Norway's Royals Run Nice-Cannes Marathon
King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra ran the scenic Mediterranean marathon in France together.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Running
Norway's King Haakon and Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra ran the Nice-Cannes Marathon in France on November 8. The pair began the race together along the Mediterranean coast and largely blended in with other participants.
Why it matters
The royals' participation in a public mass-participation race draws attention to the royal family's personal lives beyond official duties. Haakon, who ascended the throne on August 28 after King Harald V's death, is expected to resume official duties on November 11.
Race timing records show King Haakon finished in approximately four hours and 43 minutes after starting at 9:16 a.m. Ingrid Alexandra's tracking data stopped updating near the 9.9-kilometer mark, leaving her full result unconfirmed.
The players
King Haakon VIII
King Haakon VIII is the monarch of Norway, who ascended the throne in August after the death of his father, King Harald V.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra is the heir presumptive to the Norwegian throne and the only child of King Haakon VIII.
The details
The race followed a scenic route between Nice and Cannes. Photographs and videos show the two running side by side near the end, accompanied by several unidentified runners, and some participants recognized the royals along the course.
Timeline
August 28: Haakon ascended the throne after the death of King Harald V.
November 8: The royals ran the Nice-Cannes Marathon.
November 11: King Haakon is expected to return to official duties.
Season Trajectory
Royal participation in amateur endurance events has become a recurring way for European monarchies to appear accessible to the public. The marathon appearance comes shortly after Haakon's accession, offering a glimpse of the new king's personal life alongside his heir.
The race shows that large marathons can draw recognized public figures who blend in with ordinary participants. Readers planning to watch or join similar races should expect limited official coverage of such appearances.
The takeaway
Public figures can take part in mass events while keeping a low profile, a reminder that many participants share the same course regardless of status.
What happens next
King Haakon is expected to return to official duties on November 11.
Further reading
For more on endurance racing, explore our Running coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam.
