Marathon de Salon-de-Provence: 12,000 Runners Take Flight in a Triumphant Return
Planes overhead, sunshine on the course, and fast times on the clock — six years after its last edition, the Marathon de Salon-de-Provence made a spectacular comeback this Sunday, October 5. With more than 12,000 runners hitting the road between the tarmac of the Air Force base and the narrow Provençal streets, the event was a true celebration of sport and community. Siwa Kipruto, Hugo Nelaton, and Charlotte Mahieu shone brightest, but the entire city seemed to run alongside them.
The Patrouille de France, the French Air Force’s elite aerobatic team, didn’t just impress at the GP Explorer: The Last Race at Le Mans this weekend — it also flew over the marathon, offering a perfect symbol for the event’s rebirth: Salon-de-Provence was ready to soar again. Despite not being the fastest course in France, the race has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most vibrant.
The starting gun fired at 9:30 a.m. from Place Morgan under a bright blue Provençal sky. The 1,730 marathoners took off on a demanding yet scenic course, featuring a now-iconic stretch through Air Base 701, exceptionally opened for the occasion. This year, the usually fierce Mistral wind stayed calm, allowing for a smooth and fast race — much to the delight of the cheering crowds gathered along Boulevard Foch, Cours Carnot, and back to Place Morgan.
| Siwa Kipruto Flies High
In the men’s marathon, Kenyan runner Siwa Kipruto (FC Sochaux Montbéliard) lived up to his favorite status, taking command early and never looking back. He crossed the finish line first in 2:27:18, a strong performance on a tough course, even if it fell short of the 2019 course record (2:21:53 by Kipkorir Mutai). Behind him, Louis Galvan (Cognac AC) took second in 2:39:36, and Bertrand Brochot rounded out the podium in 2:41:42.
Among the women, Chloé Favre dominated with authority, winning in 3:21:44 and finishing 98th overall. She held off Corinne Bayle-Nougaillac (3:22:55) and Émilie Peruzotti (3:25:18) in a race that grew tougher as temperatures rose.
| A Thrilling Half Marathon
The half marathon — shorter in distance but just as competitive — delivered a thrilling finish. Hugo Nelaton (Free Run Athlé 37) claimed victory in 1:13:02, outsprinting Quentin Larue (1:13:57, Sardines Triathlon) and Enzo Stival (Sporting Club Marseille, 1:13:58) in a tight battle for the podium.
In the women’s race, Charlotte Mahieu was simply untouchable. She finished in 1:20:26, placing 33rd overall among all runners over 21.1 km. Karine Lopez (1:24:50) and Victoria Gouault (1:27:32) followed to complete an all-French top three. With 4,632 finishers, the half marathon once again proved to be the day’s most popular event.
| Local Runners Shine on the 10K
The 10K offered its own share of fireworks. Romain Latour took the win in 33:13, followed by Corentin Périn (33:38)and Aodrenn Bergeron (34:28). In the women’s field, Astrid Moreau stole the show with a blistering 36:08, ranking fifth overall. She led Rémy Naceri (37:41) and Ava Verret (41:31) on a course that saw 3,118 finishers cross the line.
| A City on the Move
In Salon-de-Provence, the marathon is more than just a race — it’s a citywide celebration. Local shopkeepers brought out chairs, families lined the streets, and applause echoed through the alleys. The 2025 edition confirmed the event’s strong community roots, seamless organization, and distinctive identity: a race where stopwatch precision meets Mediterranean warmth.
Running in Salon-de-Provence feels a bit like flying. Between the Patrouille de France overhead, the pine trees and olive groves along the way, and the rhythmic cheers of the crowd, this marathon carries the pure spirit of Provence — light, passion, and shared effort. A race that grows each year without losing its soul.
✔ Full results of the 2025 Marathon de Salon-de-Provence
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
