Grand Raid Reunion Island - Diagonal of Fools

Report: Grand Raid 2010 – diagonal of fools

2010-10-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

It is cold, my hands are starting to shake, but it must be because of the excitement unfolding before my eyes, I am on the grand raid 2010 – diagonal of fools. It is 4am and everybody stops on the rim of the caldera at 2250m, we hear the volcano rumble and magma coming through the pipes, we peep over the edge and see a big lava fountain squirting lava, with chunks of plasma falling far over the edge, hitting the ground and then forming lava rivers. People shout out manjefique in french, and we are all stunned for a moment. Did i see hypothermia starting to set in? the answer is no, i was distracted, ok!! ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Lqw37mj3FU

* * *
The Diagonal of Fools is a highly technical non-stop run/hike of about 163km over Mountains with 9643m meters of elevation gain approximately diagonally across the island of Reunion from south to north through the foothills of the Piton de la Fournaise (active volcano) and calderas Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie, primarily via the hiking trails of the GR. The maximum time of test, to be filed, is set at 66 hours (sixty six hours), including all breaks, subject to passing the various checkpoints before closing time. See http://traileruption.blogspot.com/
* * *

We started the race 21 October 10pm from the south of reunion island at sea level at cape mechant. It was a mild tropical 22 degC outside. 2634 crazy people entered the race mostly from mainland france and reunion, i were the only south african. We were driven by busses to the sport stadium , where kit check was done, snacks were served and the fools given a last show of local island dancers with a guy blowing flames out of his mouth in true french glamour. Did I mention nobody speaks english on this island, Nobody. You need to improvise, use body language or learn french to survive. It was a huge mission for me to just get to the start of this race... The moon was full and we were at the foot of the volcano, the vibe in the stadium was starting to get electric with a slight kink of crazyness, it is what I live for.

The gun went off and off we were, everybody starting to squash each other trying to get ahead, it looked like the start of comrades combined with a bull stampede, completely crazy. We climbed mildly for the first 15km to 700m, and the next 7km through dense muddy forest to 2250m. Every few hundred meters you would find a guy throwing up, that wern't eating or going up to quickly, I took it easy and felt good. You expand so much heat going up, so I didn't wear anything warm.

I reached Foc-Foc, the CP just before the rim of the volcano, here even at night you can see the landscape changing to something simular to mars. Volcanic formations out of this world. It was slighly cooler here but with me still hot from the climb I carried on. I was running feeling good, and then we started hearing the volcano. This was so amazing, a noise I never heard before. Reaching the edge we saw the amazing specticle and I stopped to make a movie, eventualy I got a good shot using my gorilla pod (mini tripod) and putting my camera in night mode. What I didn't realise was that it was 3 degC outside, and my hands was starting to lose feeling. When I wanted to stop my movie and unclip my tripod I couldn't, I got a big scare. I couldn't open a energy bar with my hands and had to use my mouth, I couldn't put on my rain jacket. I had to get moving very quickly.

I reached the volcano observatory and refreshment point where I manged to get some lukewarm soup out of them but I couldn't open my bladder to refill, and had to beg the french guy that didn't understand me but eventualy saw my hands were freezing. I kept on going, the sun came up and my core temprature restored.

We were high above the clouds with very unique landscapes unfolding constantly, volunteers waiting en-route were encouraging you with ale-ale, this was great, and after another climb with magnificent scenery I reached a downhill I could run fast and passed a lot of people, this was great.

It is impossible for me to describe a race like this in every detail, but what I can tell you this island is out of this world diverse dramatic and like nothing you have seen before, and the trail condition differ constantly as does the landscape. The people racing can be described as lemmings as in the highly addictive computer game where thousands of little fools get send over an extreme obstacle course and only a few surviving to the end.

The main volcano on the island is 3000m high and extrinct, around the volcano lies 3 calderas, basically sucken in land masses around the volcano dropping from the edges from +-2300m sleeply down to 1000m, each caldera has a community of people living inside it completely surronded by mountains.

We aproached the first caldera Salazie though dense forests of rolling hills, and I followed a group of french people. My mind started playing tricks on me here and I though the french people were conspiring against me, remember I was just hearing french since my arrival on the island and I didn't understand a word. We dropped steeply into Salazie the caldera with the most water, waterfalls everywhere hundreds of them. This is rivendale, but better and home to the iron hole (Trou de Fer) http://www.crystalcanyons.net/Pages/TripReports/TroudeFer.htm, one of the canyons I will have to come back for canyoneering. I reached the town of Hell-Bourg and the 70km mark 16h7m into the race having done 3600m of climbing. Then we had to get out of the caldera climbing from 1000m to 2480m via cap anglais, this climb plays mental games on everybody, it is steep short switchbacks through dense forests that never seems to end, and you can't see the top. I reached the top just before nightfall and opted to move on and get down into the next caldera where i would take my first sleep break.

