【Press Release】MILLET Contract Athletes Take on L’Échappée Belle 2025 with the INTENSE Series – Naota Takemura and Akari Samata to Compete in Race

Millet is pleased to announce its support for contract athletes Naota Takemura and Akari Samata, who will be competing in "L'Échappée Belle," an alpine race to be held in the Belledonne Massif, France, from August 22 (Fri) to 24 (Sun), 2025.

First held in 2013, "L'Échappée Belle" is one of Europe's most challenging alpine races, internationally acclaimed for its overwhelming elevation gain, technical terrain, and diverse natural environment. The Belledonne Massif, where the race takes place, is a mountainous region that strongly inherits the tradition of French alpinism developed in Grenoble, and it is a special "origin" that deeply overlaps with Millet's spirit.

The course goes from a valley at 250m elevation to the Belledonne Pass, which reaches 2,950m. The longest category, "Intégrale," is a 152km course with an accumulated elevation gain of 11,390m. The route, which includes rocky ridges, scree slopes, snowfields, and even climbing elements, condenses the harshness and beauty of the French Alps and demands not only pure running ability but also a high level of adaptability to the mountain environment.

 

The "INTENSE" Series: Supporting Athletes Pushing the Limits

Supporting the two athletes competing in the 2025 event is Millet's trail running series, "INTENSE." Refined in the harsh environment of the French Alps, these products integrate lightness, durability, and breathability—all essential for long-distance races—to a high degree. They are designed to maximize performance even under the severe conditions of this race, with its undulating terrain and rapidly changing weather.Please pay attention to their race with the INTENSE series.

 

◼︎Athlete Profiles

Naota Takemura Trail Runner (affiliated with Ishii Sports)

〈Event: Intégrale (152km)〉
In the 2024 Trans Japan Alps Race (TJAR), he garnered attention by contending for the lead until the middle of the race, despite being the youngest participant. In the same year, he won the "Joshu Hotaka Skyview Trail 138K," sponsored by Millet. Specializing in long distances, he is one of the most promising young runners today. The items he plans to wear are listed below. *Subject to change.

Akari Samata Skyrunner

〈Event: Skyrace (21km)〉
From 2021 to 2023, she represented Japan at the Skyrunning Youth World Championships. Despite being plagued by injuries in 2024, she made a triumphant return, winning the All Japan Skyrunning Championships in November. She is making a full return to competition while pursuing postgraduate studies starting April 2025. The items she plans to wear are listed below. *Subject to change.

◼︎INTENSE series Official Website

◼︎L’Échappée Belle Official Website

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L'Échappée Belle Overview
・Dates: August 22 (Fri) - 24 (Sun), 2025
・Location: Belledonne Massif, France
・Events: Intégrale (approx. 152km / 11,390m cumulative elevation gain) / Skyrace (approx. 21km / 2,000m cumulative elevation gain), etc.
・Organizer: Association L’Échappée Belle