Ivan Zaborsky set a new world record as he claimed victory in one of Europe's most prestigious endurance races

Russian ultramarathon runner Ivan Zaborsky has won the '6 Days of France' endurance race, setting a new world record. The 37-year-old was the only participant to cover more than 1,000 kilometers in the notoriously gruelling event. 

The race took place between April 28 and May 4 in the southern French town of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, where 146 amateur runners from 21 countries ran almost continuously along a looped course of just over one kilometer. Held each year, the six-day ultramarathon challenges participants to cover as much distance as possible within 144 hours.

Zaborsky completed 926 laps, covering 1,047.5 kilometers (650.8 miles) and breaking the previous record of 1,045 kilometers. With his performance, Zaborsky also set a new world record for the furthest distance run during the event. The runner-up, American Megan Eckert, covered 708.1 kilometers. Zaborsky crossed the finish line carrying the Russian flag.

Russia was banned from numerous international sports events following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. In some cases, athletes from Russia have been allowed to participate as individuals or under a neutral flag. Moscow has criticized the restrictions, accusing international federations of "politicizing" sports.

"Through challenges we become stronger," Zaborsky told reporters upon finishing the race. When asked how it feels to be the first Russian to win the ultramarathon, he replied: "It's important, it's an honor, and the world record now belongs to Russia."

Another Russian athlete, Irina Masanova, achieved the fifth-best result overall and placed second among female competitors, covering 832.5 kilometers.

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryev described Zaborsky's victory as a significant achievement for national sport, praising his performance as a powerful display of willpower, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Zaborsky's victory adds to his list of achievements in ultramarathon running. In November 2024, he completed the 8th Authentic Phidippides Run in Greece, covering 490 kilometers from Athens to Sparta and back in 52 hours and 52 minutes.

The 6 Days of France race is widely regarded as one of Europe's premier endurance events. First held in 2006 in the coastal town of Antibes, the ultramarathon has since grown into a global gathering of elite athletes.