Diagonale des Fous

Le Diagonale des Fous - 'The Crossing of the Fools' - is a true French-inspired EPIC. 

You know when you've done a long, hard race and say "Never, ever again"?  Well, this is a long, hard race, for sure - but we've been back six times.  There's something so elusive about it.  Long, brutal, beautiful, there's always a bit that you could do just that bit better next time...

The route changes slightly every year but it's roughly 148km with over 9,000 metres of ascent and descent. There's also the Semi-Raid which is about 80km and covers the second part of the full route.  It's a non-stop ultra over varied terrain, much of which is pretty technical.  The scenery is immense, the competitors as diverse a bunch as any we've come across, and the organisation is second to none.  Competitors carry a day sack; there is ample food and drink throughout the event and two major checkpoints where you can pick up your drop bags and scoff down a hot meal.

But what makes this race so special is the local support - the whole island gets behind the event - with fetes, trail-side picnics and shouts, screams and songs of encouragement.  It's a huge deal in Reunion and most of the competitors are either Reunionaise or French.  There are very few overseas competitors, which is why perhaps you're treated so well.  We've often been the only Brits taking part, although in 2009 we took along another seven people which was the largest UK contingent to date.

The fastest I've done it is 37 hours - you get around 60 hours to complete it, but the fastest time is around 17 hours!!

But don't be fooled into thinking this is an easy option - it's the toughest race I've ever done (and also my favourite). 

For the Diagonale des Fous website, click here.