Imagine this: after a year of distance running and solitary preparation, these gentlemen stood at the start of the 42.195 km marathons of the two cities that are dear to SBNN. Let us begin with Paul, who was the leader, the example, the pioneer. Having previously faced the harsh reality of running without preparation, finishing last among the group in Karlovy Vary, he took a beautiful revenge. Accompanied by his brother through the streets of the French capital, he saw his name printed in the country's two greatest national magazines (SBNN Magazine and L'Équipe). An achievement that would have seemed unimaginable five months earlier when a club interval training session had been organized and he did not even show up. And yet, the challenge was taken seriously and completed brilliantly. It is therefore with great pride that we once again congratulate Paul Bouchard, our Personal Best, for finishing his very first marathon.
Yet it was Adidas and its four superstar athletes — Sebastian Sawe, Tigst Assefa, Yomif Kejelcha, and Jacob Kiplimo — who left their mark on sporting history. The first two athletes mentioned above currently hold the men's and women's records. For Sawe, it is even more impressive, as he became the first athlete to break the two-hour barrier in competition, with Kejelcha becoming the second to do so. Kiplimo, who is often overlooked, stands as the third-fastest man in history over the marathon distance. Many people, unfamiliar with performing at such a level, will say that Kejelcha is merely an eternal runner-up, that Kipchoge is the true record holder, or that Kiplimo was far behind his competitors that day. Such comments diminish the achievement and give the general public the impression that this was a minor event, which has the unique ability to make us angry.
Jeffrey, whom we had previously followed in Barcelona, recorded the fastest marathon time ever achieved by a SBEUNEUNEUH member. It is a record that we do not see being broken anytime soon. A runner who has consistently been ahead whenever several club members have competed together, he once again demonstrated his remarkable physical abilities. Under the watchful eyes of his parents, who managed to follow him through the heavy sunshine of the Czech capital, he delivered a memorable performance. Dressed in yellow and pink, he stood out not only because of his result but also because of his style. We do not know what challenge could possibly come next for him... perhaps completing a half-marathon dressed in a sumo suit to represent SBNN.
As if to continue motivating us all, Bérenger went one step further by organizing the largest club outing since its creation on May 17, 2025. It is in Gap that we hope to witness the first documented race in which the majority of the club takes part.
