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Seine Marathon 76: Aurélien Declosmesnil and Camille Chaigneau claim victory in Rouen
On September 27–28, the streets of Rouen came alive with the strides of 16,982 runners gathered for the Seine Marathon 76. The program featured a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, offering something for every running enthusiast in this seventh successful edition. The organizers’ goal was clear: bring runners together around festive, community-driven races. Solidarity, respect for the environment and sporting values, along with celebrating the city’s cultural heritage, were at the heart of the event. In the showcase distance, the marathon, French athletes Aurélien Declosmesnil and Camille Chaigneau dominated the race from start to finish.
The event has established itself as a true running festival in Normandy. The Seine Marathon 76 is renowned for its festive atmosphere, thanks to the crowds of Rouen residents lining the streets. The course is relatively flat, winding along the banks of the Seine and through the historic city center. From the Botanical Garden to the magnificent Rouen Cathedral, past the iconic Gros-Horloge and the Museum of Fine Arts, the route offers a scenic tour that draws large numbers of runners. Demand was so high that bibs sold out well before race day.
| A first-time marathoner and a 100K world silver medalist
Victory went to the runner no one expected. Aurélien Declosmesnil crossed the line first after a solo effort in the marathon, clocking 2:32:17. It was a masterstroke for the 25-year-old, who was running his very first marathon after being forced to withdraw from the Paris Marathon (April 13, 2025) due to injury. This win is the reward for a disciplined summer of training for the physical education teacher, who only started running two years ago. And he has no intention of stopping anytime soon—he’s fallen in love with the sport. Declosmesnil was followed by Paul Maes (AS Marck, 2:37:29) and Léo Crowet (2:38:19).
On the women’s side, Camille Chaigneau, the 2022 100K World Championship silver medalist in Berlin, took the win in 2:47:09, her third marathon of the year. A remarkable performance that placed her eighth overall. Running on home soil, the Rouen native—who competes for Dijon UC—gave her rivals no chance. Her confidence was evident: she ran the entire race without a watch, relying solely on feel. Last year’s champion, Fanjanteino Félix (a former French international with Stade Sottevillais 76) finished second in 2:56:54, while Laetitia Malandain rounded out the podium in 3:16:49.
| Top honors for Aurélien Radja and Salomé Brun in the 10K
The nighttime 10K delivered a spectacular show with a highly competitive field. Aurélien Radja, a French U23 international from Stade Sottevillais 76, unleashed his finishing speed to snatch victory in 29:17. Right behind him, Youssef Mekdafou (Pierrefitte Multi Athlon, team gold medalist at the 2022 European Cross Country Championships in Turin) secured second place in 29:31, with Pierre Couzinier (Athlé du Pays de Vannes) taking third in 29:44.
The women’s race lived up to expectations as well, with a brilliant performance from Salomé Brun (AO Charenton). Coached by Jean-Jacques Minne, she set a new personal best of 33:02 (improving on her previous mark of 33:30, set in March 2025 in Valenciennes). In second place was her training partner and club teammate Clarysse Picard in 34:07, followed closely by Selina Leroy (Rouen Normandie Athlétisme) in 34:11 for third.
| A successful half marathon and a fun, open-format 5K
The half marathon was dominated by Gatien Durand (USM Malakoff), who cruised to victory in 1:07:55. Adelin Grenier followed in 1:08:40, with Mathis Pruniaud taking third in 1:10:13. In the women’s field, Blandine Vincent (AC Barentin) claimed the win in 1:19:47, finishing well ahead of Emilie Boulier (1:21:25) and Christine Martineau (1:24:07). Rounding out the weekend program was the MATMUT 5K, an open-format run at dusk that welcomed participants of all paces.
The 7th edition of the Seine Marathon 76 delivered exciting races and champions with diverse, sometimes unexpected, profiles. Beyond the individual performances, this true festival of running generated tremendous enthusiasm, with 16,000 participants eager to push their limits against the scenic backdrop of Rouen. Runners also enjoyed the warm support of the local crowd, whose cheers echoed all along the course. See you in 2026 for the next edition, which already promises to be another thrilling celebration of the sport.
✔ Full results from the 7th edition of the Seine Marathon 76 are available here
Emma BERT
Journaliste
