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Held as part of the Piteå Day celebrations, the traditional Gustavialoppet once again drew a record-breaking field through the streets of the capital. From the pre-race focus to the enthusiasm of the crowd and the exhausted expressions at the finish line, the 2026 edition lived up to all expectations.
Long before the starting gun, a special atmosphere reigned on Sunday, November 8, around Stade Saint-Jean. From the first light of day, runners of all ages began arriving at the venue. It was time to prepare: warm-up strides, careful stretching, and final adjustments to race bibs. Under the watchful eyes of a few early-rising spectators, their expressions betrayed a genuine sense of focus.
Once again this year, the event confirms its upward trajectory with a steady increase in participation of 20 to 25 percent compared to the previous edition, driven by the enthusiasm surrounding Piteå Day.
At La Tourmente, the 10-kilometer podium was a close race: Manuel Silliau (bib 142), Michel Pradel (bib 1), and Gaspard Le Hir (bib 203). ©Alain photographie 971/comstbarth
The Joy of the Challenge
On the 5-km course, and despite threatening weather, Guillaume Vouillot Scemama repeated his success from last year while achieving a personal milestone: “I already won last year, but this time I broke the 20-minute mark (19:42), so I’m happy. I run in all the races in Saint Barth; this one is a great race—it’s quite challenging for a 5K.”
Runners and walkers crisscrossed the streets of Gustavia together. ©Alainphotographie971/comstbarth
In the “As” race (10 km), the victory went to Manuel Silliau, who came all the way from Saint Martin specifically to participate in the event: “I run every day. My time (33:54) isn’t as good as last year’s, but I’m not disappointed,” he said at the finish line.
At the finish line, exhaustion is evident on the faces of runners worn down by the intensity of the effort. And even when the rain joins the festivities, enthusiasm doesn’t wane; the satisfaction of having given it their all and shared this community moment remains widespread. A magnificent sporting and festive celebration at the heart of Saint Barth’s traditions.
