On May 23 and 24, Mâcon will host Run & Fest, a unique event in France that combines running races, concerts, and a festival experience.
Mâcon is gearing up to host a new event on May 23 and 24, 2026 with the first edition of Run & Fest. Unlike traditional formats, this event offers a unique hybrid concept in France, at the intersection of sporting challenge, culture, and celebration. Designed as a true collective experience, it combines three official races (10 km, half marathon, and marathon) with an immersive musical and artistic program, headlined by Kavinsky, an iconic DJ from the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The aim is to create a popular and inspiring highlight, where performance is measured in emotions as much as in seconds.
A story of resilience and friendship
At the origin of Run & Fest, there is a poignant human story, that of three friends: Mathis, Fabien, and Mathieu. On March 1, 2025, Mathis, an endurance coach, life changes during a parachute jump where he falls from 1,500 meters. After months of immobility and intensive rehabilitation, supported by his two friends, the idea of a symbolic challenge emerges during a hike on the GR20 in Corsica. The evidence is clear: to create an event that would celebrate his rebirth, one year to the day after the accident.
“This race is our way of saying that anything is possible, even when everything seems lost,” say the organizers. The project then becomes an ode to life, friendship, and the ability to overcome.
A symbolic challenge at the heart of the event
Beyond the races open to all, Run & Fest will be marked by Mathis’s personal challenge: to attempt to break the French record for 24 hours on a treadmill. This physical and mental feat, prepared with the rigor of a high-level athlete, is the central symbol of the event. It embodies the transformation of a trial into a collective adventure and a message of universal hope.
“I want to give hope to those who doubt, to prove that the impossible can change,” explains Mathis.
His challenge will start on Saturday at 5:00 pm and will end on Sunday at the same time, punctuating the weekend with his quest for surpassing.
More than a race, a festive and sensory experience
Run & Fest has been designed to blur the boundaries between sport, music, and art. The goal is to offer a comprehensive experience where effort becomes a celebration.
“We are three athletes and three bon vivants. We wanted to create an event that resembles us: demanding, festive, and inspiring,” emphasize the founders.
The public, whether runners or simple spectators, is invited to fully experience the event. A festive village will be the beating heart of the weekend, with live concerts, artistic performances, and a dining area. The spirit is inclusive, catering to high-level athletes, Sunday enthusiasts, families, and music lovers.
Mâcon, a vibrant territory at the heart of the project
By choosing Mâcon, the organizers wanted to anchor their project in a territory that is dear to them and to highlight its dynamism.
“We wanted to showcase our region in a different way. Mâcon has a festive soul, a taste for sharing, a light that resonates with our DNA,” they specify.
The event aims to be a showcase for Southern Burgundy, its way of life, gastronomy, and natural heritage. With over 350 volunteers already committed and the support of local actors, Run & Fest illustrates the vitality of territories that invest in creative and bold projects to strengthen their attractiveness.
Program and practical information
The kick-off will take place on Saturday, May 23 at 2:00 pm with the opening of the village. Mathis’s challenge will begin at 5:00 pm, followed by concerts culminating with Kavinsky’s performance at 11:00 pm.
The day of Sunday, May 24 will be dedicated to the races: the marathon at 8:00 am, the half marathon at 10:00 am, and the 10 km at 12:00 pm. Animations and concerts will continue throughout the day until the closing ceremony at 5:00 pm, which will coincide with the end of the 24-hour challenge.
It is possible to attend the event without running thanks to a “Festival Ticket”. Registrations for the races include full access to the festival.
All information on prices and participation details are available on the official website: https://runandfest.com.
