Born in Cluses, in Haute-Savoie, Hassan Chahdi is one of those who never left the race. From the very first years, he imposed a style, a rare endurance, and a mastery of the terrain that would affirm itself over the seasons. His career is that of a complete, sharp runner, capable of shining on all surfaces.
Triple French champion by cross long (2015, 2016, 2017), European champion Hopeful in 2010, he showed very early on that he was not only a middle distance hopeful, but indeed a figure for the future. And he built the future with patience. In 2023, he placed 7th at the World Marathon Championships in Budapest, becoming the first French person to enter the Top 10 in the World Over this distance for years. He followed up the following year with a personal best of 2:07:30 on the legendary London circuit, confirming his place among the best European marathon runners.
Adidas did not make a mistake in betting on him. The brand offers it the best weapons in its elite range, including the famous Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, among the lightest and most dynamic shoes ever designed. But it's not so much the shoe that creates the legend as the person who puts it on.
With a clean style, an almost academic posture, Chahdi runs with this feeling of mindfulness. Its economy of gestures, its way of absorbing the asphalt, of relaunching without any problems, suggest a racing intelligence acquired over the years. Technology is blending in with it. And his consistency is proof that, for him, nothing is left to chance.
Behind this refined execution is a discreet but influential conductor: Jean-Claude Vollmer. A former INSEP coach, outstanding pedagogue, he is also the author of the absolute reference for any serious marathon runner: The Marathon Bible. His approach is both scientific and human, combining volume requirements, fine rhythm, and mental accuracy.
With Vollmer, Chahdi built a stable, almost organic progression. It is not a flash in the pan, but a smoldering fire, which intensifies race after race. Vollmer embodies this tradition of French coaches who prefer to train in the shadows rather than shine in the light. He is also very involved in amateur runners via Lepapa, where he humbly shares his vision of training, making him a leading figure in French athletics.
Since 2021, Hassan Chahdi has been training alone, drawing on his experience and adapting his sessions according to his sensations.
March 2017. French Cross Country Championships. The crowd is waiting impatiently to see Vincent Luis shine, French triathlon star, double world champion, renowned for his power and relentless tactics. But that day, it was Chahdi who thwarted all the odds.
Both lucid and sharp, he sets his pace, widens the gap, and offers himself a masterful victory. This Moment, Immortalized in a Now Cult Video Entitled “Chahdi, the Little Prince of Macadam”, marks a turning point: the one where the athlete from the shadows comes to the light, where the cross country specialist recalls that he is above all an exceptional runner.
In 2024, when his non-selection for the Paris Olympic Games caused some to cringe, Hassan was finally recalled as a substitute. He will finish 20th in the Olympic marathon, in an overwhelming heat, once again proving his mental and physical strength.
But Chahdi doesn't want to stop there. In a recent interview, he bluntly said:
“I feel ready to medal at the Olympic Games.” (Run'ix interview)
At the age of 35, he is no longer chasing chronos. He runs to The Ultimate Accomplishment : to write your name in the history of the French and even world marathon.
Hassan Chahdi is not making noise. He runs, with remarkable regularity, a love of effort, and a rare humility. At a time when the marathon is becoming a field of artificial records and overboosted equipment, remember him that performance remains, above all, A Story of Mastery, Self-Sacrifice and Longevity.
🦊 Welcome to Fox Running Club!
Running with Alfred, your true sparring partner! Here, we talk about running, training, and competitions with passion (and a touch of mischief). Whether you're looking for a personalized training plan, tips to improve, or the race calendar in France, Alfred, our speed expert fox, is here to guide you.
