The Fédération Monégasque d’Athlétisme (FMA) unveiled its 2026 summer programme on Thursday 7th May, sharing the first major highlights of the upcoming Meeting Herculis EBS. The Hôtel Hermitage hosted the presentation in which Rodolphe Berlin, Vice President of the FMA, and Frédéric Choquard, Director of the federation, outlined the organisation’s ambitions for the upcoming summer season.
An expanded summer calendar will offer two new major athletics events. On 30th May, the FMA will organise the European Challenger Championships. This one-day competition brings together 18 nations, serving as the athletics equivalent of the Games of the Small States of Europe, which Monaco will host in 2027.
On 5th August at 6pm, the Monaco Athletics Festival will take place on Quai Albert-Ier. This event, organised in partnership with the ‘What Gravity Tour’ led by Mutaz Barshim, will bring together 12 of the world’s best high jumpers in the heart of Monaco.
Meeting Herculis EBS returns in July
The main event of the summer will be the Meeting Herculis EBS, scheduled for 10th July at Stade Louis II from 7pm. Over nearly 40 years, this event has been ranked several times as the best athletics meeting in the world and has been part of the Wanda Diamond League since its creation in 2010.
The 2025 edition featured elite performances, three continental records, several national records, and record-breaking national TV audiences. Expectations are already high for 2026 as the competition gears up for another highly competitive edition.
The FMA announced its expanded partnership with TVMonaco, which will handle the full production and live broadcast of the event. This growing collaboration highlights the importance of local media partnerships within the Principality.
The Meeting Herculis EBS will continue to welcome technological innovation. After successfully integrating the Wavelight pacing system, LED lights used to indicate world record and qualifying pace, the 2026 edition will debut adhesive race bibs designed to improve athlete comfort and movement. This technology, tested in 2025, will be rolled out across the Diamond League circuit.
Mondo Duplantis and a new pole vault format
Furthermore, Stade Louis II will feature the installation of a second pole vault runway designed to enhance the spectacle and create a unique viewing experience for fans. The idea was heavily encouraged by world record holder Mondo Duplantis, who confirmed his participation in the event.
Speaking on the addition of the second pole vault runway, Duplantis – who was at the presentation – said: “It took some convincing from my end. It would have felt weird to wake up and be so close to the competition and not be a part of it.” Duplantis has recently become a resident of the Principality and has begun settling into life here both on and off the track. “Monaco is a really special place for me, a special place to compete as well.”
During the 2025 edition, he set a new meeting record at 6.05m, before narrowly missing another world record attempt. Speaking on competing this year, Duplantis added: “The mindset going into the competition, now that I’m here at the home stadium and where I’m training, it just feels like a world record is needed. That’s something I really want to do.”
Other headline athletes have begun confirming their appearance at the event. Faith Kipyegon, who set a still-standing world record in the mile during her 2023 appearance in Monaco, will compete at this year’s event. Jimmy Gressier, the 2025 world champion in the 10,000m, will also compete in the 5000m.
Beyond the competition, the Meeting Herculis EBS will host a full day dedicated to athletics, including nearly 50 amateur races held on the same day as the event. This initiative reflects the organisers’ desire to make athletics accessible to all. All participants will be invited to attend the meeting.
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Photo credit: Fédération Monégasque d’Athlétisme