More than a sporting challenge, for Emmanuel Gaultthe Veni vici has become a race special, a symbol, an appointment “almost emotional“. L'Uzétien, whom some know as director of the Jean-Macé school, has been on the move since the first edition.
“Victory is of course a goal, but it remains the icing on the cake”
Emmanuel Gault about the Veni vici.
A competition which he wouldn't have missed for anything in the world. “A race at home, in Uzès, which pays homage to the heritage of Gard and to my sport? I didn't think long before signing up, especially since I was looking to get back into trail running.“, he says.
Since then, the competition has gone rather well for the athlete, who has simply chained three victories. An undefeated record with respect to which he still prefers to remain modest.
“Trail running is about surpassing oneself. Victory or defeat, I simply want to give the maximum. There are races from which I came back first without being satisfied, and others being lower in the ranking but proud of my performance. Victory is a goal of course, but it remains the icing on the cake“.
Come vici 2024: the addition of 10km of course
A cherry that still remains difficult to obtain. “La Veni vici is not simple, on the contrary. I immediately appreciated the audacity of the course organizers“. Known to be demandingbrittle, this trail navigates through the scrubland and villages, oscillating between stony roads and narrow paths.
“This year, they even added 10km, with 200m of additional positive. We had to adapt the preparation, it will be a hell of a race (82km in total)”.
Come here 2024: practical information
Au programme of this highly anticipated fourth edition, six courses, ranging from 13 to 82km. With or without elevation gain, all running levels will be represented. Once again, participants will explore several municipalities of Uzège Pont du Garddifferent emblematic sites, before closing at Nimes.
Collection of bibs will take place on Friday November 8 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pont du Gard site (right bank car park) then on D-day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.
Please note that shuttles will be offered from Nîmes to go to Uzès. Prices: for the first 150 bibs: €91; following bibs €105. Info: lavenivici.com/parcours/
A major challenge that attracts athletes from all over France and even beyond. “Every year, I find several regular locals but also experienced runners from elsewhere. She's becoming a real little date, it's nice to see“.
Four days before departureeverything is ready for the Uzétien who has been training since this summer. “I know what I have to do and I'm pretty confident. I prepared myself well, adapted to the new developments, especially at the end of the route which will be more difficult. I can't wait to embark on this renewed course, I want to go and eat it!“, concludes the runner who will also set off a few days later at the start of Asics SaintéLyon, another competition which, too, is “his party“.
Films screened at the Capitole d’Uzès
Also note, the day before the race, in Uzès, the Capitole cinema will screen three short films around trail running and sportsmanship. “Running on the Roof of the World”, “Picapica” and “Diagonale” will be on the big screen from 6:30 p.m..
Reduced price for Veni vici participants (€5 compared to €7 at full price).
