The Grand Raid de la Réunion is one of the most demanding ultra trails on the planet. Its flagship race, the Diagonale des Fous, covers 165 km with 10,000 m of elevation gain across a UNESCO listed volcanic island in the Indian Ocean. Held every October since 1993, it attracts elite runners and adventurers from around the globe to Réunion, a French overseas territory between Madagascar and Mauritius.
The Grand Raid de la Réunion is a race of extremes. Its crown jewel, the Diagonale des Fous (the Madmen's Diagonal), sends runners from Saint Pierre in the south to Saint Denis in the north, traversing the entire island over 165 km with 10,000 m of positive elevation gain. The route cuts through three volcanic cirques, tropical forests, and the Piton de la Fournaise massif, all within the Parc National de La Réunion, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tropical heat, steep technical terrain, and grueling sleep deprivation make this one of the hardest finishes in ultra running. The 2026 edition takes place from October 15 to 18, with over 3,400 applicants competing for just 1,550 spots on the Diagonale alone.
For those seeking a shorter but equally intense challenge, the Grand Raid also includes the Trail de Bourbon (111 km), the Mascareignes (65 km), and the Zembrocal (42 km). Whatever the distance, the volcanic landscapes, the warmth of the Réunionnais people, and the sheer scale of the terrain make this event a life defining experience.
Ravine Blanche (Saint-Pierre) , REU |
15 Oct - Oct 18, 2026