France takes an important step into a new era of long-distance race walking this Sunday (16) as Salaise-sur-Sanne hosts the inaugural French Marathon Race Walking Championships.
The event marks the national introduction of the 42.195km marathon walk, one of the two new formats - alongside the half marathon walk - that will make their European Athletics Championships debut in Birmingham 2026.
Among the leading names in the women’s field is Camille Moutard, fifth over 20km at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships and now testing herself at the marathon distance. She will be joined by former 35km national champion Adeline Brastel and rising talent Elvina Carré.
Close tussle in men's race expected
The men’s race is expected to centre on a duel between Martin Madeline-Degy and Mattéo Duc, long-time rivals stepping up to the marathon after strong performances over 35km. Former 35km champion Kilian Lebreton also features among the contenders, with Quentin Chenuet targeting U23 honours.
Beyond national titles, athletes will also be chasing selection for the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Brasilia on 12 April - another key milestone on the road to Birmingham 2026, where Europe’s best will contest the marathon and half marathon race walks for the first time.