Despite challenging weather conditions, the 2024 Monaco Run Gramaglia attracted a robust turnout of more than 2,700 participants of all ages and abilities over the weekend, including around 20 families who joined British running icon Paula Radcliffe for the inaugural ‘Families on Track’ relay event.
The Monaco Run Gramaglia, now in its 14th year, faced mixed weather conditions over the weekend that tested the resilience of both its organisers, the Monaco Athletics Federation, and participants.
Lashing rain and wind on the morning of Saturday 10th February forced the cancellation of the inaugural Mont Agel Trail, but the 550 athletes who took on the alternative City Trail – a demanding route around the Principality that featured over 1,100 steps – were undeterred by the less-than-ideal weather and persevered.
Slovenian runner Timotej Becan emerged victorious, clocking in at 45:19, followed by Sébastien Poesy and Nejc Ursic to complete the podium. On the women’s side, Vanda Lovei from Hungary led the pack with a time of 56:21, ahead of Aurélie Delattaignant and Katia Lisa Operta.
A break in the weather in the afternoon allowed Paula Radcliffe’s five-kilometre ‘Families on Track’ relay to go ahead. She was joined by around 20 family groups for the first-ever edition of the event.
See more: Photos: Hundreds turn out for the Pink Ribbon Walk in Monaco
Sunday brought improved conditions and the sun shone for runners in the five-kilometre Hoka and 10-kilometre road race, which both reached full capacity.
New records were set in the Hoka, among them a national record for the Netherlands and a European U20 best for Niels Laros. French athletes Yann Schrub and Laly Polentru also did exceptionally well: Schrub won the men’s race and Polentru set a new French age group record in the women’s category.
Anthony Barriere took the lead in the men’s 10-kilometre race with a time of 30:43 while Mauritian Olympic athlete Marie Perrier took the crown in the women’s.
Another key element of the 2024 Monaco Run was the ever-popular Pink Ribbon Walk, which was concurrently held on the Sunday.
Nearly 300 participants showed up to demonstrate their support for breast cancer sufferers and survivors, and to help raise funds for a new scientific study on lobular breast cancer detection that is being directed by Doctor Florent Hugonnet at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace.
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Photo credit: Monaco Run