EDITORIAL
“It is with great pride that we once again prepare to host a new edition of the Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®, a truly world-class sporting event which, in just four years, has become an essential rendezvous for all who share a passion for trail running and the great outdoors.
Nice, uniquely positioned between the sea and the mountains, offers an extraordinary playground for runners from across the globe. From the peaks of the Mercantour to the shores of the Mediterranean – whether setting off from Auron or Roubion, or following our legendary Riviera from the Col d’Èze or Saint-JeanCap-Ferrat – this UTMB® race is far more than a competition. It is a celebration of endurance, solidarity, pushing personal limits, and respect for our environment.
At a time when our planet faces major challenges, both on land and at sea, great sporting events have an important role to play in raising awareness among participants, the media and the wider public. By showcasing the exceptional beauty of our region – which we must both celebrate and protect – we shine a light on the richness of our natural, cultural and touristic heritage.
In doing so, we continue to affirm our ambitious vision for sport, establishing Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® among the great international events that have built the city’s strong reputation in recent years: from the 2023 Rugby World Cup, to last year’s historic Tour de France finish, to the IRONMAN – and soon the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, with Nice set to welcome the ice sports.
To all organisers, volunteers and participants, I extend the warmest of welcomes to Nice and to our magnificent metropolitan region. May this be the stage for an exceptional sporting challenge and a truly unforgettable human adventure.”
Christian ESTROSI Mayor of Nice President of the Nice Côte d'Azur Métropole
“As we prepare for the 4th edition in Nice, I want to thank all participants for their enthusiasm, which has once again surpassed our expectations this year. Your commitment is an inspiration and reminds us of the responsibility we carry to live up to the trust you place in us.
This event would not be possible without you, nor without the dedication of the more than 800 volunteers who stand alongside the organising team. Together with our partners and the region, we have built a community united by the spirit of surpassing limits – something of which we are immensely proud.
I look forward to sharing this edition with you – a celebration of sport, solidarity and festivity, set between the sea and the mountains, in a landscape unlike any other.”
Isabelle Viseux-Poletti Director, UTMB France
P.4
NICE CÔTE D’AZUR BY UTMB
EVENT OVERVIEW
P.7
EVENT PROGRAMME
P.10 ROUTES & PROFILES
P.15
EXTRAORDINARY RUNNERS
P.22 USEFUL INFORMATION
P.24 HOW TO FOLLOW THE EVENT
P.26 OUR PARTNERS
P. 31
A UTMB® WORLD SERIESEVENT THE WORLD'S PREMIER TRAIL RUNNING CIRCUIT
EVENT OVERVIEW
For its 4th edition, Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB promises an exceptional journey, from the Niçois backcountry to the treasures of the Mercantour and the stunning Mediterranean coastline.
From 25-28 September 2025, the event will gather 6,000 runners and their supporters for an unforgettable adventure.
D+ Auron - Nice
NEW IN 2025
- A brand-new start for the 100K, between Roubion and La Tour!
The opening 40km, from Roubion to the Brec d’Utelle, has been completely redesigned. Wilder and more technical, this new section takes runners through the villages of Ilonse, Bairols, Tournefort and La Tour, offering an even deeper connection with nature. The total elevation gain now increases to 5,152m D+ (+600m), with the cut-off time adjusted to 30 hours.
Soutenu par la Collectivité européenne d’Alsace et la Région Grand Est
2025 PROGRAMME
HIGHLIGHTS
- A night relay on Thursday at 20:00 in Nice
- Nice
Eze - Nice
Ferrat - Nice
- Youth races on Friday at 18:30 in Nice
10,000€ raised for the Mission Trekkeurs association through Charity Bibs.
20 Charity Bibs have already been reserved since their launch on 17 April 2025. Each bib contributes a €500 donation to support the associations Mission Trekkeurs and Solidarité06. Find out more.
3,047€
raised for the UTMB Cares endowment fund through runner donations thanks to 495 generous donors.
THE PROGRAMME
4 DAYS OF SPORT AND CELEBRATION
Start times
• Thursday, 20:00 in Nice → Night Relay
• Friday, 13:00 in Auron → 100M
• Friday, 18:30 in Nice → Kids’ Races
• Saturday, 07:30 in Èze → 50K
• Saturday, 10:00 in Roubion → 100K
• Sunday, 07:30 in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat → 20K
Finishes in Nice
• From Saturday, 10:00 → 100M
• From Saturday, 11:55 → 50K
• From Saturday, 21:15 → 100K
• From Sunday, 09:00 → 20K
Full programme
CELEBRATING WOMEN
To promote equity and inclusivity in trail running, the UTMB World Series has introduced dedicated measures to ensure its races meet the specific needs of female athletes, providing services that support both their participation and their overall experience.
At Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB, this includes:
- Menstrual products and personal hygiene items available at all aid stations for any athlete who may need them
- Separate and adapted facilities, including WCs and changing rooms for women and men, to ensure a respectful and comfortable experience
- A dedicated female contact within the organising team
- A programme of tailored activities – currently in development
In addition, UTMB Group has introduced a Children Welcome Policy across all UTMB World Series events. Designed to be flexible and accommodating, this policy supports pregnant athletes, athletes whose partner is pregnant, and those undergoing adoption or surrogacy procedures. Discover the Children Welcome Policy
ENVIRONMENT
Since 2022, Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® has taken concrete steps to reduce its environmental impact. In 2024, these efforts intensified, and in 2025 they will continue – and in some areas be further strengthened –through initiatives that are measurable, practical, and developed in collaboration with local stakeholders and participants.
KEY FIGURES FROM 2024
• 0 single-use plastic bottles
• 0 disposable cutlery or cups (BYOU scheme:
Bring Your Own Utensils)
A sustainable transport plan
• 60 shuttles and 2 trains in operation
• 4,500 runners travelled by shuttle or train
• 200 supporters travelled by shuttle or train
• 80,000€ invested by the organisation
PROTECTED AREAS & RAISING AWARENESS
During the event, runners pass through protected natural areas, including the Mercantour National Park. Throughout the year, and right up until race day, participants are encouraged to adopt best practices to minimise their impact on the environment.
Alongside the Mercantour National Park official recommendations, runners are reminded that:
• Shortcuts are strictly prohibited
• Poles are banned in certain areas
• Pasture gates must be carefully closed after passing
• Respecting livestock and their space is essential.
LOOKING AHEAD
Our ambition is to ensure these practices endure well into the future.
For 2025, our priorities are to:
- Strengthen public awareness
- Pursue the ‘zero plastic’ approach
- Expand shared transport solutions
- Build stronger partnerships with biodiversity stakeholders.
ROUTES & PROFILES
ROUTES & PROFILES
4 ROUTES FROM THE NIÇOIS BACKCOUNTRY TO THE MEDITERRANEAN
The Mediterranean’s flagship trail-running event takes runners from the high mountains to the shores of the legendary Côte d’Azur across four courses ranging from 23km to159km.
From the Mercantour National Park – a biodiversity sanctuary of glacial lakes and Alpine valleys – to sweeping views over the Côte d’Azur, the route is a feast for the senses. It culminates with a spectacular finish in the heart of Nice, on the iconic Promenade des Anglais, offering runners the full splendour of late summer on the Mediterranean.
ROUTES & PROFILES
Ultra-Trail Métropole Nice
Côte d’Azur
159km – 8,200m D+
26 September, 13:00
Discover the jewels of the South
The flagship distance. Take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Mercantour before heading south towards the Côte d’Azur for a spectacular finish.
View full course details
Explore the 3D course
Roubion - Nice
107km – 5,152m D+
27 September, 10:00
NEW COURSE IN 2025
From the mountains to the sea
A spectacular variety of landscapes, from the mountains to the Mediterranean backcountry, before descending to the sparkling waters of the Côte d’Azur.
View full course details
Explore the 3D course
ROUTES & PROFILES
Eze - Nice
55km – 2,147m D+
27 September, 07:30
All the flavours of the South
This race showcases breathtaking views between Èze and Nice. Starting from the legendary Col d’Èze, the course begins in the Parc Départemental de la Grande Corniche, offering sweeping panoramas of the Côte d’Azur along trails steeped in the essence of the South.
View full course details
Explore the 3D course
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat - Nice
23km – 680m D+
28 September, 07:30
Between land and sea
A brand-new semi-urban route, with 50% of its course tracing the coastline, promising runners an exceptional experience.
View full course details
Explore the 3D course
STEP INTO THE HEART OF THE EVENT
EXTRAORDINARY RUNNERS
WOMEN FAVOURITES
Marion DELESPIERRE MAUPPIN
From France – entered in the 100M
Winner of the 2025 Volvic Volcanic Experience (45km) and 3rd at the 2025 Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB® (80km), Marion lines up for her first 100M, buoyed by recent success over long formats.
MyUTMB profile
Sophia LAUKLI
From the United States – entered in the 50K
1st at the 2024 Eiger Ultra Trail by UTMB® (54km) and top 10 at the 2025 Marathon du MontBlanc (44km), Sophia has established herself as one of the world’s leading athletes (32nd) over fast formats.