The next caldera Cilaos drops down via technical switchbacks over 5km to 1400m, i joined a group running a nice pace, and enjoyed this technical downhill at night. Your mind in deep concentration as your body negotiates the rocks at speed. This was an awesome mind blowing downhill, made for technical trail running. I reached the Stadium in Cilaos the 90km mark 22h31m into the race, and slept for 2 hours. I rested well ate something and headed out just before midnight. Each caldera is so unique. We skirted canyon walls and climbed out of the caldera using switchbacks, it was another challenging climb and i reached the top just before sunrise, before dropping down into Mafate.

Salazie and Cilaos are barely accessible via roads from the coastline, but these roads are exgeneering feats and very sheer mountain roads. Mafate is totally inaccessible via roads and the community relies on a chopper flying in food and solar power.

Dropping into Mafate as the sun came up was amazing, this is an amazing caldera, very remote and very beautiful. I reached the bottom feeling extremely good and started running fast deep into the caldera, i enjoyed the technical running and special feeling of complete isolation. It was a long day, seeing out of this world beauty, but somewhere along the way in mafate i picked up a knee injury running a downhill that would make downhills not runnable anymore but uphills ok. I reached Deux Bras the 126km mark slowly after i got hold of a wooden stick to support me. It was 41h41m into the race having slept 2 hours, and i was doing reality checks in my mind if i can survive another 40km on a swollen painful knee. I got a medic to massage my legs strap my knee, ate something, and slept for 2 hours. I refused to give up even though the pain was excruciating, and i knew the inflammation was just gonna get worse. I left just before nightfall.

It was amazing here, some very steep scrambling holding onto cables at places we used steep switch backs and traversed up a cliff, i loved this and uphills wasn't that painful for my knee as the downhills. When we got to the top we reached a remote town on the escarpment with locals cheering us on. Then we had to go down again and it was a single track going steep down. There were hundreds of people before and after me, and it was gonna take me all night with my knee and i wouldn't have made progress as i would have to let everybody pass the whole time. So i just had to block out the pain and run the downhill without passing out. Here i found that your body can actually handle allot more pain than you think before you pass out. It was a long night, but i reached Possession 142km just before 2am, 51h 54m into the race, where i slept another 2 hours to normalize the pain.

The rest of the route i would do uphills as fast as i can, and go slow on downhills trying not to pass out. I eventually reached Colorado high in the mountains above St Dennis, where people indicated to me i am starting to drift (swing like a drunk person) across the paths. Colorado is 5km before the finish and i reached it 60h43m into the race, where i got some pain pills to get me to the finish. The view here is out of the world, and the vibe of the locals cheered me up tremendously. High above the clouds a very special place, so close but yet so far.

The pain pills helped allot, i got moving going down the very steep switchbacks and reached the finish in 62h49m37s. I made it!! and got my photos taken and received the medal of my dreams. It was all worth it, and an experience i will never ever forget in my live.

Victories often occur after you see no way to succeed but refuse to give up anyway...

1189 lemmings (fools) (people) almost 50% abandoned the race, and I made it, despite a terrible knee injury that made downhills outpassable painful, I could have had a better time if I didn't injure myself.

Spaniard Kilian Jornet won the race in an astonishing 23h 17m 26.

No report can do this race justice, It is also more than a race, It is also a celebration of French-Reunion culture.
Though I'd share some of it with you adventure minded people.
See ya
Jacques Booysen
--
"Dream big and live those dreams. Why ration passion. Pursue Passion. Death and/or old age is coming, we must live sweet. The time is now. It is not only life, but the quality of this life." - Mike Libecki

The Test

2010-10-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

The Diagonal of Fools is a run/hike of about 163km over Mountains for over 9600 meters of elevation gain approximately diagonally across the island of Reunion from south to north through the foothills of the Piton de la Fournaise and circuses Cilaos Mafate and Salazie, primarily via the hiking trails of the GR. This hike or mountain running is for people trained and in good physical condition. It takes place in one step, at your own pace.

