Monday, July 21, the city of the Trois Quilles hosted the 36th edition of France running for a half-stage during its 2nd stage connecting Claira to Lavelanet. This test, which benefits from the regional label of the French Athletics Federation, is the longest pedestrian relay in France and is running on roads, with daily stages that can reach 200 km or 25 per runner.
This year, six teams were committed, made up of eight runners each and divided into two half-teams of four runners, including at least one female, a driver, a vehicle. This association was born on the initiative of André Sourdon, a business baker, a great enthusiast of Raid and an accomplished athlete, who runs France since its creation, supported by a solid team of volunteers. “I never get tired, I am even addicted to this race and I really want it to continue over time”, says Dédé.
Athletes this year come from all over France, including a Frenchman living in the United States, faithful to the event each year, as well as two Belgians. A stage village is installed every day, today in Lavelanet, with the participation of local artisans: the alliance of the values of sport and crafts.
The 2025 course left on July 19 of Cournonterral, in Hérault, where the prologue took place, and will arrive at the August 2 in Bernay, in Eure. Quillan was selected for its strategic geographic position and the optimal distance it offers to timed athletes when they arrive. In order to allow them to recover, rest and refuel, 2 hours before resuming the race, the municipality opened the gymnasium to them, its sanitary facilities, its showers and other equipment.
The departure of the second half-stage was given at 11:30 a.m. by Gilles Alard, sports assistant, who, delighted, said: “I once again discovered a formidable team who supervises this sporting event from France by running, in particular Dédé and the faithful volunteers. It is an honor for Quillan for receiving these sportsmen and we thank the association for having chosen our town as a city city. An experience to renew, and why not next time, Quillan city of arrival”.
