International field flocks to Roman landmark event as 40% travel from outside region
ONE of the largest public gatherings in Nîmes has once again smashed expectations, as the 2026 Nîmes Urban Trail (NUT) transformed the ancient city centre into a spectacular sporting stage.
Held over the weekend of February 14–15, the event — organised by YESWERUN — drew competitors from across France and around the world. A remarkable 40% of participants travelled from outside the local Gard region, representing 94 French departments and 47 countries. Spain and Belgium were particularly strongly represented among overseas runners.
The event has now firmly cemented its reputation as France’s leading urban trail and one of the foremost in Europe.
MINI NUT delights youngest runners
Festivities began on Saturday afternoon as more than 1,300 children aged between four and 11 took part in the “MINI NUT”. Youngsters completed a looped course inside and around the iconic Arènes de Nîmes, bringing family crowds to the forecourt of the ancient Roman amphitheatre.
Organisers say the children’s race highlights the event’s growing reputation as a family-friendly fixture on the city’s calendar. Local residents accounted for 27% of total participants in 2026.
Runners pass through 53 historic sites
Often described as a moving postcard of “Roman Nîmes”, the trail offered runners and walkers alike access to around 50 historic and unusual locations — with a record 53 sites featured this year, including 12 new additions.
Among the first-time venues were the Palais de Justice, the H2 Convention Centre, Jean Rostand Secondary School, the Departmental Children’s Home, Tennis Club Nîmois and several popular bars and nightspots.
Participants also climbed the monumental staircase inside Nîmes Town Hall — complete with its crocodile sculptures — before passing through both the Wedding Hall and Council Chamber for the first time.
Community focus grows
The social impact of the Nîmes Urban Trail continues to expand. Routes passed through priority neighbourhoods, medico-educational institutes and the Departmental Children’s Home, while moving encounters took place between runners and residents at care homes (EHPADs) and Nîmes University Hospital (CHU).
Organisers say the aim is not only to promote sport, but also to strengthen community links across the city.
Elite performances light up the 42km
World-renowned trail specialist Sébastien Spehler retained his 42km title with a blistering time of 2h50 — averaging almost 15km/h through the historic streets. The Alsatian international finished ahead of local athletes Elio Colombino (3h05) and Emmanuel Gault (3h17).
In the women’s race, Mathilde Frechard of Hérault claimed victory in 3h45, followed by Kiliane Grenier (3h47) and Laure Roulet Marchis-Mouren (3h51).
Podium finishers across distances
24km
Men: 1. David Agoguet (1h40) / 2. Yann Herbomel (1h42) / 3. Kevin Rodriguez (1h43)
Women: 1. Mary-Charlotte Turco (2h00) / 2. Céline Lascoux (2h03) / 3. Elsa Galonnier (2h04)
16km
Men: 1. Cyril Fadat (1h10) / 2. Noé Debackere (1h10) / 3. Kipkosgei Levis (1h12)
Women: 1. Anna Wasik-Albano (1h20) / 2. Elisa Rousselet (1h23) / 3. Jade Perrier (1h24)
10km
Men: 1. Félix Gey (43:30) / 2. Bastien Conde (45:01) / 3. Alexis Galy (46:32)
Women: 1. Eliska Kasparova (54:26) / 2. Maïssa Nouiri (56:11) / 3. Charlie Ollu-Thomas (56:27)
Full results are available via the official race timing platform.
With international participation rising year on year and the city’s Roman heritage providing a dramatic backdrop, organisers say the Nîmes Urban Trail is now firmly established as one of Europe’s must-run events.