It requires competitors to some care of themselves. The race will start at 22:00 Thursday, October 21, 2010 in Cape Wicked (St. Philip). The maximum time of trial, to be filed, is set at 66 hours (sixty six hours), including all breaks, subject to passing the various checkpoints before closing time provided in the log book and on the website. The closing times of items were calculated to allow hikers to reach the finish within the maximum time imposed, while making any stops (rest, meals ...). Competitors will not be classified beyond these deadlines and will then submit their electronic bracelet, their bibs will be neutralized and they are not entitled to full assistance established by the organization, which assumes no responsibility for consequences that may result ...

Reunion Island

2010-10-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

An island of true contrasts, the French department of Reunion is unknown to many of the world's travelers. That's unfortunate! This unique island in the middle of the Indian Ocean is simply one of the most intriguing spots on earth.
Not as well-known as nearby Mauritius or the not-so-far-away British Seychelles, little Reunion seems but a speck in the vast ocean, dwarfed by Madagascar, located 500 miles to the west. The French know the island well but only the very well-traveled have ever stepped foot on Reunion's varied and enticing terrain.

With an active volcano on its south coast, 17 miles of warm, welcoming beaches in the west, and lots of mountains and forests in between, Reunion Island offers vacation opportunities ranging from relaxing to truly insane. If you're looking for a place to "chill out", you'll find it here. But if you're the kind of vacationer who prefers an adrenaline rush over a sunburn, the possibilities are endless. From hiking Reunion's unique "cirques" or canyoning the island's many waterfalls to scuba diving or surfing in the clear waters that surround this tiny 30-mile-wide island, adventure activities abound for vacationers hoping to do something a little daring while on their Reunion holiday.

Volcano: the big show

2010-10-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

This Friday, October 15, 2010, the lava continues to flow from the mouth rash which opened Thursday at 7:11 p.m. near the site of "Castle" in the Southeast sector of the volcano. Seen from the sky at dawn, the show is fascinating and the photos show performed this Friday at 6:00 by Imaz Press Reunion. On the ground, the flare is also visible from the peak Wood Green. View all images produced by Imaz Press Reunion.

Manuella Leroueil, youngest of "crazy" (My type of girl)

2010-10-14T13:21:00.001-07:00

Leroueil Manuella, 24, will be the youngest participant of the Grand Raid 2010, also known as Diagonal of Fools. Indeed, with 156 kilometers of trails around the island and 9,000 meters in altitude, the Grand Raid, which takes place this year from October 21 to 23 is considered as a very difficult time.

At the age of 10 years that the young woman had a passion for running. "I've always loved the sport," she says. At 14, she began to compete on road to cross. She won some prizes. She continues to practice this sport "first and foremost passion."

She arrived in Reunion in 2007 to work as a fitness instructor. His interest in the Great Raid was born in 2009. "Many friends attended the event. So I followed their path. The idea to participate had already crossed my mind but my job limited my availability to train, "she recalls. Never mind if it is not on the start line of the Grand Raid 2009, it will be for the 2010 edition. It then binds to a single goal, to prepare for this inevitable event sports on the island.

In September 2009, she enrolled at the Athletics Club of Possession to participate in trails. "This kind of test allows to assess and train," she says. His profession of fitness allows him to prepare physically every day. She also performs reconnaissance on the route of the Grand Raid every 15 days. "With friends, we start walking at the weekend. It may be small output of 6 or 7 hours or large output exceeding 10 hours, "said Manual Leroueil. A week before the competition begins, the young woman said "ready" for the race and was "eager" to start.

Still, she admits to being apprehensive. "It's stress mixed with envy but also to doubts," she describes. Doubts, "because we are never sure of finishing the test," she says. "It may take a lot of things," said Manuel. She is not afraid of strokes or injuries but "feeding problems and the race on the night of Friday to Saturday." "I do not know at all how it's going to happen," she says.

But not enough to discourage the young athlete who sets a target to cross the finish line at the stage of the Redoubt on Saturday night. "If I come forward, that is happiness. If I arrive on Sunday, I will not complain, "she said, smiling. She continues: "For a year, I am prepared for the Great Raid. I'm a Gambler in the soul. Do not cross the finish line would be a huge disappointment. "

Especially since this is the first and perhaps last appearance Manuella. "To prepare for this test requires a huge investment. My job as fitness instructor does not permit me. I'm able to combine energy and recovery. It's very difficult when participating in the Great Raid. " But never say never and manual is well aware "there are many people who say it is their last call and cover the following year. Maybe this will be my case next year, "she concludes.

Mounic Najafaly for www.ipreunion.com

Historic Animated Lava Flows vs Grand Raid Route

2010-10-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

Virtual Reality 3D View of the Volcano (Needs FLASH)

2010-10-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

Your browser does not support iframes.