MyUTMB profile
Anaïs DUVAL
From France – entered in the 100K
1st at the 2025 Trail des Vallées (32km) and 4th at the 2025 6000D Trail de Légende (69km), Anaïs will take on her third 100K of the year, racing from Roubion to Nice.
MyUTMB profile
Laurie ORELU
From France – entered in the 20K
1st at the 2024 Trail Alpins du Grand Bec (28km) and 4th at the 2025 6000D Trail de Légende (30km), Laurie has shown impressive consistency over short and fast formats.
MyUTMB profile
MEN FAVOURITES
Paul CORNUT CHAUVINC
From France – entered in the 100M
3rd at the 2024 Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB® (103km) and winner of the 2025 MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail® (118km), Paul will take on his second 100M at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® 2025.
MyUTMB profile
Loïc ROBERT
From France – entered in the 50K
Winner of the 2024 Ultra Skymarathon Madeira (45km) and 4th at the 2024 Mallorca by UTMB® (56km), Loïc has established himself as a specialist over shorter distances.
MyUTMB profile
Antoine THIRIAT
From France – entered in the 100K
Winner of the 2024 6000D Trail de Légende (69km), the 2025 Trail Hivernal de la Moselotte (28km), and the 2025 Trails de Bozel Mont Jovet (30km), Antoine has proven his versatility, excelling on both short and long formats.
MyUTMB profile
Baptiste MASSOT
From France – entered in the 20K
2nd at the 2025 Méribel Trail (25km) and 3rd at the 2025 Volvic Volcanic Experience (24km), Baptiste has made his mark this season with a string of podiums, top-5, and top-20 finishes on short, technical formats.
MyUTMB profile
EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
Ombeline GUERIN
Entered in the 50K
Running for her father – a journey of memory and resilience
At 29, Ombeline, from Compiègne, will take on the 50K Èze–Nice at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®.
For her, this race is far more than a sporting challenge – it is a heartfelt tribute to her father, a passionate sportsman and lover of the Côte d’Azur, with whom she had dreamed of sharing this moment.
By the time her entry was confirmed, her father was already battling a rare and aggressive cancer, cholangiocarcinoma. He passed away last February, leaving Ombeline with immense strength: his courage and resilience. Today, she runs for him – to honour his memory, uphold his legacy, and keep moving forward, just as he taught her never to give up.
From this ordeal, the Richard Guérin Foundation was born, which has already raised more than €10,000 for medical research thanks to widespread support. For Ombeline, every kilometre of this trail carries meaning: making her father proud, finding a form of healing in the act of pushing her limits, and continuing their story together.
Accompanied by her partner, and supported by her mother and sister, she will experience this adventure as a powerful blend of emotions: effort, nature, sharing, and remembrance.
Justine PETIT
Entered in the 100K
Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® – closing a chapter
Originally from Corrèze, 23-year-old Justine is passionate about the mountains and wide-open spaces. Having just completed a Master’s degree in Finance at EDHEC, she is preparing to move to London for her first job.
Before turning the page, she has chosen to take on a major personal challenge: her first 100km at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®, in the city where she spent the past three years of her studies. “It’s my way of closing this chapter in style,” she explains.
A lifelong sportswoman, Justine first dedicated herself to strength training before rediscovering the call of the outdoors and of running. She entered her first trail race only a year and a half ago.
A competitor at heart, she sees trail running as a way to progress, set new goals, and push herself further. “It’s a real reconnection with myself – it lets me think without thinking, enjoy the present moment. But it’s also a guiding thread to go beyond myself and be proud,” she says.
For her first 100K, her goal is clear: to reach the finish line in around 20 hours. Her biggest concern? Running through the night. “I’ve injured myself before running in the dark – I’m afraid I’ll be less focused,” she admits. Yet she knows she can count on her mental strength, the experience she has gained, and the energy she will draw from the Niçois terrain where it all began.
EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
Emmanuelle RENAULT
Entered in the 50K
From road to trail – a family journey
At 45, Emmanuelle balances her demanding career as an operating theatre nurse with a growing passion for running.
Based on the Côte d’Azur, sport is a family affair for this mother of two, whose 20-year-old daughter – also a keen runner – will line up alongside her for the 50K at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®.
Her journey began more than ten years ago on the road – first as a simple way to stay active while her children rode their scooters beside her, then through half-marathons and marathons as she discovered her own potential. Trail running came later, almost by surprise, sparked by the emotion she felt watching the Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® finish last year. Since then, she has summited her first peaks, often side by side with her daughter.
