French Trail Runner Wins Race Incognito, Reveals Stunt on Instagram
A French trail runner, Théo Detienne, stunned the trail running community this weekend by winning a 25-kilometer race in Savoie even as disguised as an anonymous competitor. Detienne, 26, revealed the stunt hours after the race, posting a video of his victory on Instagram.
The race, held on Sunday in Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny, saw Detienne compete under the name “Marc Villa,” sporting a green outfit, a cap, and sunglasses to obscure his identity. According to reports, none of the 687 other participants recognized the decorated athlete. He finished the course in 1 hour, 57 minutes, and 47 seconds.
Detienne’s playful deception highlights a growing trend within the French trail running scene, where athletes are increasingly leveraging social media to build their brands and engage with fans. He joins a new generation of runners, like Clemquicourt, who boasts over 557,000 Instagram followers, in using online platforms to showcase their performances and personalities. Both athletes are known for their engaging video content.
“Obviously, I’m first,” Detienne wrote in his Instagram post, accompanying the video of his win with the hashtag “humility.” The post, titled “Pov: the trail is too easy,” quickly gained traction, further cementing Detienne’s reputation for a lighthearted approach to the sport. Clemquicourt described Detienne as a “true king of entertainment.”
Detienne, a Savoie native, previously worked as a gendarme specializing in mountain rescue before dedicating himself full-time to trail running. He currently represents Brooks Running and focuses on long-distance trail events. His upcoming goals include competing in the UTMB, a grueling 170-kilometer race, in 2026, according to his personal website.
The incident comes as the French trail running scene continues to evolve, embracing the power of social media to connect with audiences and generate excitement. Detienne’s incognito victory serves as a testament to his athletic prowess and his innovative approach to engaging with the sport’s growing fanbase.