The Nikaïa meeting returns to Nice from May 29 to 31

On May 31st, at 7 p.m., the Nakaïa meeting will once again be held at the Charles Ehrmann Stadium. For the third consecutive year since 2023, athletes and para-athletes from around the world will lace up their running shoes on the French Riviera. The UNOC (United Nations Ocean Conference), which will take place in Nice from June 9th to 13th, explains the progress of this event to the end of May.

More than 120 athletes expected

This meeting heralds "the very beginning of the launch of the season at the national level," says Rémy Charpentier, director of the meeting. More than 120 athletes of all nationalities are expected in the last week of May in the capital of the Côte d'Azur. The program will include 15 different events. These include the 3,000m steeplechase (middle-distance race with obstacles, editor's note ), the men's pole vault, the women's long jump, and the middle distance will be the main event (women's 800m and 1,500m, men's 1,500m and 5,000m).

Para-athletes also have their place at this event. "There will be two para-athletics events," confirms the director, "and certainly others that will be open to everyone, such as the long jump," he adds.

A tailor-made test for Gabriel Tual

Gold medalist at the last World Championships in Rome in the 800m, French record holder in the 800m in 1:44.64 and 6th at the Paris Olympics, Gabriel Tual, a French athlete, is the headliner of this 2025 edition. For the occasion, one of the 15 events has been specially prepared for him. "This year, I will be competing in the 600m and this will represent an important moment in my preparation before starting my season in the 800m in the Diamond League meetings," explains the French runner.

Two events outside the stadium

This edition features two events taking place outside the stadium. "It's a first," proudly announces Rémy Charpentier. As in 2023, the road mile, a 1.6km foot race, will take place on Place Masséna late Friday evening, May 30th. On Thursday 29th, the women's shot put event will take place in a truly unique setting. The female athletes will have to perform with their feet in the sand at Ponchettes Beach. Spectators can attend these two events free of charge. In 2023, a thousand people attended the race on Nice's main square.