Marie Nivet: “Trail running is a game we choose to play” | Trail Run Advisor Interview
Credit photo : Alanis Duc, Fédération Française d’Athlétisme
After a remarkable first full season on the Golden Trail World Series circuit, where she finished an impressive 7th overall, Marie Nivet has firmly established herself among the rising stars of international trail running. A member of the French National Trail Team and TrailRunAdvisor elite ambassador, Marie embodies the essence of the sport: passion, humility, and perseverance.
Between her double participation at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, where she helped France secure a silver medal, and her continuous drive to improve, Marie’s journey reflects what makes trail running so unique — a mix of competition, discovery, and deep human connection.
In this interview, Marie opens up about her journey, her lessons from an intense season, and the mindset that drives her: own your choices, play the game, and never stop smiling.
Q1: Your first full season on the Golden Trail Series circuit ends with a magnificent 7th place! How did you experience this, and what stands out most from this adventure?
This first season on the Golden Trail World Series circuit has been a great adventure for me. It was a dream to take part in this championship, but it was also a source of anxiety: I had never run so much, nor tackled so much elevation, travel, and so many races in a row. I come from short-distance events, mountain running, and even before that, cross-country and the 3,000 m steeplechase: I had never reached such a volume before. Yet, this season allowed me to discover beautiful countries, incredible courses, a unique atmosphere, and above all, athletes who, beyond being rivals, have become true friends. I am proud to have dared, and I am already looking forward to coming back even stronger.
Q2: In September, you were in Canfranc for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, achieving two very fine performances and a silver medal with the French team. What memories do you keep from that week?
The World Championships in Canfranc were one of the highlights of my season. Two races, which was a first for me, and a world podium that will remain unforgettable. What also stays with me are the emotions shared with the women’s team, with whom I have now experienced three championships.
Q3: You started two races during these World Championships — how did you manage recovery and energy between the two?
I really enjoyed the two-event format: the first gets you into the swing of things, and the second can be savoured with greater clarity. In between, I had to recover by supporting my teammates, sleeping, eating, keeping my legs moving, all while staying buoyed by this very special atmosphere.
Credit photo : Rising Story & Golden Trail Series
Q4: What do you think was the greatest lesson or discovery of this 2025 season?
The greatest lesson of this season is that you have to own your choices. And if you fully embrace them, they always bring something beautiful. Someone once told me: “It’s just a game. And if the game doesn’t amuse you, there’s no point in starting to play.” Trail running is a game we choose to play. We know it will be tough, that the cards won’t always be in our favour, but the essential thing is to play the game right to the end… and be fair play.
Q5: Do you have any training routines or specific advice you’d like to share with the trail runners who follow you?
If I had one piece of advice to pass on, it would be to adapt. You can’t force your body or your mind when they’re not on board. You make do with what you’ve got “in your pockets” on the day, and you keep smiling: that’s how you progress and keep the enjoyment alive.
Q6: And for 2026, do you already have any race ideas? A destination or challenge that particularly appeals to you?
Finally, as for objectives, my 2025 season isn’t over yet: I still have a very exciting race to run, the details of which will soon be revealed. For next year, the European Championships will be a major goal, with the ambition to do both the Up and the Up & Down, and to aim for a medal in each. And of course, the Golden Trail Series… they’re still in the back of my mind, and I already want to go back.
