New women’s course record
On this International Women’s Rights Day, Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray delivered an outstanding performance by winning the HOKA Semi de Paris 2026 in 1:05:12, setting a new women’s course record. She breaks the previous mark held by Kenya’s Sheila Chepkurui, who ran 1:06:01 in 2023. On the podium, Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat finished second, while Kenya’s Mercy Chepwogen completed the top three. The first French finisher, Katia Raoult, placed 11th in 1:15:33.
In the men’s race, Kenya’s Kennedy Kimutai, already victorious last year, secured back-to-back titles by crossing the line in 1:00:11. He finished ahead of his compatriots Timothy Misoi and Thabang Mosiako, confirming Kenya’s dominance in this edition. Victor Moreau was the first Frenchman home, finishing 9th in 1:03:14.
It is also worth noting that American trail runner Jim Walmsley, winner of the UTMB in 2023, posted an impressive time of 1:04:55.
Full results available here.
21.097 km and thousands of stories
But beyond the times, it was thousands of individual journeys that defined the day. A first half marathon, a comeback after illness, a personal challenge, a symbolic birthday or a promise kept — every bib carried a story.
“Today, the most important thing wasn’t the time — it was crossing the finish line together. I supported my wife Alvina through her very first half marathon, from training all the way to the finish,” said Cédric.
For Mélanie, returning to racing after five months out due to health issues, simply finishing was a personal victory: “Coming back to run and crossing this finish line today is a victory over illness, a return to life and a celebration of every stride. Nothing has ever felt so precious.”
For Julien, the goal was clear from the start: to beat his personal best. “I followed a strict training plan for three months to be ready today. Watching the clock tick and crossing the finish line with a new PB is an incredible feeling. All that hard work paid off!”
Women set the pace
On this day celebrating women, the HOKA Semi de Paris 2026 confirms a powerful underlying trend: a field that is becoming increasingly balanced and female. This year, 46% of participants were women (compared to 35% in 2022). A steady and significant rise reflecting the lasting evolution of running in France. On the start line and at the finish, they were students, mothers, executives, seasoned athletes or first-time runners — all united by the same goal: to push beyond their limits.
Louise, Charlotte and Marie took on the challenge together: “We encouraged each other, we laughed, we struggled, and finally crossed the finish line! Proud to have done it today after months of training and supporting one another.”
“Finishing this HOKA Semi de Paris after illness is a victory over two years of hardship. I run for my husband, our twin daughters and all the women affected by aggressive breast cancer,” said Marion.
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A powerful message on the start line of the HOKA Semi de Paris
According to a RunRepeat study published in 2023, nearly 45% of women say they have experienced harassment while running. The consequences are very real: more than one third have since reduced how often they run, stopped altogether, or turned instead to indoor training. These are the “missing runners” — absent from start lines, yet their absence is a reminder that running freely remains a struggle for many women.
On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, HOKA, in collaboration with the SineQuaNon association, delivered a symbolic message at the HOKA Semi de Paris. A strong statement was broadcast on the start line to launch the “Missing Start Pen” initiative, aimed at making the invisible visible: the thousands of women who give up running because of street harassment. From now on, “so that this start pen is never empty again, let’s run together.”
A solidarity movement reaching new heights
Beyond sporting performance, the event has more than ever established itself as a powerful catalyst for collective commitment. This year, 5,000 runners took part wearing charity bibs sponsored by AG2R LA MONDIALE, representing 110 organisations dedicated to humanitarian, social, environmental and health-related causes. Together, they raised €1.3 million.
Behind every bib was a story, often deeply personal.
For Anne-Flore, running in support of Enfants du Mékong, the race went far beyond a sporting challenge: “I ran for a cause that truly means a lot to me and shared my journey on social media. By talking about my training, my challenges and my small victories, I was able to create a real connection with my community. Giving meaning to my race mobilised those close to me, and I felt like everyone was running alongside me.”
For Alexia, crossing the finish line was a tribute: “Taking part in this race today had a special meaning — it was to honour our mother, France. With my uncle, we ran it hand in hand, for her, but also to thank the Ligue contre le Cancer, which supported her.”
This commitment is also reflected through inclusive initiatives. Twenty-one young people from priority neighbourhoods in Paris took part with the Étendart Running Club. Launched by the Étendart Association with the support of the event, the programme aims to promote a more inclusive approach to running. Over several months, participants received structured coaching, dedicated equipment and collective support to guide them all the way to this challenge. In total, €40,000 was raised through the HOKA Semi de Paris to enable the Étendart Running Club to leave a lasting legacy in these neighbourhoods, including €10,000 raised during the 1st Kilometer event supported by HOKA and AG2R LA MONDIALE.
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