For Emmanuelle, trail running has become a place of freedom, escape, and connection. It offers a different way of running – less about the stopwatch, more about authentic effort, living in the moment, and sharing the experience with others. Her goal now is clear: to cross the finish line of her first major challenge – the 50K at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® – with pride, after months of committed training.
EXTRAORDINARY MEN
Clément SCHIAVON
Entered in the 100M
Following in his father’s footsteps
Clément discovered trail running at an early age through his father, a passionate ultrarunner and finisher of legendary races such as the Diagonale des Fous. In 2022, he entered the 50K at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® – his first step into the by UTMB® world and a defining experience that fuelled his ambition.
At just 23, he is now preparing for his biggest challenge yet: his first 100 miles at the Ultra Trail Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur. “This entry feels like a natural step – combining my family’s legacy with my own sporting journey.” Clément is no stranger to endurance. He has already undertaken mountaineering expeditions lasting more than 20 hours, experiences that taught him how to manage stamina, altitude, and mental fatigue. “I want to see how far I can go, physically and mentally, on such a demanding format.
”
Already a familiar face in the by UTMB® community, Clément has twice lined up for the OCC – both times finishing 207th, a remarkable coincidence. His story is one of natural progression: from a young spectator inspired by his father to an athlete now stepping confidently onto the big stage.
Vincent LUNEAU
Entered in the 100M
Running for tribute – and revenge
At 45, Vincent, from Montierchaume in Indre, will take on his first 100M at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®. For him, this race is more than a sporting challenge – it is both a tribute and a form of revenge on life.
In August 2016, Vincent suffered a devastating cycling accident, struck by a car while descending Mont Ventoux. Plunged into a coma and airlifted to Marseille, he spent 15 days in intensive care before beginning a gruelling 45week rehabilitation.
After this long battle, he returned to his profession as a firefighter. Trail running became both a way to rebuild himself and a means of honouring his father, who passed away in 2019 and had instilled in him a lifelong love of sport. “At every race, I run for him,” he says.
Sport has always been part of Vincent’s life. He first discovered running on the road and in cross-country from the age of five, before naturally gravitating towards trail running and the high mountains. At just 12, he climbed his first 4,000m summit. In 2023, he took on the PTL – an adventure marked by extreme fatigue and an enforced withdrawal after his teammate was injured.
For Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®, Vincent’s goal is simple: to be a finisher, and to cross the line in good shape. It is his way of proving that he can still push beyond his limits, while paying tribute to his father.
EXTRAORDINARY MEN
Philippe DUNAN
Entered in the 100K
Running in memory of his brothers in arms
At 64, Philippe from Mougins is ready to take on the Roubion–Nice 100K at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB®. A former senior officer in the French Army’s special forces, he served with the Chasseurs Alpins and is a combat veteran.
He will proudly race in the colours of TEAM CHASSEURS ALPINS, an association dedicated to honouring fallen comrades, supporting wounded soldiers, and strengthening the bond between serving personnel and veterans. Through his participation, Philippe aims to embody and share the esprit de cordée – the spirit of unity and mutual support – a value deeply rooted in the mountain troops.
Ultra-trail running came naturally to him, as a discipline perfectly aligned with his military background: a sport that demands endurance, commitment, and collective effort.
For Philippe, failure is not an option. His objective is clear – to reach the finish line while upholding the values of solidarity that inspire him.
Surrounded by friends and fellow veterans, Philippe will experience this race as a living tribute to his brothers in arms – those who have fallen and those who have been wounded – determined to carry their memory with him every step of the way.
Alain EMERY
Entered in the 20K
An active retirement for a lifelong sportsman
At 80, Alain, a former sports doctor, sometimes misses the rhythm of professional life – but he has filled that space with another passion: trail running.
A native of Nice, Alain discovered the sport after retiring and has been running seriously for the past ten years. His passion was ignited in Chamonix at the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc, where the adrenaline and emotion of crossing the finish line left him with a powerful urge to return. For him, running is pure joy – a way to stay active and healthy while savouring every stride.
Alain trains alone, preferring to “have a quiet conversation with himself.” He covers around 30km each week, usually early in the morning, and plans to increase the distance as race day approaches. Despite his age, the oldest runner at the event still sets ambitious goals: to cross the 20K finish line at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® in around four hours.
USEFUL INFORMATION
USEFUL INFORMATION
ACCESS & MOBILITY
Getting to Nice:
- By train – central station, 6 hours from Paris
- By plane – Nice Airport, 15 minutes from the city centre
- By car or bus – via the A8 motorway, from Aix-en-Provence to the west or the Italian border to the east
Public transport is available at the weekend – please check directly with each departure town for details.
The organisation will provide dedicated shuttles for runners and their supporters to reach the race starts.