Qik - Reunion: Garmin etrex vista-c by Jacques Booysen

2010-10-09T08:07:00.001-07:00

360cities Reunion Panoramas

2010-10-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

Aerial view over Bebour in Reunion

At the Three Salazes in Reunion

Latest Island News (Grand RAID / Volcano)

2010-10-01T21:18:00.001-07:00

http://www.ipreunion.com/

Racing Tips (translated from French)

2010-10-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

Racing Tips

Morale:

Finish the Grand Raid is harmoniously combine physical and moral capacities. Now both fluctuate considerably and unpredictably and unpleasant during the race. These fluctuations are aware several causes, foremost of which include dehydration, hypoglycemia, fatigue, cold and loneliness.

Based on these findings, drink as regularly as possible, sugary drinks and salty if needed (soup) as soon as you feel like coming. Eat various energy items fast and slow sugar if needed. Take breaks, stretch you, equip you warm, dry clothing. But do not forget walking in good company, then these meetings, you never forget them!

Do not take the decision to never give up without trying these remedies my grandmother, a specialist bike!

Anticipate and especially fatigue and enjoy the facilities that the organization is so nicely at your disposal so that you rest. Sleep in Cilaos, the return to the Taïbit eventually convince you that sleep under your blanket in the middle Mafate is injury, while wonderful beds pins you with open arms.

How many competitors, the bib record to the organization, a full belly, taking a shower, did not regret leaving the massage table, having abandoned the race prematurely? And how many of you will want for failing to rest in time to avoid losing so many hours in Mafate or mounted on the back of donkey?

The equipment:

Backpack: small size, 4 to 5 kg maximum load.
Water bottle 1.5 l minimum, with the supply pipe.
Saharan cap to protect neck and neck from sunburn.
Type shoes or jogging trail, larger than a good size, used for at least 1 month before the event, and therefore well adapted to the foot.
Socks of wool or cotton without large seam hurt his foot. Coated with vaseline feet for some talc to others and without anything to those who listened to the earlier advice. Socks and shoes in the bag or entrusted to technical assistance.

Remember that any conflict between the foot and shoes or socks, will lead inevitably to the disadvantage of the foot. In addition, the bulbs in destabilizing the market in search of an antalgic posture, cause tendinitis of the knee or ankle.

Short floating type, shorts or tights under their habits. Never inaugurate a garment / shoe / sock / bag back on the day of trial, under penalty of surprises guaranteed! Use accessories to your workout.
Sunglasses, aspirin, ointment or type Percutalgine Dolga @ @, bandage (required), some bandages, Vaseline, artificial skin and your regular medications (asthma, migraine, diabetes, ulcers ...);
Survival blanket, whistle distress (required)
Flashlight-type front with battery (alkaline long life) and emergency bulb (required)
1 pair of eyeglasses parts (risk of breakage during falls);1 roll of toilet paper: frequency of diarrhea-related dehydration, abuse of soft drinks and trouillomètre zero at the time of departure.

Food:

Running and brisk walking burn about 1 calorie / km / kg. Energy expenditure is the predictable product of the weight in kg competitor and its equipment by the distance in km and a kilocalorie.Example:

bw = 74 kg, full equipment = 6 kg, totalweight = 80 kg energy expenditure = 130 * 80 * 1 kcal = 10,240 kcal fluid requirements = 1 to 1.5 liters / 10 km = 13 to 19 liters

Council capital: Drink and eat regularly without waiting for the sensation of thirst, which appears to dehydration of 0.5 to 1% of body weight, and hunger (feeling of hypoglycemia). This is the real secret to success!

Nibble every 1 h or every 2 hours: bread, dried fruit (keep energy bars for strokes or major efforts such high rise) Place in a very accessible example in the fanny pack. Delay the taking of sugars to enter the Yo-Yo of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia as late as possible.
Allow a small gourd with a sweet liquid and isotonic (type degassed cola) for very large strokes.
Drink regularly, as you breathe, sucking water from the hose, without putting a backpack on the ground and especially when the pace is accelerating and therefore respiration (climbs, steep descents, jogging pace). Fill the container at each refueling point, because you may be a thank you to the problem of organization at the next station. You can not walk with thirst.To save some money (and buy flowers for your spouse (e)), here's the basic recipe energy drink 1 liter of water + 4 tablespoons sugar evened + 1 g of salt. Opportunity to put the scent of your choice. Drink enough to sweat profusely and urinate at least 3 or 4 times a day: the average is between 0.75 L and 1 liter per hour. Yes, your time deferred to the Zouave Trails Reunion, it makes a lot of gallons of water!You will remove the urine and waste products from muscle catabolism (myoglobin, urea) and transpiration considerable quantities of heat produced by muscle activity. A muscle to the force produced only 20% for power, but 80% of heat that must be eliminated lest they "sink the head gasket" (fearsome heat stroke can be fatal) and to smoke .Organize your life and your assistance as a result of food and beverages offered by the organization that you find in your log book .. Hugs are not set, let spontaneity.

