SBEUNEUNEUH Update
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.
As if it were a sign of destiny, it was shortly after his race that all the records fell in London. An event that, in our opinion, was quickly erased from the collective memory. For a long time, people believed it was impossible for a human being to cover 42 kilometres in less than two hours. Nike invested enormous resources in trying to achieve that objective. After losing the sprint battle to Puma and Usain Bolt, the American brand spent years attempting to become the reference point in running culture through applications, events, promotional videos, clothing lines, and more.
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.
Thankfully, just one week after those surreal performances, our two runners from Prague also conquered the 42-kilometre mark.
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.
Throughout the race, he was closely followed by Bérenger, who for a long time was the runner with the greatest number of medals within the club. He too performed admirably in front of his family and with encouragement from magnificent homemade signs. He surpassed himself and proudly represented his loved ones over this mythical distance. It was not an easy race, particularly after an injury suffered during preparation, but it never affected his morale. What pride we felt watching our athletes achieve such an accomplishment and prove to everyone that anything is possible.
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.
Once again, congratulations to all the runners, and a special mention to those who go beyond 42 kilometres.