WEBSITE TOURIST OFFICE
EXPLORE NICE
CÔTE
ACCREDITATIONS
Media accreditations are now open. Register via this form.
All requests will be reviewed prior to the event, with a confirmation email sent to accredited applicants.
Press accreditation collection: Friday
• 11:00–13:00 in Auron
• From 17:00 in Nice – Hôtel Palais de la Méditerranée Saturday
• From 09:00 in Nice – Promenade des Anglais (Ultra-Trail Village)
HOW TO FOLLOW THE EVENT
HOW TO FOLLOW THE EVENT
Your go-to platform for experiencing all the highlights of the event LIVE – from race starts and finishes to exclusive interviews, shows, and front-runner coverage.
The live stream will follow the leaders of the Ultra-Trail Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur (100M), Roubion–Nice (100K), and Èze–Nice (50K), from Friday midday through Saturday afternoon.
Available on live.utmb.world
Follow the latest updates and join the community to experience the event in real time and share your own journey.
The live broadcast will also stream on Facebook and YouTube at the start of the weekend.
The essential platform for real-time runner tracking. Follow your chosen athletes on the course with live updates, split-time predictions, favourites lists, interactive course profiles, head-to-head comparisons, and webcams. The most complete way to follow the race – whether on site or from afar.
OUR PARTNERS
UTMB® WORLD SERIES PARTNERS
OUR PARTNERS
UTMB® WORLD SERIES PARTNERS
MAIN PARTNER
HOKA’s role as Main Partner of the UTMB® World Series reflects the brand’s rapid rise within the trail running community. First embraced by trail and ultra-trail runners as a high-performance shoe to unlock their full potential, HOKA has since built a strong reputation among ultradistance athletes and is now recognised worldwide for its innovative trail running footwear.
In 2020, HOKA expanded its offering with the launch of a dedicated apparel line, developed in collaboration with leading athletes including Jim Walmsley, Magdalena Lewy-Boulet, and Ludovic Pommeret. Today, the brand’s global presence is growing at pace, with strong expansion across Europe and Asia complementing its established success in the United States.
MAIN PARTNER
Dacia is Main Partner of the UTMB® World Series in Europe. The UTMB® World Series shares many of Dacia’s core values, including solidarity, inclusivity, and a commitment to sustainability.
OUR PARTNERS
UTMB® WORLD SERIES PARTNERS
TECHNICAL PARTNER
As Technical Partner for on-course sports nutrition and hydration across the UTMB® World Series, Näak will supply energy bars, waffles and drink mixes at the vast majority of events, including the season’s flagship, the Dacia UTMB® MontBlanc. Gels and purées will also be available at aid stations throughout the year as Näak expands its range. Built on high-quality, sustainable ingredients that deliver long-lasting energy, Näak helps runners go further, for longer. To support preparation, Näak will also provide nutrition plans to all runners. Näak’s slogan Fuel your ultra, preserve your playground captures its philosophy. From sustainable protein choices and responsible sourcing to B Corp certification, Näak places the protection of mountain playgrounds at the heart of its mission, working to create a positive impact for future generations. All products are made with sustainable proteins and non-GMO ingredients.
TECHNICAL PARTNER
Supporting adventurers since 1936, Suunto has been part of trail running from the sport’s earliest days. Its legacy is strengthened by a formidable team of elite athletes such as UTMB® champions Courtney Dauwalter, François D’Haene, and Pau Capell.
As Official GPS Watch and Technical Partner of the UTMB® World Series, Suunto equips runners with award-winning watches known for their battery life, reliability, and purpose-built features. Athletes using the Suunto Vertical or Suunto Race can access intuitive GPS maps in multiple styles, with contour lines, landmarks, water sources, trails, and terrain details — helping them navigate the mountains and achieve their goals.
OUR PARTNERS
EVENT PARTNERS
THE WORLD'S PREMIER TRAIL RUNNING CIRCUIT
THE WORLD’S PREMIER TRAIL
RUNNING CIRCUIT
UTMB® World Series is the world’s premier trail running circuit, bringing together the sport’s most prestigious events under one banner, set in some of the planet’s most exceptional and unspoilt natural settings
Staged to the highest UTMB® standards, each event unites trail runners of all levels with the sport’s greatest champions, giving every athlete the chance to experience the UTMB® adventure close to home.
These events form the first step for runners aspiring to take part in the HOKA UTMB® Mont-Blanc and qualify for the UTMB® World Series Finals (OCC, CCC, UTMB).
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NEWSACCESS
Press newsaccess will be available during event weekend at the following times: Friday at 18:00 Saturday at 11:00 and 18:00 Sunday at 16:00
