INOV8 RE-SIGNS YANNICK NOEL & EXPANDS I-RUN PARTNERSHIP
03/02/26
INOV8 France has confirmed that ultra-trail runner Yannick Noël will continue with the brand for the 2026 season, reinforcing the brand’s long-term investment in elite trail running, and extending a collaboration built on trust, shared values and performance.
The renewal follows a standout 2025 campaign, highlighted by a 7th-place finish at UTMB® and 2nd at the Diagonale des Fous, as well as wins at Oisans Trail and Volvic Volcanic Experience. These results firmly established Yannick among the most consistent performers in international ultra-trail running and attracted significant attention from several brands during the off-season.
Discussions around a contract extension progressed quickly, with both parties keen to build on an established relationship.
As part of the renewed agreement, French trail specialist retailer i-Run will support Yannick throughout the 2026 season, providing both financial and technical backing, while also helping to further develop his online visibility.
This extended collaboration strengthens the existing relationship between INOV8 and i-Run and reflects a shared commitment to long-distance trail running performance. The connection between Yannick and i-Run began during race week in Chamonix in 2025, where a natural alignment of vision and approach emerged. INOV8 Founder Wayne Edy said: “Yannick has been a fantastic athlete and ambassador for INOV8. We’re proud to have him on our roster again for 2026. This deal and three-way partnership with Yannick and i-Run further heightens our commitment to the French market and trail running in the country.”
“INOV8 was the first brand to believe in me and support me”, stated Yannick Noël, who is also a baker in his everyday life. “I’m happy with the respect and freedom they give me, and it feels natural for me to continue supporting them in return.”
The renewed agreement also sits within the broader structure of Team INOV8 France, which will count 19 athletes in 2026, reflecting continuity and stability within the team and INOV8’s ongoing commitment to supporting high-level trail running in the country.
Yannick added: “The important thing is that we are not alone – we are a team, and everyone gets along very well. We all feel supported by one another, bring good energy, and share in each other’s successes.”
In 2026, Yannick will focus on a full programme of key races, including MaxiRace, Val d’Aran by UTMB®, and UTMB®. His main objective is to improve his previous Mont Blanc performance by 20 minutes, targeting a finish time of under 21 hours.
Manu Fedon, INOV8 France Sales Director, declared: “Yannick’s results reflect his consistency and professionalism, but what really defines this partnership is the quality of our exchanges over time. We are pleased to continue working with him in 2026 and to see his experience contribute to our approach to ultra-distance trail running.”
Beyond competition results, Yannick plays an active role within the INOV8 ecosystem, sharing feedback that aligns closely with the brand’s approach to natural movement.
INOV8’s NATURALFIT™ philosophy is designed so the foot leads the movement, with a foot-shaped fit that secures the heel and midfoot while allowing the toes to spread naturally, supporting comfort, control and a more intuitive feel on varied terrain.
He currently races in the INOV8 TRAILFLY™ MAX V2, a shoe developed specifically for ultra and long-distance trail running. It features FLYSPEED™ PRO midsole foam, a supercritical nitrogen-infused compound designed to deliver a balance of cushioning, comfort and responsiveness over extended distances, with 24 mm under the heel and 18 mm under the forefoot.
The shoe’s natural, foot-shaped geometry, combined with MET-CRADLE overlays, secures the heel and midfoot while allowing natural toe splay, supporting efficiency and control on technical terrain. A GRAPHENE-GRIP outsole with 4 mm multidirectional lugs ensures durable traction in mixed conditions, while the BOOMERANG footbed enhances energy return during long efforts.