Grand Raid begins: Diagonale des fous and Mascareignes Underway
Saint-Denis, Réunion – The legendary Diagonale des Fous, centerpiece of the Grand Raid and the Mascareignes, launched today, October 16th, with runners embarking on a grueling test of endurance across the volcanic landscapes of Réunion Island. The event, which continues through Sunday, October 19th, is being broadcast live via WebTV 24/7, offering thorough coverage from race departures to finishes at the La Redoute stadium in Saint-Denis.
The Grand Raid is more than a single race; it’s a multi-event challenge attracting athletes of all abilities. This year’s edition includes the Grand Raid des Joëlettes, a remarkable exhibition of inclusive sport, which began 30 minutes prior to the Diagonale des Fous. A total of 81 runners are participating in the Joëlettes race,supporting 29 “pilots”-athletes with disabilities-along the course,accompanied by a dedicated team of coordinators and medical personnel.
At 5 p.m. local time, the first teams in the zembrocal relay race also commenced their journey, initiating the first leg from Saint-Joseph town hall towards Nez-de-Boeuf.Fans can track individual runners in real-time across all races via a dedicated tracking system available on the Franceinfo website.
The grand Raid, known as one of the world’s most challenging ultra-trail events, draws competitors from across the globe to Réunion Island. The coming days will see athletes navigate treacherous terrain and important elevation changes, pushing their physical and mental limits in pursuit of victory and personal achievement. Live coverage and real-time tracking will allow audiences worldwide to witness the drama and determination unfolding throughout the race.
