At a time when physical inactivity has become a major public health issue, Project 0 to 100 offers a large-scale scientific and social initiative. Coordinated by Professor Guillaume Millet, the program aims to transform 40 completely sedentary adults into UTMB® CCC® (100 km) finishers over the course of 18 months. This unprecedented approach, which uses science as a lever for sustainable transformation, is recognized as a nominee in the Ethical and Environmental Initiative of the Year category at the Trail Running Awards.
The Urgency of Inactivity Versus Pathologies
Project 0 to 100 is a direct response to the urgency of sedentary lifestyles—a phenomenon to which "it is impossible for organisms to adapt so quickly," according to coordinator Guillaume Millet. The study aims to measure, with scientific evidence to back it up, the power of structured physical activity in restoring physical and mental health.
The 18-month experiment involves 40 participants, maintaining complete gender parity (20 men and 20 women) aged 25 to 50. The goal is not competitive performance, but collective success and the sustainable transformation of each participant's quality of life.
An Unprecedented and Inclusive Scientific Protocol
Project 0 to 100 stands out for its scientific rigor and inclusive scope, making it a unique study in the world.
Participants benefit from personalized, multidisciplinary monitoring (researchers, physicians, physiotherapists, mental trainers). The protocol includes several laboratory visits (LIBM, IRMIS) to measure changes in biomarkers, muscle composition, sleep, fatigue, and quality of life.
The study is complemented by an auxiliary component, the Project 0 to 40, which paves the way for broader inclusion. This program is specifically aimed at sedentary individuals living with a chronic illness or disability, who will follow a similar protocol to achieve the 40 km (MCC®) goal.
As project patron Boris Ghirardi points out, the real challenge is "internal" and aims to overcome preconceived notions.
The Human Adventure: Mentorship and Transmission
The progressive training program is supervised by professionals from the École de Trail. The support goes beyond miles covered:
Cohesion and Education: Three intensive "shock" weekends punctuate the program, serving as essential gatherings to address technique, nutrition, injury prevention, and environmental education. These moments foster solidarity and team spirit.
Ongoing Connection: Each training phase is adjusted based on participants' capabilities, physiological results, and background, ensuring tailored and safe progression.
All collected data will be analyzed and featured in scientific publications as well as mainstream media coverage (via Le Monde and France TV), aiming to inspire nationwide change.
The true success of the project will be seeing these 40 individuals maintain physical activity after the study concludes, demonstrating that with rigorous support, sport—long considered a luxury—can become an essential driver of public health.
