Yannick Noël, the ultrarunning baker, has committed to a new deal with INOV8, in partnership with i-Run.

The formidable Frenchman, off the back of an extremely successful 2025, is already making plans to rise above the rest in 2026, leaning on his discipline and determination built through his slightly unusual approach to training.

While most of his competitors are happily asleep, Yannick rises at 2:30am to begin his day at the local boulangerie.

Fresh bread and sumptuous pastries are the order of the day, until the afternoon when he heads out into the playground of mountains around his home in Les Deux-Alpes.

In 2025, we captured a glimpse into his extraordinary lifestyle in our short film, Yannick Noël – L’Ultra Boulanger.

But however unorthodox his routine may be, it works for Yannick.

7th in Chamonix, 4th at the Three Peaks, 2nd at the Diagonale des Fous.

These were just some of the results in 2025 that cemented Yannick as one of the most consistent performers in international ultra-trail running.

“All went according to plan,” noted Yannick.

“It was a fantastic year. Physically, it was long and intense, but with the support of INOV8 I had the chance to train more, and rest more!”

His performances stretched across the globe - from a 7th-place finish around Mont Blanc being followed by a brilliant run for 2nd place on Reunion Island in the Pacific.

“Getting close to 21 hours in Chamonix was amazing, but 2nd place at Diagonale des Fous was probably the highlight.

“It was crazy! Everyone on Reunion Island is out supporting the race. The atmosphere is so intense.”

It isn’t only the spectators on the course supporting Yannick on his journey.

The INOV8 France team is a close-knit group of runners who share not only talent on the trails, but also a collective energy and passion for the sport that carries each of them forward in their sport.

“It is so important that we are not alone. Everyone gets along very well, and there is such a strong feeling of being supported.

“We all feel supported by one another, bring good energy, and share in each other’s successes.”

A Christmas meet-up with the INOV8 France team was the perfect opportunity to reflect on such a successful year, and an opportunity for Yannick to return to some running after his mammoth autumn.

“I had a good break after the Diagonale des Fous! I started running lightly in mid-December.

“I’ve spent more time on skis, but now, in the New Year, the higher intensity training starts again.”

Yannick is ready to push on in 2026, with more early starts and miles on feet ahead.

“I have some big race plans. There’s MaXi-Race, Val D’Aran in the Pyrenees, and of course Chamonix.

“After Chamonix, I’ll probably run a last big one, either Festival des Templiers or a race in Thailand.”

Watch our short film Yannick Noël – L’Ultra Boulanger to find out more about Yannick’s extraordinary life.