Running for freedom with Claire Verzaux
In this episode of the podcast, I welcome Claire Verzaux, who shares with us the well-being that running gives her, and how it helps her overcome her physical difference.
Summary
- Watch the video interview
- Listen to the podcast
- Episode summary
- From road to trail: a passion born of the pleasure of running
- Two marathons before the big jump
- Joining the Adaptive team: making trail running more inclusive
- MCC: a challenge worthy of the name
- A committed and determined athlete
- A message for those who hesitate
- Read Claire's notebooks
Watch the video interview
Listen to the podcast
Episode summary
A passionate runner, Claire Verzaux was born with agenesis of the right forearm. In just a few years, running has become a real source of strength and freedom for her.
In this episode, she talks about how she got into running, her already impressive challenges – marathons, EcoTrail, UTMB MCC – and her commitment to inclusion in sport.
From road to trail: a passion born of the pleasure of running
Born into a family of runners, Claire discovered running around ten years ago before taking a break during her pregnancies.
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It was in 2021, during the confinement period, that she put on her sneakers: the swimming pool was closed, and the desire to get moving drove her to go running again.
“I was instantly thrilled,” she says.
Since then, racing has never left her. What she finds most of all is total freedom.
“With my difference, I have a lot of imbalance in my movements. When I run, it’s the only time I feel I have that freedom on both sides.”
Running also becomes a way of reconnecting with herself: a space where she no longer thinks about the way others look at her, and where she feels at peace with her body.
Two marathons before the big jump
As soon as she returned to running, Claire set herself ambitious goals: two marathons in 2022 and 2023.
Then she decided to try her hand at trail running, registering directly for the EcoTrail de Paris – 80 km.
“After my marathons, I realized that what I liked was running for a long, long time.”
She trains rigorously, following a 12-week plan, and mentally works out the distance: “I told myself: 4 x 20 km. It seems easier that way.
Both physical and mental work, reinforced by coaching and muscle strengthening.
On race day, she discovers a more intimate format, far removed from the big marathon starts. The emotion of the start, the regularity of the effort, the satisfaction of moving forward: everything reminds her why she loves running so much.
“From the 70th kilometer onwards, the race really begins. You have to go for it mentally. But that’s when I have the most fun.”
Reaching the second floor of the Eiffel Tower is the ultimate reward. An experience she has already decided to relive.
Joining the Adaptive team: making trail running more inclusive
In 2024, Claire is taking part in the MCC, a 40km race of the UTMB, with Team Adaptive, the first team to bring together 12 athletes with disabilities – visible or invisible.
The aim: to promote diversity and inclusion in the trail, and prove that there’s room for everyone.
Claire’s meeting with Boris Ghirardi, founder of the project, was decisive. While looking for a solution to equip herself with a trail pole adapted to her right arm, Claire contacted him. A few exchanges later, he invited her to join the team.
“It was a no-brainer,” she says simply.
MCC: a challenge worthy of the name
The MCC is 40 km long and has a demanding gradient. Claire runs with a guide: “For four hours, it’s all uphill.
The effort is intense, but the beauty of the landscape and the atmosphere of the UTMB in Chamonix compensate for the difficulty.
“It’s a race that takes your breath away. The finish in Chamonix is an incredible thrill.”
To prepare, she trains in the Paris region, tirelessly repeating the climbs of Meudon and the surrounding forests. “As soon as I saw a rib, I’d do it ten or fifteen times.”
A committed and determined athlete
Today, Claire is preparing a busy schedule for 2025: the Trail Blanc at the end of January, the EcoTrail de Paris, the Maxi-Race d’Annecy (60 km, 3000 D+) and the UTMB OCC with Team Adaptive.
She also hopes to develop a prosthesis system to hold a second stick, a project still in its infancy.
A message for those who hesitate
Claire’s message is simple yet powerful: “You have to dare. There’s no better therapy than sport. And running has a special flavor.
Read Claire’s notebooks
- Read Claire’s race reports here.
- Claire’s Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/claireverzaux/