Thomas Cardin

“Balancing desire and reason.”

Thomas Cardin

Biography

Thomas Cardin is a French trail runner, born on 9 February 1995 in Paris and raised in Grenoble. After a youth shaped by competitive swimming, he discovered running and then trail during his student years, joining the Taillefer Trail Team. He rose to the top of the French scene with multiple national titles, before delivering a landmark 2024 season: European Trail Champion in Annecy and winner of the Grand Trail des Templiers. He joined the KIPRUN Team Trail in 2024.

Discipline

Trail / Mountain running

Race distances

20–40K / 45K / 50–60K / 80K

Nationality

🇫🇷 France

Date of birth

9 February 1995

Hometown

Grenoble, France

With KIPRUN since

2024

Follow Thomas

Key highlights

European Champion – Trail (Annecy 2024)

He won the European Trail title in Annecy and capped off a landmark season, also claiming victory at the Grand Trail des Templiers.

Two-time SaintéLyon winner (2021 & 2023)

He has twice won the iconic winter classic, known for its fast, demanding profile.

World Championship team medals (WMTRC 2022 & 2023)

He helped France earn team medals at the Trail World Championships (silver in 2022, bronze in 2023).

Away from racing, Thomas lives a very grounded life. He is a primary school teacher and has long structured his routine to balance work, family life and elite sport. He has spoken about finding the right balance in Chambéry by working part-time, leaving room to train, recover and stay consistent over the years. His approach is simple and demanding, built on consistency, clear-headed decision-making and a strong team mindset.