© A.S.O./Laura Jonin
Run In Lyon: Mustapha Salmi, King of the Gones
From the old Palais de Justice to the banks of the Rhône, Lyon pulsed with collective energy on Sunday morning. 33,000 running enthusiasts, including winner Mustapha Salmi, record-breaking performances, and that unmistakable feeling that, for a few hours, the entire city was moving to the same rhythm. Here’s a look back at a Run In Lyon edition unlike any other.
On Sunday, October 5, Lyon ran in harmony. From Vieux-Lyon to Confluence, from the Parc de la Tête d’Or to the banks of the Saône, 33,000 runners flooded the streets for a Run In Lyon by Harmonie Mutuelle more vibrant than ever. Under mild skies and a thin autumn haze, the 15th edition broke every record — participation, performances, and emotions. At 8:15 a.m., the first waves set off from the foot of the old courthouse, and the cobblestones trembled beneath their feet. A cheerful, packed crowd lined the course, applauding everything that moved. For one unforgettable Sunday, Lyon became a massive playground.
| The Salmi legacy and Jeanne Garreau’s homecoming
It was a story of legacy, destiny — and Lyon magic. Mustapha Salmi, a social media star (250,000 followers across platforms) and PUMA ambassador, won the marathon in 2:23:24 — 32 years after his father’s victory on the same course. At 25, the Rouen-based athlete, originally from Blida, Algeria, pulled away from Philippe Couvat (2nd in 2:25:03) and Léo Goudeau (3rd in 2:28:34).
“Mus,” as he’s known online, has made a name for himself on shorter distances (notably 10K), but his progression over the marathon is striking. Off the track, he shares his athletic life on Instagram and YouTube and has launched his own brand of nasal strips, Blazt. Behind the frontrunner, thousands of everyday runners and local figures filled the streets — including the indefatigable Yoann Stuck (3:01:56) and Sébastien Michel, the mayor of Écully, who finished in 3:28:35.
Among the women, Jeanne Garreau, running on home soil, delivered a stunning performance. She not only claimed victory but shattered the course record by six minutes, clocking 2:43:34 — a world-class time and a symbolic triumph for a Lyon native. “It felt like the whole city was carrying me,” she said, still emotional at the finish. “The cheers along the river, the drums in Place Bellecour… it’s unforgettable.” Audrey Passot (2:50:29) and Léa Boyer (2:56:57) completed an all-French podium.
| Julien Rabaca defends his half-marathon title, Héloïse Laigle breaks the record
On the half-marathon, Julien Rabaca, last year’s champion, did it again. The runner from Haute-Loire covered the 21.1 km course in 1:04:34, staying ahead of Baptiste Jard (1:04:54) and Anatole Berthou (1:05:03). Among the women, Héloïse Laigle dominated in 1:12:24, improving the women’s record by nearly three minutes and leaving her rivals far behind. More than four minutes back, Sarah Rouquier (1:16:37) took second place, followed by Charline Micoud (1:17:54).
| Matis Boucard and Manon Gérard: pure speed
The 10K, the crowd favorite, once again delivered fireworks. Matis Boucard won in 30:38, edging out Jeremy Dura(30:45) and Elian Jacquin (30:49) in a tight battle. Among the women, Pauline Thomas took the win in 35:15, confirming her growing reputation on the road. Manon Gérard (35:57) and Margot Novel (37:20) completed the top three.
| By the numbers: running with purpose
- 33,000 participants (record)
- 44% women
- 62% first-time runners
- €80,000 raised for charities
- €24,000 donated to ANTS
- 2 women’s records broken (marathon and half-marathon)
| A city as a stage, a crowd as the heart
The Lyon course feels like a living postcard — from the Fourvière hill watching over the city to the Rhône’s glimmering reflections and the grand finish at Place Bellecour. Every neighborhood joined the celebration: marching bands, applause, street performances… even café terraces joined in the rhythm.
For many, Run In Lyon has become an autumn tradition — part mass participation event, part urban festival. This year’s edition, with 3,000 more participants than last year, reached what organizers called the “comfort limit” — and the atmosphere showed it.
| Run In Lyon confirmed through 2028
Good news for fans: the story continues. The partnership between A.S.O. (Amaury Sport Organisation) and Harmonie Mutuelle has been extended through 2028, with a shared goal — promoting long-term health and inclusive sport.
With over 700,000 people engaged through its programs each year, Harmonie Mutuelle has become a major player in France’s sport & health movement. And the slogan for this edition said it all: “When a whole city runs as one.”
Run In Lyon by Harmonie Mutuelle will return on October 4, 2026, with the same passion, the same energy — and no doubt, even more stories to tell. Pre-registrations are already open for those ready to write their own chapter between the Rhône and the Saône.
As the final runners crossed the line at Place Bellecour, the city slowly fell silent again. The bands packed away their brass instruments, the volunteers their cups — but the energy lingered in the air. The energy of a city that, for one Sunday, ran with one heartbeat.
✔ All the results from the 2025 Run In Lyon edition are available now.
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