Change of clothing:

Changing T-shirt for lunch and dinner, socks as often as necessary, shorts once a day. Shoes: pair of alternatives already served (assistance). K-way and a light sweater or lightweight trousers in the same backpack in the morning and evening. Jogging suit for the night in Cilaos if you are resting.The organization offers a carrying bag to support the departure Cilaos, two arms and La Redoute, think!

Stretch every 2 hours and massage:

Sitting on the floor legs straight, stretch, trying to touch his ankles with 2 hands. Standing on a wall, step towards the buttock with your hand, the supporting leg is slightly flexed. Repeat this movement 5 times per session.Back to back with a partner, between arm-mingled, be carried away by relaxing completely, while the other leans forward. I said back to back, lady!Massages legs at noon and evening, thank you darling (e)! The organization sets up two massage stations, one in Cilaos and the other two arms.Steps to remove their shoes to breathe and regenerate the skin by drying the feet, if possible. Take good care of removing the smallest pebbles shoes and socks.

Training Tips (translated from French)

2010-10-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

Training

Your performance will be directly related to your degree training. The length of the test does not allow big surprise. Do not overestimate yourself, you will be all the more pleasantly satisfied.

Training Plan Minimum:

3 jogging of 10-13 km / week. Distance jogging is not the most important, you must above all be (gradually) 1:30 run without getting tired (always be able to speak).Do not train on the flat: the race hill has many advantages. It makes you work with the resistance as you will need for the climbs Successive and lets you work beneficial to the heart muscle (watch out for over 40 years!) And muscles: habituation of heart rates (resistance) and muscles of the legs so better damping at significantly reducing tendon tendinitis.A large output of 5 to 8 hours every 15 days for 3 months (with backpack and standard equipment GR) is enough to make you finish the race without incident and this, with the added bonus, the pleasure brought by the ease physical and mental health.For those who want to know more and go further in the drive on the Ultra Trail and in particular the Great Raid, Eric Lacroix, a specialist in mountain running and well known riders in Reunion, gives you valuable advice on its site DENIVA.Recognize the term gradually 4 (30 km) and 3 (40 km) and 2 (60 km) sections. Cycling, weight training (the Large Internal ask your physiotherapist) and stretching are useful supplements to training in the Grand Raid.

Avoid violent sports (tennis, squash or kick-boxing for example.) During the last months because there is a risk of sprains, tendonitis and major fatigue.

Try to get a slight tan uncovered parts of the body to better protect yourself on the day of the GR.Sunburns are painful at altitude. Moreover, the adventurer swarthy complexion is very becoming! Walk barefoot whenever possible, to strengthen the skin of the feet and the arch.

Watch:

Final verification of the required equipment (survival blanket, whistle, flashlight and refills), you'll see, we sleep better when everything is in the bag.Sleep preferably towards the start and with friends, to avoid a sleepless night and many irritations personal and family!Big meal of carbohydrates and water.

The big day:

Clock 2 hours before departure after 4-6 hours of sleep (dual alarm clock with caution) Do not take sleeping pills, some wives of runners still remember it.Warm quiet: toddler, stretch and drink, you'll eliminate!

The Rules (Translated from French)

2010-10-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

Article 1
Organization: ASSOCIATION GRAND RAID Association Act 1901, organizes the Grand Raid Reunion Island called "The Diagonal of Fools" and the Semi Raid.

Article 2

Definition of the test:

A) GREAT RAID is a hike of about 163km Mountain for over 9600 feet of elevation gain approximately diagonally across the island of Reunion from south to north through the foothills of the Piton de la Fournaise and circuses Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie, primarily via the hiking trails of the GR. This hike or mountain running is for people trained and in good fitness. It takes place in one step, at your own pace. It requires competitors to some care of themselves. The race will start at 22 am Thursday, October 21, 2010 in Cape Wicked (St. Philip). The maximum time herewith, to be classified, is set at 66 hours (sixty six hours), all breaks included, subject to passing the various checkpoints within hours of closure reported in the log book and on the website. Schedules closed positions were calculated to allow hikers to reach the finish in imposed the maximum time, while making any stops (rest, meals ...). The competitors will not be classified beyond these deadlines and will then submit their electronic bracelet, their bibs will be neutralized and they are not entitled to all of the assistance provided by the organization, which assumes no responsibility for the consequences that may arise ..

