noting that all the races were open to companies wishing to form teams and take part together.
| Friendly, responsible, and community-focused
A variety of musical and artistic activities added color and energy to this friendly, sports-filled weekend. The organizers set up “glitter and supporter zones” where participants could get their faces painted, make personalized cheering signs, or have their medals engraved. The crowd and the brass bands kept spirits high and runners motivated, especially around landmarks like the fountain on Place Royale.
The organizers of the Reims event paid particular attention to sustainability. The water supplied at aid stations came directly from the local public network, eliminating the use of plastic bottles. Cups were reusable, collected, washed, and reused for other events. All food products were locally sourced and seasonal, and the medals were made of engraved wood from sustainably managed French forests. Finally, special emphasis was placed on waste sorting and recycling to ensure a responsible, eco-friendly event.
Trail runners, road racers, beginners, and elites alike—the Reims Champagne Run is steadily establishing itself as one of France’s must-attend running events, welcoming competitors of all ages and backgrounds. With its rich and varied program combining races and artistic workshops, enthusiasts enjoyed a truly memorable weekend in the City of Champagne. There’s no doubt that this festival will continue to grow in the coming years—and the 23,000 participants of this third edition would certainly agree.
✔ All the results of the Reims Champagne Run
✔ All information available on the event’s official website
Emma BERT
Journaliste
