On April 13, 2025, the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris kicked off at 8:00 AM, bringing together an unprecedented 72,000 participants. This year's event, marked by a record number of runners, showcased the enthusiasm and dedication of both professional and amateur athletes. Among the crowd were 1,000 employees from Schneider Electric and 5,000 clients, all ready to conquer the iconic streets of Paris.
Schneider Electric, the title partner of the marathon since 2013, has played a pivotal role in this event's growth and sustainability efforts. "Our involvement goes far beyond simple support," stated Olivier Collignon, the program sponsorship manager at Schneider Electric. "We bring our expertise to reduce the environmental footprint of the event..." This commitment is part of a long-term partnership with the event's organizer, ASO, which extends until 2029.
As the runners lined up on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, excitement filled the air. The marathon route, slightly modified from previous years, took participants on a scenic journey through some of Paris's most famous landmarks. Starting from the Champs-Élysées, the course led runners past the Place de la Concorde, Opéra Garnier, and Rue de Rivoli, before turning towards the historic Bastille. The route then continued through the Bois de Vincennes and back towards the heart of Paris, culminating in a grand finish at Avenue Foch.
Notably, the marathon's elevation changes were manageable, with a positive gain of 292 meters and a negative gain of 289 meters. Runners had access to nine food stations and three water stations during the second half of the race, ensuring they remained hydrated and fueled throughout the grueling 42.195 kilometers.
In the men's race, Kenyan Benard Biwott emerged victorious, clocking in at an impressive 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 25 seconds. This victory marked Biwott's second marathon win, having previously triumphed in Frankfurt in October 2024. He broke away from the pack approximately 10 kilometers from the finish line, leaving competitors in his dust. Djiboutian Ibrahim Hassan finished strong in second place with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 13 seconds, while another Kenyan, Sila Kiptoo, secured third place at 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 21 seconds.
On the women's side, Ethiopian Bedatu Hirpa claimed victory with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 45 seconds. This win was particularly sweet for Hirpa, as it marked her second marathon victory of the year, having previously won in Dubai in January. Close behind her was compatriot Dera Dida, who finished just three seconds later in 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 49 seconds. Kenyan Angela Tanui rounded out the podium with a time of 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 7 seconds.
In the handisport category, French athlete Julien Casolini took first place with an impressive time of 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 3 seconds. He narrowly beat his compatriot Thibault Daurat, who finished just a second behind, while Colombian Francisco Sanclemente completed the podium.
As the race progressed, the atmosphere remained electric, with spectators lining the streets to cheer on the runners. The weather was favorable, with temperatures starting at 15 degrees Celsius and expected to peak at 18 degrees, accompanied by a light wind of 15 km/h.
Throughout the event, various milestones were achieved. The first women reached the 21-kilometer mark in 1 hour and 9 minutes, while the leading men hit the same distance in just 1 hour and 2 minutes. The handisport athletes showcased remarkable speed, reaching 10 kilometers in 23 minutes.
With a staggering 56,000 competitors participating, the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2025 not only set records but also demonstrated the power of community and the spirit of athleticism. As runners crossed the finish line, prizes of up to 30,000 euros awaited the top performers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
The marathon's legacy continues to grow, with plans for future enhancements and sustainability initiatives in place. Tapping into technology and innovation, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) joined as a new partner for the marathon, aiming to shape its future with IT services and solutions. Abhinav Kumar, TCS's global marketing director, emphasized the potential for change, stating, "With us, anything is possible, everything can be imagined, everything can be done."
As the dust settles on this year's marathon, the focus now shifts to the future. With Schneider Electric's ongoing commitment and TCS's fresh perspective, the marathon is poised to evolve into an even more extraordinary event. The success of the 2025 edition is a testament to the dedication of all participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made it possible.
The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris has truly become a celebration of endurance, community, and the beauty of Paris, reminding everyone that the journey is just as important as the destination.
