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Monday, 29th of September 2025
VNR Alert: NICE CÔTE D’AZUR BY UTMB CONCLUDES ITS 4TH EDITION ON A HIGH NOTE OF UNITY, PERFORMANCE AND COMMITMENT
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- 5,009 starters
- 4,330 finishers (16% dropouts)
- 81 nationalities, 76.6% French runners, including 21.4% from the PACA region
- 4 races from Friday to Sunday, from 100M to 20K
- 1,000 volunteers involved in the organisation
- Over €14,128 raised through solidarity bibs and runner donations for two local associations
- Starts across four towns in the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, with an iconic finish on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais
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The 4th edition of Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® came to a close this Sunday, September 28, in a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. Over four days, the event brought together thousands of runners and spectators around exceptional courses: from the peaks of Mercantour to the shores of the Mediterranean, passing through the Nice hinterland and its picturesque mountain-side villages.
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FRENCH DOUBLE IN THE 100K WITH VICTORIES FOR CHLOÉ SOUVIGNÉ AND VIRGILE MORISET
On Saturday night into Sunday morning, the first woman of the 100K crossed the finish line. French runner Chloé Souvigné (UTMB Index 602) took the win in 15h08’12’’, much to her own surprise. Shortly after her victory, she said: “I wasn’t aiming for the podium, so I’m super happy. I feel like I managed myself well the whole way, even if mentally I let go a little at the end.”
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After 111 km of rugged Mercantour trails, through high passes, villages, and breath-taking panoramas, she raised her arms on the Promenade des Anglais, finishing ahead of Ingrid M Due-Gundersen (NOR – UTMB Index 659) and Sarah Meharfi (FRA – UTMB Index 619).
A few hours earlier, Virgile Moriset (FRA – UTMB Index 868) triumphed in the men’s race in 11h54’45’’, ahead of Nice local Sébastien Poesy (FRA – UTMB Index 868), and Italian Daniel Jung (UTMB Index 852).
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FIRST INTERNATIONAL WIN IN THE 20K WITH GERMANY’S CAROLINE BALDUHN
On Sunday morning, the 20K started from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and was won by German runner Caroline Balduhn, competing in her very first trail race, in 02h06;53. She finished ahead of Swiss runner Claudia Bernasconi (UTMB Index 561) and French runner Elodie Beuzit (UTMB Index 571).
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In the men’s race, Frenchman Alexandre Meyleu (UTMB Index 821) took victory in 01h41’33”, after moving into the lead at the intermediate checkpoint, finishing ahead of Baptiste Massot (FRA – UTMB Index 837), 2nd, and Morgan Le Tennier (FRA – UTMB Index 746), 3rd.
The oldest participant of the edition, 80-year-old Alain Eymery, crossed the finish line after 23km and 680m of elevation gain. An inspiring performance that left a lasting impression with everyone at the Promenade des Anglais.
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THE LAST FINISHERS CELEBRATED IN A LIVELY, FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE
On Sunday, finishers continued to arrive at the Promenade des Anglais until mid-afternoon. Whether they had completed the 100M, which set off from Auron at 1:00 p.m. Friday, the 100K, which started from Roubion at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, or the 20K, which left at 7:30 a.m. Sunday from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, all were warmly welcomed by the public.
In partnership with Le Média Positif, a Positive Fan Zone invited the public to celebrate the final runners, dressed in green and waving their best signs.
Find the full race results at https://live.utmb.world/nicebyutmb/2025
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AN EVENT FOCUSED ON YOUTH
Trail running continues to attract a wider audience, winning over younger generations. Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB is a perfect example, with 8% of participants under 25 in the 2025 edition, including the youngest 100M entrant, just 20 years old.
The next generation also shone on Friday evening, with nearly 100 children aged 5 to 17 taking part in youth races organized on the Promenade des Anglais.
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Reaction from Isabelle Viseux-Poletti – UTMB France Events Director
“At the conclusion of this 4th edition of Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB, marked by a record participation with over 5,000 athletes across four formats, it is essential to recall the meaning of our commitment: to showcase trail running and the territory that hosts it, with respect for people and nature, and to offer everyone – women, men, elite athletes or amateurs – the opportunity to push their limits in an exceptional setting.
This edition was the stage for extraordinary emotions and sporting records that demonstrate how much our sport carries universal values of perseverance and solidarity. But continuing to enjoy these magnificent spaces requires taking care of them and protecting the environment through responsible behaviour is a shared responsibility, inseparable from both the practice of the sport and the pleasure it provides.
On behalf of the entire UTMB team, I would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge Mr. Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, the elected officials of the City of Nice and the Metropolis for their unwavering commitment, the partners for their trust, as well as the volunteers whose energy and generosity are the foundation of our shared success. Finally, a huge thank you to this exceptional territory and its residents, between sea and mountains, who welcome us each year with warmth and pride and make Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB such a wonderful celebration of sport.
Thank you for your passion, your trust, and your commitment alongside us to preserve this unique environment. See you next year.”
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Reaction from Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, Deputy President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region
“The Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB race is now one of the world’s largest ultra-trail events, with over 6,000 participants across the four races held throughout the weekend. In just four years, the event has established itself on the global calendar, not only through growing participation but also thanks to a high-quality elite field.
The charm of the landscapes along the courses also contributes to the race’s reputation. From the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour, through the picturesque villages of the Nice hinterland, to the Promenade des Anglais where the sun shines, the entire region is highlighted by this international race. Nice and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis truly offer the perfect terrain for trail running.
