IAU 24-Hour World Championships Preview – Albi, France (18–19 October 2025)
The world’s best ultrarunners will once again converge on Albi, France, this weekend for the 15th IAU 24-Hour World Championships, taking place from Saturday 18th to Sunday 19th October. 2025. As anticipation builds, all eyes are on the elite lineup featuring multiple world champions, national record holders, and rising stars. This year promises high-level competition, fast times, and perhaps even a challenge to the world records themselves. Some of the athletes to watch along with their 2023 / 2025 PB distances.
As the IAU continues to promote and grow the discipline globally, the 2025 edition may set new standards for what’s possible over 24 hours of continuous running.
Women’s Race – Nakata Leads a Formidable Field
- Miho Nakata (JPN) – 270.363 km (World Record Holder)
The current world record holder, Miho Nakata, headlines the women’s field. Her record-breaking 270.363 km set a new benchmark in the sport and she arrives in Albi as the clear favourite. Calm, consistent, and clinical in her pacing, Nakata will be the one to watch from the very first hour.
- Holly Ranson (AUS) – 263.548 km
Australia’s Holly Ranson enters with a PB of 263.548 km, making her one of Nakata’s closest challengers. With experience and strong form behind her, she’ll aim to push deep into podium contention.
- Patrycja Bereznowska (POL) – 263.178 km
A former world record holder herself, Bereznowska is known for her experience and championship pedigree. She’s proven on the global stage and is always a contender when it matters most.
- Camille Herron (USA) – 263.004 km
One of the most recognizable names in ultrarunning and the first female to break 270Km, Herron brings flair, speed, and grit. Her recent best of 263.004 km puts her firmly in the medal conversation.
- Olena Shevchenko (UKR) – 254.463 km
Ukraine’s Shevchenko has shown strong progression and tactical racing ability. Her PB puts her in a solid position to break into the top ranks in Albi.
- Stephanie Gicquel (FRA) – 249 km
Representing the host nation, Gicquel brings national pride and serious endurance experience. With home support behind her, she’ll aim to push beyond her personal best on French soil.
- Daniela Tarnutzer (SUI) – 252.822 km
Tarnutzer is a consistent performer, and with a PB just shy of 253 km, she has the experience to run a smart, steady race that could yield a breakthrough performance.
Men’s Race – Sorokin vs. the World
- Aleksandr Sorokin (LTU) – 301.790 km (World Record Holder)
The undisputed king of the 24-hour discipline, Sorokin comes in as the reigning world record holder and heavy favourite. With a jaw-dropping PB of 301.790 km, he remains the only athlete to have officially surpassed the 300 km barrier. If conditions align, he may push his own record even further.
- Fotios Zisimopoulos (GRE) – 292.254 km
Fotis has emerged as Sorokin’s closest rival. His recent 292.254 km shows he’s more than capable of challenging for the top step of the podium—and potentially setting a national record in the process.
- Elov Olsson (SWE) – 284.669 km
Sweden’s top ultrarunner has already proven himself on the international stage. Olsson is a smart and aggressive racer who can surge late and capitalize on any gaps.
- Andrii Tkachuk (UKR) – 284.540 km
A consistent performer with a strong PB, Tkachuk is Ukraine’s best hope for a podium finish. His mental toughness and tactical approach will serve him well in a deep field.
- Stijn Van Lokeren (BEL) – 280.020 km
One of Belgium’s strongest ultra runners, Van Lokeren has a 280+ km best and will look to mix it with the leaders as the hours wear on.
- Amar Singh Devanda (IND) – 272.537 km
India’s top entrant, Devanda is showing remarkable progression and will aim for a national record—and potentially a top 10 finish.
- Torbjörn Gyllebring (SWE) – 272.086 km
Another strong Swedish contender, Gyllebring’s steady pacing and experience in tough conditions make him a dark horse.
- Mariusz Napiorkowski (POL) – 276.081 km
Flying the flag for Poland, Napiorkowski will be looking to build on strong European performances and contend with the leaders.
- Francisco Mariano Martinez Morales (ESP) – 282.2 km
Spain’s leading man has a big PB and will be running in familiar European conditions. A podium isn’t out of reach.
Others to Watch
- Matt Field (GBR) – 281.3 km: Experienced and mentally strong, Field brings depth to the GBR squad.
- Diego Filiu (FRA) – 261.785 km: Racing at home, Filiu will be inspired by a passionate French crowd.
- Andrzej Piotrowski (POL) – 265.886 km
- Emil Krog Ingerslev (DEN) – 266.9 km
With both Miho Nakata and Aleksandr Sorokin leading their respective fields, the 2025 IAU 24-Hour World Championships in Albi could witness another rewriting of the record books. But with deep international fields stacked with proven performers, nothing is guaranteed over 24 hours of racing. Expect possibly the best edition yet of this iconic ultra-distance event
John O’Regan
IAU Communication Committee
