Photo: Cecuber / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) / Source (opens in a new tab)Saint-Pierre
Grand Raid de La Réunion
Thursday, 15 October 2026
Diagonale des Fous 180km
180km D+ 10200m
Race data
Terrain
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
1 modalities
Diagonale des Fous 180km
- Distance
- 180 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 10200m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diagonale des Fous 180km | 180 km | D+ 10200m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~49 h of Grand Raid de La Réunion?Worked out for the longest course (180 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Grand Raid de La Réunion
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 7 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)Suunto Vertical 2
Bezel-integrated LED flashlight with red light and SOS mode
Downside: Heavy in steel (87 g); the titanium version drops to 74 g
Gear
Shoes with aggressive lugs for rock and mud
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
A gel every 40-45 minutes from the start
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50, reapply every 2-3 hours
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Accommodation
Book as soon as you have a bib: availability goes fast
Done, you already have it
View on B-Hotel →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
B-Hotel Barcelona
Car Rental
Pick up the car at Roland Garros (RUN)
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
2 weeks to Grand Raid de La Réunion: get your kit ready
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 25 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
21°C – 26°C
Average 23°C
Rain
10%
0.3 mm avg
Wind
16 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
12h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (12h sunshine, up to 26°C)
Forecast for 15 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
The Diagonale des Fous
Crossing Réunion from south to north through the cirques of Cilaos and Mafate: tropical heat, humidity, volcanic rock steps and cold nights at altitude. It’s called the madmen’s race for a reason.
Check our gear guides and other races in France.
360Complete Pack
Grand Raid de La Réunion registration
RegistrationLimited places and strong international demand. Register on the official website as soon as it opens.
Tips
- •Check the official website for the registration opening date
- •France requires a medical certificate or PPS if you don't hold an FFA licence
- •Review the mandatory gear list before travelling
Where to stay for Grand Raid de La Réunion
AccommodationSaint-Pierre fills up on race weekend. Book months ahead and stay close to the start.
Tips
- •Book as soon as you have a bib: availability goes fast
- •Nearby villages are cheaper if you have a car
- •Earplugs and eye mask for sleep before an early start
Gear for Grand Raid de La Réunion
GearAlpine terrain with big climbs: grippy shoes, poles, hydration vest, waterproof jacket and a headlamp if you run at night.
Tips
- •Shoes with aggressive lugs for rock and mud
- •Poles save your legs on long climbs
- •Waterproof jacket with taped seams (usually mandatory)
- •Headlamp with a spare battery for the long distances
Which shoes for Grand Raid de La Réunion?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Grand Raid de La Réunion?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for Grand Raid de La Réunion
NutritionMany hours of mountain effort: plan gels, salts and solid food from the first kilometre.
Tips
- •A gel every 40-45 minutes from the start
- •Electrolytes if it's hot or you sweat a lot
- •Alternate sweet and savoury on ultra distances
Getting to Grand Raid de La Réunion
TransportThe most practical airport is Roland Garros (RUN). From there, train, bus or car to Saint-Pierre.
Tips
- •Fly to Roland Garros (RUN) early: prices rise close to the date
- •Check the organisers' official shuttles
- •Driving is a good option if travelling as a group
Car rental for Grand Raid de La Réunion
Car RentalA car gives you freedom between start, finish and accommodation, and lets you recce the course.
Tips
- •Pick up the car at Roland Garros (RUN)
- •Mountain roads: drive carefully after the race
Insurance for Grand Raid de La Réunion
InsuranceMountain race abroad: a rescue can cost thousands of euros. Travel with sports cover.
Tips
- •European Health Insurance Card at minimum
- •Insurance with mountain rescue and evacuation
- •Cancellation cover for injury
Body care for Grand Raid de La Réunion
Body CareClimbing and long hours punish feet and skin. Prevent blisters and chafing before the start.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin
- •Blister plasters in your pack
- •Compression socks for recovery
Sun protection for Grand Raid de La Réunion
Sun ProtectionUV radiation is much stronger at altitude. Sweat-resistant SPF50 and lip protection.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50, reapply every 2-3 hours
- •Lip balm with SPF
- •Category 3 sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Grand Raid 2026?
- 15-18 October 2026. The Diagonale des Fous starts on Thursday 15 at 10 pm.
- How long is the Diagonale des Fous?
- New course in 2026: 180 km and 10,200 m D+ (previously 175 km and 10,500 m).
- How do I get to Réunion?
- Fly from Paris (about 11 h) to Roland Garros airport. It's French territory: EU citizens only need an ID card.
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