B) Semi Raid is a hike of the same type from a distance of about 90km and a elevation gain of over 4900 meters. It requires competitors to some care of themselves. The race will start 6 am Saturday, October 23, 2009 at Cilaos. The maximum time of trial, to be classified, is set at 29heures (Twenty nine hours), including all breaks, subject to passing various checkpoints before closing time provided in the book road and on the website. The closing times of items were calculated for allow hikers to reach the finish within the maximum time imposed, while making possible stops (rest, meals ...). The competitors will no longer be classified in- After these periods and will then submit their electronic bracelet, their bibs will be neutralized and they are not entitled to full assistance established by organization, which assumes no responsibility for any consequences result.

Article 3
Conditions: All competitors agree to submit to regulation by the very fact of registration and release the organizers of responsibility for any incident or accident may arise because of non-compliance with this one.

Article 4

Admission competitors: On the Great Raid, a draw may be held prior to residents Island of Reunion. A medical certificate (standard model provided by the organization) stating fitness competitor the test (prolonged and intense efforts at altitude) must be completed and returned to organizational imperative for dates on this one or on our website. ASSOCIATION reserves the right to refuse registration of a rider to whom a penalty disqualification was imposed at a previous edition or other serious reasons. For the GRAND RAID and RAID SEMI is admitted as a competitor, any person both sexes, aged 18 years old the day of one of the two races. The participation of dogs, after approval of the organizer is allowed, under the full responsibility of the owner, and upon presentation of a certificate of vaccination against rabies. Their number is limited to 10 depending on the order of registration. The departure of the Master and his dog will last and the animal will be leashed. The registration fee, paid in addition to the inclusion of accompanying, is attached to the registration form.

Article 5

competing Categories and classifications: All participants of the Great Raid and Raid Partly are grouped into one of the 5 age categories Men and Women in the table below: 1-Senior Men and Women (SH - SF) 18 to 39 years Veteran 2-1 Men and Women (V1H - v1f) 40 to 49 years 3-Veteran 2 Men and Women (V2H - V2F) 50 to 59 years 4-3 Veteran Men and Women (V3H - V3F) 60 to 70 years 5-4 Veteran Men and Women (V4H - V4F) 70 years and over

Classifications provided: In addition to these rankings, the Grand Raid and Raid Semi include the following classifications:

* Individual (the) unsponsored (e): Scratch Scratch Men and women representing 12 ratings possible.

* Minimum of 3 Team Men or Women (mixed teams will be classified under Men rank teams) with a team ranking based on total points (Depending on the overall ranking general) obtained by the first 3 team members to cross the finish line. The team does not rank in category ranking sponsored and vice versa, but allows the rankings to Scratch Men or Women and age categories Men or Women. For a team to be so classified, 3 more members of this team must have crossed the finish line.

* Individual (the) sponsored (e), Male or Female, also appear in one of Rankings scratch Males or Females and age groups. The time of each competitor will be broken in hours, minutes and seconds. The watch the organization will be the only official reference. In the event of arrival tie, the advantage will be given to older and may be waived only being recalled reward will be issued.

Article 6

Equipment supplied by the organization: Bib, T-shirt, tank top (for the Great Raid) and Hats Saharan bracelet with embedded electronic chip to the score and ranking.

Article 7

Development of Partners: Individual classes and non-sponsored teams are not allowed to wear a T- shirt or vest other than that provided by the Association of departure in the second position and the penultimate checkpoint to the finish. Out of these portions of the test, Competitors may be permitted to wear a tee shirt or tank top free of brand advertising and reference. The category is sponsored permitted to wear a T-shirt with their logo (s) Sponsor (s) outside the following portions: the starting job at second and the penultimate position control to the finish. Their sponsor's logo will appear in a space of up to 300 cm ² on the front and back of uniforms (T-Shirt & Tank) and 12 cm2 on one side of cap. The sponsor of the competitor must nevertheless be validated by Association Grand Raid and not compete with a sponsor organization.

& DUW For purposes of the race, partially variance with the law Informatique et Liberté organization allows the partners of the Grand Raid and Raid Semi only, contact competitors by the end of February of the year following the "Size of Fools." To do this, the addresses will be obtained from the secretariat of the Association assess the validity of claims. If so, the partners will take the commitment not to yield as or without charge postal addresses, electronic and telephone numbers competitors. And they will use them only for the needs of the sporting event. Otherwise, they would incur no liability to the extent that the Association does be troubled.

