10 ° C
Profile

Month: February 2026

Monaco Run Gramaglia set to smash records with 4,500 runners

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/02/2026

Monaco’s running calendar kicks off next weekend with a record-breaking edition of the Monaco Run Gramaglia, as approximately 4,500 runners descend on the Principality for two days of racing across urban streets and mountain trails on 14th and 15th February.

The unprecedented turnout represents the event’s strongest appeal yet, with the City Trail on Saturday and the 10km race on Sunday already completely sold out weeks before race day. For those still hoping to participate, registration remains open for the challenging 30km Trail du Mont Agel, returning for its second edition on Saturday morning, and the more accessible 5km scheduled for Sunday. The solidarity bib programme continues, accepting late entries until the day before races, while children get their own moment with free 1,000-metre races on Saturday afternoon.

Family firm doubles down on running

The Monaco Athletics Federation has locked in Gramaglia Group as title partner through 2029, extending a collaboration that began with the 2024 edition. The announcement signals confidence in the event’s trajectory from both sides – the 73-year-old Monaco family firm deepening its commitment to one of the Principality’s fastest-growing sporting events.

“Our federation is delighted with the growing success of the Monaco Run Gramaglia, which has now established itself as a major event in the Principality’s sporting calendar,” said Frédéric Choquard, General Director of the Monaco Athletics Federation. “The renewal of the partnership with Gramaglia Group reflects a lasting relationship of trust and demonstrates a shared vision around sporting values and local commitment.”

Michel Gramaglia, Director of Gramaglia Group – a major player in insurance brokerage, real estate and property management – emphasised the event’s community impact: “The Monaco Run has become an iconic event in Monaco. We are proud to renew our partnership and support, over the long term, an event that brings people together, unites and showcases the Principality.”

Weekend of racing across terrain

Saturday’s action starts early with the Trail du Mont Agel launching at 8:30am, sending runners into Monaco’s mountainous hinterland before podium presentations at noon. The technical City Trail follows at 9am through Monaco’s streets and staircases, wrapping up by 10:30am. Young runners take centre stage in the afternoon with free 1,000-metre races between 2pm and 3:30pm.

Sunday shifts focus to road racing with the competitive 10km starting at 9:15am and finishing by 10am, followed by the 5km at 10:50am. The Pink Ribbon Walk at 10:15am offers a non-competitive option supporting breast cancer awareness.

Throughout the weekend, a Running Expo at Quai Albert 1er provides a hub for participants and spectators, opening Friday from noon to 6pm, Saturday from 7am to 5:30pm, and Sunday from 7:30am to noon. The expo allows runners to collect race bibs, browse sponsor stands and soak up pre-race atmosphere.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Sona Maleterova

Prince Albert II and Princess Anne share Olympic bond at IOC session

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
05/02/2026

Prince Albert II and Princess Anne met during an International Olympic Committee gathering this week, sharing common ground as both IOC members and former Olympic competitors. 

Both competed at the Games before taking up positions within the IOC. Prince Albert II represented Monaco in bobsleigh at five consecutive Winter Games between 1988 and 2002.

Meanwhile, Princess Anne competed for Great Britain in equestrian at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

The pair have served as IOC members for nearly four decades, with Prince Albert II joining in 1985 and Princess Anne following three years later in 1988.

That first-hand experience of Olympic competition – the training, the pressure, the values instilled through sport – guides their approach to committee work.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Andreas Rentz / Getty Images

Prince Albert II presents Olympic Climate Awards in Milan

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
05/02/2026

Prince Albert II presented the 2025 Climate Action Awards during the 145th International Olympic Committee Session in Milan this week, honouring athletes and sporting organisations leading the fight against climate change.

The ceremony, held ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, saw the Prince congratulate the winner’s commitment and highlight the sport’s vital role in driving sustainable development.

New Zealand hockey player Hugo Inglis and Kenyan rugby sevens player Kevin Wekesa claimed the athlete honours. Inglis co-founded High Impact Athletes, a global movement uniting more than 240 athletes from 50 disciplines across 35 countries that has transferred over $2 million towards evidence-based climate solutions tackling aviation, energy and infrastructure emissions.

Meanwhile, Wekesa’s Play Green initiative has eliminated nearly 1,000 plastic bottles weekly from Kenya’s national rugby teams, planted 2,300 trees through partnerships with 40 schools, and introduced match-day recycling programmes.

The Netherland’s National Olympic Committee won recognition for a comprehensive mobility strategy that has slashed emissions by 40 per cent and electrified 65 per cent of Team NL’s vehicle fleet, with full electrification planned for 2027. The Dutch NOC also cut clothing related emissions by more than 70 per cent between the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.

