The Grand Raid des Pyrénées has firmly established itself as the reference for altitude running in the high Pyrenean mountains of South West France. Readers of Generation Trail magazine voted it the third most beautiful trail in France in a 2011 survey, and the race has generated considerable international interest as well with the participation of trail runners from as far away as Japan and South Africa.
Indeed, the podium in 2011 was an international affair with Oscar Perez Lopez from Spain taking first in the 180 km, and Nicky Spinks from the United Kingdom affirming her domination of the Pyrénées with her second consecutive win. The 80 km was won by Dachhiri Dawa Sherpa from Nepal and Agnes Francastel from France took first in the women’s category.
Registration for the three distances will open on January 12th, 2012 at 12:12 on the official web site www.grandraidpyrenees.com
Last year both races were full only six weeks after registration opened so it is predicted that spaces will go quickly. Registration is limited to 850 places on the 80 km and the 160 km.
In the latest issue of Go Trail magazine, check out page 94 - 99 for our Grand Raid des Pyrénées profile including exclusive interview with Anne-Marie Dunhill, one of the event organisers, on how this event has grown - www.gotrail.co.za