Article 8

Program of the event: See page 1. Article 2

Article 9

Checking out of the race: When registering at the start, the competitor must voluntarily submit his bib affixed to the front and waist height to clear the breastplate of the partners of the Grand Raid. He will also present her bracelet equipped with the chip for the score mail. Systematic inspection of bags will be conducted to verify if each competitor has required equipment mentioned in section 18.

Article 10

checkpoint: Checkpoints are distributed along the route, and sites are pointing mandatory for competitors. The score is by means of electronic chip integrated in a wristband. This will be placed on the wrist during the bibs. It shall in no case be removed. Any rider with a score without it wrist bracelet equipped with its chip will be disqualified. A random check of bags may also be made by the organization at any time particularly on the test site at Mare Mud.

Control on arrival will allow timekeepers to determine the rankings of the test. Any competitor delayed for relief / assistance to others will claim the credit for the delay in checkpoint next to benefit with a cash bonus single.

Article 11

Abandonment: In case of withdrawal, the competitor must obligatoiremen t prevent the controller station the nearest control and give him his number so that it is neutralized and make its bracelet equipped with its chip. Unless the organization accepts no liability for consequences that might ensue (initiation of research ...) and secondly The organization reserves the right not to include the hiker for subsequent editions.

Article 12

of Book Road / Road Book: A description of the track is shared with competitors. It includes practical information such as hours of closure of post offices, places of refreshment, and opportunities for personal assistance.

Article 13

Medical Assistance: A multidisciplinary medical team, established by the organization will be present during the duration of the event. It will provide medical assistance to the positions of competitors contained in the logbook. Shall promptly notify the Race Director or his Deputy the inability of the competitor to continue the event. The final decision will organization.

Article 14

Insurance: The Association has agreed for the duration of the Event Liability Insurance Civil against third parties and competitors, implying that damage to these latter are generated by a fault of the organizer. Also, we urge you to purchase individual insurance. The responsibility of the Association is released soon, disqualification for pointing untimely decision by medical or other decision of the Race Director (Article 20).

Article 15

Accommodation during the event: The competitor may benefit from resting points provided by the organization mentioned on the Logbook.

Article 16

Food and Beverages: The principle of this race is food self-sufficiency. Nevertheless, almost all positions (see list in the log), is stocked with drinks and food Type marathon with hot meals on certain items.

Article 17

Personal assistance: Competitors may not receive personal assistance as checkpoints (See log), which ruled out any assistance "flying" type "hare" guides, "water carriers" (see art. 19). Items prohibited for assistance vehicles competitors will be those mentioned in the prefectural authorization race. The bags of clothes given to the organization as part of the race will imperatively be recovered by their owners no later than Monday following the event, at Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

Article 18

Equipment:

a) required: In addition to wearing the bib front and bracelet equipped with its integrated chip for the electronic scoring, a bag to carry the required equipment before contain the following: a flashlight or headlamp bulb (except models with diodes) and stack (s) Alternate 1 blanket 1 reserve of water for a minimum of one liter 1 whistle 2 elastic bandages, adhesive, a food reserve, a rain jacket.

b) recommended (not exhaustive): 1 1 lighter pull a knife, a piece of string to Any repairs a sunscreen a tube of Vaseline clothes Book route. c) Each competitor is allowed to use only one stick of wood, not sharp without metal tip.

Article 19

Penalties: Penalization of three hours:
a / Non-compliance with Article 18. b / bib not properly appended. The latter must appear in front of the belt and not on the bag. v. Unauthorized Assistance (type "water carrier", "hare"). d / Absence of a mark anti-cheating, no one pointing to a checkpoint unless departure.

Article 20

Grounds for Disqualification: a / No more than one brand anti-cheat. b / No show more than one checkpoint. c / No bag or any other means of transporting the required equipment. d / No bib and (or) bracelet equipped with its integrated chip for the score mail. e / Pointing beyond the closing time of a checkpoint. f / Using a means of transport during the event. g / No more than one item of equipment required during the race. h / Doping or refusal to submit to doping control. i / Non-assistance to a competitor in distress. j / Pollution and degradation of sites by competitors or their support. k / insults or threats made by competitors to controllers, commissioners athletes or members of any organization's position during oral and written before after the sporting event connotation defamatory or offensive may be sanctioned the steering committee for a ban on participation in one or more tests for one or several years depending on the seriousness of what was said, regardless possible prosecution. l / Refusal to be examined by doctors at any time of the event. m / physical or mental state of the competitor considered unfit for further testing by the doctor. n / dangerous behavior of a competitor, possession of a prohibited item as a recidivist. o / Breach of Article 7.

