Atletlerimiz: Seb Chaigneau

Seb arrived in the world of ultra running relatively late; but this meant he was able to bring a wealth of unique personal experiences. As a child growing up in La Vienne, in the ‘flatlands’ of France, he excelled at road cycling and athletics and later specialised in the steeplechase. With a lifelong love of nature, he went on to work in the research lab at Marineland in Antibes before joining the special Alpine division of the French Army with which he climbed 30 mountains.

With his twin passions for athletics and outdoor adventure, it was inevitable that Seb would soon discover the thrill of trail running. After leaving the army, he signed up for a 50km trail run on Mount Ferion in 2001. He was soon addicted and began training, studying and preparing for longer ultra races. He won the Libyan Challenge three times from 2007 to 2009, placed second in the 2009 edition of Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, and triumphed in the Transgrancanaria races of 2012 and 2013. But memories matter more to him than trophies. When winning the gruelling Hardrock 100 race in America in 2013, he was as happy to see the rugged landscapes and wild animals as he was to pick up his medal.

Seb now lives in the beautiful mountains of France’s Haute Savoie and schedules his training around his family commitments, often taking a photograph of his children to inspire him during his runs. A knowledgeable expert in endurance, nutrition and training science, Seb is now both a student and a master of his sport. He shares his passion for ultra running through educating and inspiring others to hit the trails.