The city of Epinal in eastern France is hosting a major athletics event this weekend as the Parc de la Colombière welcomes the 2026 French Masters Championships, an annual national competition for athletes aged over 35. The meet brings together some of the country’s best masters track and field competitors for two days of action across a wide range of age categories and disciplines.
Organizers have recorded 866 entries for this edition, underscoring the scale and competitiveness of the event. Athletes are competing in divisions from F35 and M35 through to the oldest categories, F80 and M90, reflecting the broad reach of masters athletics in France. The championships are expected to feature intense battles for national titles, podium finishes and personal milestones, with athletes aiming to make their mark in a highly anticipated setting.
Beyond the immediate goal of winning French crowns, many competitors will also have one eye on the international calendar. The 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, are scheduled to take place from August 22 to September 3, making this weekend’s national championships an important step in final preparations for those hoping to perform well on the world stage.
For many athletes, the Epinal meet serves as both a championship in its own right and a key benchmark in the lead-up to Daegu. Strong performances here can help athletes gauge their form, refine race strategies and build confidence ahead of the global event. The timing of the French championships, coming just months before the world competition, adds further significance to every race, jump and throw contested at the Parc de la Colombière.
Masters athletics continues to showcase longevity, dedication and high-level competition across age groups that span several decades. The Epinal event highlights that spirit, with seasoned athletes returning to national competition to chase titles while representing a community built on performance, experience and commitment to sport.
As the championships unfold throughout the weekend, attention will be focused not only on the winners but also on the depth of participation and the range of categories on display. With athletes from across France gathered in Epinal, the competition offers a snapshot of the strength of masters athletics in the country and a preview of the ambitions many will carry into the world championships later this summer.
