The Trocadéro 10K: a rainy but joyful race

On Sunday, August 31, the 10th edition of the 10 km de L’Hexagone-Paris 16, renamed this year the Trocadéro 10K and serving as the 3rd stage of the Paris Masters Circuit, was a resounding success, with nearly 6,000 runners at the starting line, just steps from the Jardin de Ranelagh in Paris’s 16th arrondissement.

At exactly 8:30 a.m., the race kicked off on Avenue Raphaël under a light morning drizzle, marking the start of the event. Unlike previous editions of the 10 km de L’Hexagone, held in June at the heart of the Hippodrome d’Auteuil, sometimes under scorching sun and temperatures near 30°C, this edition was accompanied by a few raindrops and a welcome coolness considering the summer timing of the event. “It’s the 10th edition of the 10 km de L’Hexagone, but the 1st of the Trocadéro 10K. It’s a record turnout compared to the previous format,” explained Eric Schwartz, one of the two organizers of the race.

Originally scheduled for September 21, the race was rescheduled for organizational reasons. Already occupied with Heritage Days, the Parisian authorities could not manage two events simultaneously. Ultimately, the new date fit well into the runners’ calendars, whether they were looking for a first 10K to kick off the season or preparing for half-marathons or marathons. This date change even benefited last-minute participants seeking a bib to join the event.

The completely redesigned course featured a loop through the Bois de Boulogne, alternating between wooded paths and wide roads around the two lakes. “We’re very happy, because the race was won in 29’52. When you have the chance to see a runner break the 30-minute barrier, it’s extraordinary. First and foremost, we are runners ourselves, so witnessing a performance like this in one of our races thrills us,” said Schwartz, who manages the race on behalf of Sport Concept Organisation.

| A Win for Mustapha Salmi

For his first victory in the capital, Mustapha Salmi could truly savor the moment. Amid the cheers of spectators and young volunteers, loyal followers of the content creator with 146k followers on Instagram, the Rouen native crossed the finish line in 29’53, just one second shy of his personal best for this flagship distance. The social media star, who announced his marathon goal in early July and has been sharing details of his training since, was clearly delighted: “My legs felt good and there was a strong group. It was a somewhat tactical race, and hitting a time like this in a race like that feels great.” As part of his training week, this race served “to work a bit on speed” ahead of the Copenhagen Half Marathon scheduled for September 14. Despite a course that was “not easy, with no real flat sections,” he took the lead at the 7th kilometer and never relinquished it. “I mainly focused on maintaining pace, not accelerating. In the last kilometer, I tried to stretch it a bit.” With his usual charming smile, he concluded: “Now, I’m the prince of Paris, I’ve won, that’s it.”

Augustin Cablant claimed second place in 30’21, a result he had hoped for but could not guarantee, as he had no visibility on his morning competitors. “I wanted a podium, but you never know in advance. I was active in the first 6 km, making big surges to break up the pack, which I felt a bit at the end of the race.” The half-marathon enthusiast from Boulogne-Billancourt was thrilled to take part in this 10 km, reminiscent of his favorite half. “I’m coming off an injury and starting my preparation for the 20 km of Paris. I wanted to see where I’m at, and I’m very happy.” The same goal was in sight for Algerian runner Lounes Benamara, who will again line up for the Vredestein 20 km of Paris to improve on his 5th-place finish from last year. Barely back from vacation, he registered just three or four days prior thanks to a friend. “For me, training starts tomorrow. I didn’t want to take any risks. I started behind and gradually moved up to the medal position.”

| Outstanding Women’s Performances in a Supportive Atmosphere

The representative of EA Cergy-Pontoise Athlétisme, Pauline Simon, took first place in 34’22. “I didn’t expect anything since I didn’t know the race or the participants who would be there. The goal was to add a bit of speed to my training because I’m running the Berlin Marathon in three weeks. I ran about the time I had planned.” After 5 km alongside Aude Korotchansky, she surged ahead toward victory. “It really helped me because I was struggling to find a rhythm.”

Following an injury that appeared during the summer and has only recently healed, RMA athlete Aude claimed second place with a time of 35’00, marking a promising comeback. “Since I don’t live far, I was there, and I wasn’t doing anything today, I thought: ‘Come on, I like running, so I’ll go run.’” Registered at the last minute, like her friend Lounes Benamara, the local runner appreciated competing on her usual training grounds. “It wasn’t very flat, but that’s what I usually do here in training.”

Alice Michel, representing Zoom Volt Runners, finished third, just five months after giving birth to her daughter. “I resumed training well this summer, with a few more sessions.” Returning from Font-Romeu just two days prior, she wanted to test herself ahead of the French Half-Marathon Championships. “I had no idea where I stood. I hoped to run under 36’20, and I ran 35’34, so I’m happy.” A promising start to the season for the young mother who continued running throughout her pregnancy.

| A route immersed in nature

This new route, designed to mark the finish of the 10 km du Trocadéro as part of the Paris Masters Circuit, proved enjoyable for the participants. In an almost autumnal atmosphere, runners crossed the Bois de Boulogne, followed the path around the Lower Lake, ran along Avenue de l’Hippodrome, passed by the Grande Cascade, and the Upper Lake. “Excellent,” exclaimed Raphaël, who enjoyed his first racing experience. “It was beautiful with all the paths covered in leaves. The last kilometers were tough; it really hit the legs,” added the finisher of his first 10 km, who had come from the suburbs of Sarcelles especially for the race.

The transformation of the 10 km de L’Hexagone-Paris 16 into the 10 km du Trocadéro was a resounding success. All generations came together with the same desire: to run through the streets of Paris. Many older participants joined the race, including eleven in M7, eight in M8, and two in M9, all showing impressive fitness. Others, mainly in the senior category, were there to celebrate the end of summer, not focusing on competition or aiming for personal records. August 31 symbolically marked the end of the holidays, providing the perfect opportunity to test oneself before the true return to training.

➜ Find the results of the 2025 Trocadéro 10K

Sabine LOEB
Journalist