The International Biathlon Union secured the federation category award after achieving a six per cent emissions reduction and becoming the first winter federation to formally measure and reduce emissions from its major competitions, including World Cups and Championships. The IBU’s Biathlon Climate Change Challenge has also mobilised 12,000 fans to plant 150,000 trees in Sub-Saharan Africa, while its 26 athlete ambassadors from 17 countries champion climate action at events and conferences.

Prince Albert II presenting the ‘Highly Recommended’ Award to World Sailing. Photo credit: IOC

Lastly, Spain’s Olympic Committee and World Sailing received ‘Highly Commended’ recognition. The Spanish NOC has reduced emissions by nearly 28 per cent since 2018 and created the Sustainable Sports Seal certification system, while World Sailing’s data driven approach has identified ways to cut support vessel emissions by more than 20 per cent.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the winners demonstrated that “protecting our planet and pursuing excellence can go hand in hand.”

Now in their third edition since launching in November 2022, the awards provide tailored support including innovation labs for organisations and six-month sustainability mentoring programmes for athletes.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: IOC

Cecilia Bartoli and Plácido Domingo reunite for intimate Valentine’s recital at Monte-Carlo Opera

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/02/2026

Two of opera’s most celebrated voices will share the Salle Garnier stage on 14th February in an intimate recital bringing together mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and baritone Plácido Domingo.

The Valentine’s evening marks the latest chapter in a musical partnership spanning over three decades. From their first meeting in New York to recording Idomeneo together in 1994, the two artists have crossed paths on the world’s greatest stages throughout their careers.

Monte-Carlo audiences last experienced them together in 2023 during a memorable lyric concert that received enthusiastic acclaim. The 14th February recital offers another opportunity to witness the chemistry between these two exceptional performers in the intimate setting of the Salle Garnier.

Mediterranean sensibility with elegant programme

The evening’s programme has been designed to reflect both artists’ shared sensibilities – elegant, generous and deeply rooted in their Mediterranean heritage. Bartoli and Domingo will be accompanied on piano by David Fray, creating an artistic encounter built on sharing and emotion.

The recital format allows for a more personal connection between performers and audience than traditional opera productions, showcasing the artists’ vocal artistry in a stripped-back setting that emphasises musical interpretation and dramatic expression.

Valentine’s performance details

The recital takes place on Saturday 14th February at 8pm at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.

Tickets are available through the Monte-Carlo Opera box office for what promises to be one of the season’s most sought-after performances.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

 

Live music evenings to launch at Condamine Market

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
04/02/2026

La Mairie de Monaco is introducing a new monthly event combining live music with local food and drink at the Condamine Market starting this Thursday.

The ‘Apéro Music Live’ will take place on the first Thursday every month, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy an evening of entertainment amongst the market’s food stalls.

The inaugural evening is scheduled for Thursday 5th February, running from 6:30pm to 9:00pm with free entry and no booking necessary.

The monthly series aims to create a regular meeting point for the community, where people can unwind and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere, at the heart of the gourmet stalls and with live music accompanying the evening.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Monaco Life

Romain Ciarlet succeeds Olivier Wenden as Vice Chairman and CEO of Prince Albert II Foundation

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/02/2026

Romain Ciarlet will succeed Olivier Wenden as Vice Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation on 2nd March, by decision of Prince Albert II.

Romain Ciarlet has served as Executive Director and General Secretary of the Foundation since December 2019, working alongside Wenden throughout his tenure as Vice Chairman and CEO. Wenden departs to become Chief of Staff to Prince Albert II. The succession comes as the Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary year.

Leading the blue economy agenda

According to a statement on Wednesday, during his tenure as executive director, Ciarlet has played a central role in developing the Foundation’s blue economy and blue finance initiatives. He led the deployment of key programmes including the ReOcean Fund, a €100 million impact investment vehicle dedicated to ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

He also spearheaded the creation of the Ocean Innovators Platform and the Blue Economy Index, initiatives designed to accelerate innovative solutions, strengthen dialogue between entrepreneurs and investors, and channel financial flows towards sustainable ocean projects.

Ciarlet is also said to have been instrumental in the Re.Generation Future Leaders Program, which aims to develop a new generation of leaders committed to environmental sustainability.

Strategic partnerships and fundraising

In his role as executive director, Ciarlet contributed to shaping the Foundation’s strategic direction, particularly in fundraising and the development of strategic partnerships, says the Foundation. His work has focused on coordinating cross-cutting initiatives that align public policy, economic dynamics and sustainability challenges.

Diplomatic background

Before joining the Foundation in 2019, Ciarlet pursued a diplomatic career in Germany and Russia, where he worked on international projects related to economic cooperation, culture and science. According to the Foundation, this experience has informed his approach to building partnerships between governments, financial institutions and environmental organisations.

See also:

Olivier Wenden appointed Director of Prince Albert II’s Cabinet

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Philippe Fitte, Prince’s Palace