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Challenge: A Global BBA student aims to run a marathon a day across France
At just 19 years old, Léon Seguin-Denis, a second-year student in SKEMA Business School’s Global BBA programme at Sophia Antipolis, has set his sights on an extraordinary challenge: running 1,400 kilometres across France. His goal? To connect SKEMA’s three French campuses (Lille, Grand Paris in Suresnes, and Sophia Antipolis) by running a marathon a day for an entire month to support Les Enfants de la Balle, an organisation dedicated to promoting inclusion through sport.
Léon, your project to run across France inspires admiration as much as curiosity. How are you preparing for such a demanding challenge?
Preparing for such a feat requires both physical and mental dedication. My training began in September, and I am working closely with a specialised doctor to prevent injuries and optimise my performance. Currently, I run between 90 and 100 kilometres per week, combining long runs with strength training.
I have already participated in several races, such as the Copenhagen Marathon and unofficial trail runs, which have provided me with valuable experience in long-distance running. From February, I aim to increase my weekly distance to 150–200 kilometres to prepare myself to maintain a pace of 45 kilometres per day for 31 consecutive days.
What challenges do you expect to face during this adventure?
The main challenge will be managing fatigue over such an extended period while avoiding injuries. Each day will require meticulous planning: nutrition, recovery, and physical effort. Staying disciplined during training is already a significant challenge, but I am deeply motivated by the cause I am supporting. This project offers me a chance to push my limits and demonstrate that, with determination, the impossible can be achieved.
What does completing this journey in 31 days mean to you?
It is both a personal challenge and a symbol. Connecting the three campuses within a month represents the collective effort and discipline needed to achieve the impossible. Every kilometre will be a shared victory with Les Enfants de la Balle, my supporters, and everyone I hope to inspire. This project is proof that with courage, passion, and a cause greater than ourselves, we can turn dreams into reality.
You are actively seeking partners. What can you offer them?
I am looking for partners—whether companies, organisations, or individuals—to join me in this adventure. In exchange for financial or material support, I offer several visibility opportunities: their logos can appear on the team’s van, on running shirts, or in the documentary À la force de mes pas. Companies will also have the opportunity to participate actively by running a stage with me, either in relays or individually. Finally, partners will gain access to exclusive content to promote their involvement.
If you had to sum up this project in one sentence, what would it be?
LINICE is a human, athletic, and community-driven adventure, born of friendships and encounters, that proves anything is possible when we push ourselves for a shared cause.
Follow Léon Seguin-Denis on LinkedIn
Support Léon Seguin-Denis and the organisation "Les Enfants de la Balle"