I would, of course, like to thank the POLETTI family and all the teams at UTMB Group for the quality of the organisation and the great success of this event, which has become a must for sports and nature enthusiasts.
To everyone — organizers, participants, volunteers — I look forward to seeing you next year for a fifth edition full of new challenges.”
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A COMMITTED EVENT
A stronger focus on women
Backed by UTMB Group’s “Celebrating Women” initiative, the 2025 edition implemented several concrete measures to better welcome women at the event, including:
Availability of menstrual products and personal hygiene items at all aid stations
Separate and adapted infrastructure, such as distinct toilets and changing rooms for men and women, to ensure a respectful and comfortable experience
A dedicated WhatsApp group for advice, support, and discussion
A women’s representative present on-site
This positive approach is paying off: 23% of registered women in 2025 (+2 points vs. 2024), and 45% female participation in the 20K (+3 points vs. 2024), showing a steady increase.
The highlight of the initiative was a 100% female podcast, recorded live on the Promenade des Anglais, on the theme “trail running as a space for empowerment”. Guests included Cléo Hénin (host of the “Championnes du Monde” podcast), elite runner Claudia Bernasconi, amateur runner Lucie Muller, UTMB Group women’s initiative representative Léa Ramousse, and content creator Anne Dubndidu.
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Reducing environmental impact
In line with UTMB® World Series commitments, Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB continues to limit its environmental impact while raising awareness across the community.
In 2025, several concrete actions were implemented:
- Sustainable mobility: 65 shuttles transported over 4,371 people (runners and supporters). Certain roads were reserved exclusively for UTMB® shuttles, notably for access to Col d’Èze.
- Biodiversity protection: runners were briefed on good practices at bib collection, while a trail clean-up was organised after the races.
- Elimination of single-use plastic: no plastic bottles were used at any aid station. The BYOU (Bring Your Own Utensils) system was also implemented, encouraging participants to bring their own cutlery to reduce waste and the event’s environmental footprint.
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Text Credits: UTMB
Photo Credits: UTMB
Video Credits: UTMB
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TV broadcasters: ICARUS Sports’ output from the Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB 2025 is now uploaded on ICARUS Sports SERVER:
VNR SHOTLIST:
UTMB_Raw_Material_Nice.mp4 – Direct download* HERE.
00:00-01:30 Start 100M from Auorn
01:31-02:20 Refuge Rabuons
02:21-02:46 Towards Isola
02:47-02:52 Night
02:53-03:03 Arrival Paul Cornut, 100M winner
03:04-03:10 Arrival Theo Le Boudec, 2nd 10OM race
03:11-03:18 Arrival Nicolas Thomas, 3rd 10OM race
03:19-04:37 Start 100K from Roubion
04:38-04:50 Arrival Miguel Benitez, winner 50K
04:51-04:55 Arrival Loïc Robert, 2nd 50K race
04:51-05:05 Arrival Andrea Prandi, 3rd 50K race
05:06-05:16 Arrival Kim Schreiber, winner 50K
05:17-04:21 Arrival Vanessa Schätzle, 2nd 50K race
05:22-05:32 Arrival Charlotte Mouchet, 3rd 50K race
05:35-05:41 Arrival Michaela Lishakova, 100M winner
05:42-05:46 Arrival Stephanie Case, 2nd 10OM race
05:47-05:57 Arrival Ellen Cheetham, 3rd 10OM race
05:58-06:23 Start 50K race from Eze
06:24-06:27 Arrival Chloe Souvigne, winner 100K
06:28-06:32 Arrival Ingrid M Due-Gundersen, 2nd 50K race
06:33-05:43 Arrival Sarah Meharfi, 3rd 50K race
06:44-06:51 Arrival Virgile Moriset, winner 100K
06:52-06:57 Arrival Sébastien Poesy, 2nd 50K race
06:58-07:10 Arrival Daniel Jung, 3rd 50K race
07:11-07:39 Start 20K from St Jean Cap Ferrat
07:40-09:07 20K race
09:08-09:13 Arrival Alexandre Meyleu, winner 20K
09:14-09:18 Arrival Baptiste Massot, 2nd 20K race
09:19-09:29 Arrival Morgan Le Tennier, 3rd 20K race
09:30-09:34 Arrival Caroline Balduhn, winner 20K
09:35-09:38 Arrival Claudia Bernasconi, 2nd 20K race
09:39-09:47 Arrival Elodie Beuzit, 3rd 20K race
*direct download links expire in 30 days
Please find here the link in order to register and use ICARUS Sports server:
http://portal.icarus-sports.com/
As long as you register, you will get access to our folder with the Events 2025.
Subfolder: UTMB Nice Cote D Azur 2025
Please note that the direct download links might not work with all browsers such as Google Chrome. You may use an alternative browser such as Mozilla Firefox, alternatively visit the ICARUS Sports server directly to access our content.
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| Notes to Editors | About ICARUS Sports
ICARUS Sports stands out as a leading Sports Media company, with a dynamic portfolio that spans over 200 international events annually and delivers more than 2,800 hours of filmed content. The company specializes in producing original in-house TV shows, including The Sports Rundown, The Outdoor Sports Show, Gearing Up, Inside Sailing &Sailing to the Games – LA Edition and more than 100 documentaries per year. With a robust media distribution network reaching over 160 countries, ICARUS Sports collaborates with some of the most prominent global broadcasters. Its end-to-end media services encompass high-quality video production, strategic media distribution, and impactful brand promotion. |
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