The Veni vici trail in the Gard, he wants to “crunch” it

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.

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)”.

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“.