Rule 21

Doping Control: Any competitor may be subject to doping control during or at the arrival of test. The refusal to submit will result in immediate disqualification. Any control positive without prejudice to heavier penalties will, in addition to the disqualification the prohibition to run next year.

Article 22

Complaints: They shall be admissible in writing within 30 minutes after posting interim results by the Race Director at destination.

Article 23

Jury trial: It is composed: The President and Vice President of the Association Grand Raid; From Race Director, College of stewards; Of Commissioners checkpoints, a representative of the National Park for advice when the problem submitted to the jury on the environment; All competent persons whose presence is deemed useful. The jury is empowered to act within a period consistent with imperatives of race in any dispute or disqualification occurred during the test, the person duly heard. The decisions are final. After review of claims submitted in the form and time limit under Art. 22, it will conducted by the jury at the announcement of final results

Article 24

Cover Photo, Television, Video & Rights: Any entrant expressly waives the right to invoke the image during the test, as he waives all claims against the organizer and its authorized partners for the use of his image. As for the professional audiovisual and photos, they must obtain accreditation from the organization. It is further understood that image, no photographs or no video may not be sold to partners or private television channels of any nature whatsoever without the agreement of Association Grand Raid.

Article 25

Security and Support: It is provided by a network of twenty checkpoints and positions (medical and Para Medical), Red Cross Lifeguards, PGHM, EMS, controllers, Signals, Teams Serre-Files ...

Article 26

Registration fees: The amount of registration fee per competitor is shown on our website. These rights include all items listed in Articles 6, 12, 14, 13 & 16. In case of cancellation of registration: No refunds for cancellations will be made in the 15 days preceding the race, whatever the motive. Before that date, Refunds will be minus 20 euros for administrative expenses, and only upon written request express and dated (the date of postmark) accompanied by an envelope with your name and address, stamped into force.

Article 27

Filing and awards: An array of awards is given with the log book; Also all the "finishers" are to THE GREAT RAID and RAID SEMI: A T-shirt, a commemorative medal and a diploma certifying their performance download ..

Article 28

Amendment of the route: The organization reserves the right at any time to change the route without notice.

Article 29

Deadline for registration! Entries close on or before the date shown on our website unless allowances are provided with before. The number of entries is set each year by the Committee Director of the Association with distinction on our website.

Article 30

Cancellation of events: In case of cancellation tests (Grand Raid and Raid Half): - At the initiative of the organization, the Association to restore the Great Raid competitors the amount of their registration in proportion to the progress of preparations test.
- In case of force majeure (exceptional weather, volcanic eruption, administrative ban or any unforeseeable) the amount of entries forfeited to the Association

Official Website

2010-09-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.grandraid-reunion.com/

The Volcano is Alive

2010-09-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

PITON DE LA FOURNAISE

New Seismic

The Piton de la Fournaise began to seriously agitated this Wednesday, September 29, 2010. Volcano-tectonic earthquakes, 33 were recorded by volcanologists. At the same time, many landslides were noted at the top of Dolomieu. All signs indicating that "re-feeding volcanic system is underway," the observatory said in a statement released on Thursday at midday. Access to the enclosure is allowed for the public.
Thursday, September 30, 2010

The earthquake focus are all located at the base of the Piton de la Fournaise, souigne the observatory. The average volume of landslides is "significantly higher" compared to previous days.
The volcano began to deform with "a tendency to inflation in the eastern portion" of the peak. Specific emissions of sulfur dioxide were also recorded. "A possible increase in the flow of fumaroles in the crater summital Dolomieu is observed" also said the observatory.

The first signs of awakening of the furnace had been rated by the Volcano Observatory Saturday, August 14. The agitation had remained constant and Monday, Sept. 6, the prefecture had triggered the alert level of volcano terms. The probability of an eruption had been further strengthened Friday, September 24. The magma started to rise towards the surface. Swelling "sensitive" of the peak was recorded. The prefecture was then triggered an alert indicating that an eruption is imminent. Access to the enclosure was closed to the public.Saturday, September 25 but a decrease in seismic activity was recorded and the warden raised the alert level 1. It also authorized the reopening of access to the paddock and the track leading to the observation point of the crater Dolomieu. This authorization remains valid for the moment.
The last eruption of Piton de la Fournaise was held from 2 to 12 January 2010.       

www.ipreunion.com

Grand Raid Reunion Profile

2010-09-27T12:07:00.000-07:00