Race preparation guide
Diagonale des Fous 2027 2027: complete FR + EN guide
Grand Raid de la Réunion - Diagonale des Fous 2027 preview needs precise planning: 180 km, 10200 m of climbing and logistics centred on Saint-Pierre for the start, Saint-Denis / La Redoute for the finish. This 2027 page prepares the Diagonale project early: the official 2026 reference lists 180 km and 10,200 m+ between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Denis, with cirques, humidity, heat, mud, steps, rocky trails and long nights. Confirm 2027 dates as soon as Grand Raid publishes them.
Race overview
Diagonale des Fous 2027 is part of the Week 27 TrailCompanion guide batch. This page condenses the practical decisions to make before booking: reference format, terrain, access, lodging, gear and official links to check before travel.
The key is not distance alone. On this kind of trail, success depends on pacing the climbing, managing aid stations, adapting to local weather and arriving rested with a simple bib, start and post-race plan.
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Create my Prep for this race →What you actually need to prepare
Build preparation around hilly long runs, controlled descents and hike-run blocks. For 180 km, you need to hike early without losing rhythm, run the easier sections and eat before intensity shuts down appetite.
TrailCompanion Prep then turns the guide into a checklist: tested kit, lodging, transport, documents and week-by-week nutrition reminders.
Diagonale des Fous 2027 mandatory / recommended gear
The official organiser list always comes first. This baseline covers the realistic needs to prepare your pack before bib control.
- Two strong headlamps, spare batteries and a charging strategy: two full nights are realistic for many runners.
- Very protective shoes with grip for mud, roots, steps, basalt, wet trails and long punishing descents.
- Vest with water, cup, food, electrolytes, salty reserve, emergency blanket, whistle and charged phone.
- Tropical management: cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, anti-chafe, spare socks and breathable clothing.
- Point evidence, registration confirmation, ID, insurance, support plan and aid-base bag details saved offline.
Recheck the official rules during race week: weather, timing and gear requirements can change.
Three coherent gear choices for Diagonale des Fous 2027
These Decathlon, Salomon and HOKA picks cover the recurring needs: carrying, grip and muscle protection.
ADV Skin 12
A practical volume for water, jacket, phone, food and safety items without overpacking.
Open brand pageSpeedgoat 7
A protective option for trails, rocks, roots and late-race fatigue.
Open brand page3-piece Carbon Folding Trail Running Poles
Useful if rules allow them and if you have already practised with them on long climbs.
Open brand pageThese are direct links to the brands' official product pages for now. Awin Decathlon, Salomon and HOKA links can be activated later once the advertiser programs are approved on the publisher account.
Logistics to solve early
Start logistics from Saint-Pierre for the start, Saint-Denis / La Redoute for the finish. Confirm bib pickup, parking or shuttles first, then choose lodging. An early start or late return can completely change the best base.
Keep the official links in your Prep: race website, registration page, rules, access map and last-minute instructions. This guide gives the framework, but the organiser remains the final source.
Transport to Saint-Pierre for the start, Saint-Denis / La Redoute for the finish
Fly into Roland Garros airport near Saint-Denis, then organise the transfer to Saint-Pierre early. Island roads, traffic and recces require significant buffer time.
After the La Redoute finish, do not plan an immediate flight. Keep a recovery night in Saint-Denis or the west and a plan for bag retrieval.
Where to stay for Diagonale des Fous 2027
Saint-Pierre simplifies start-week logistics and Grand Raid atmosphere. Saint-Denis is more practical for post-race recovery, flights and services.
For a full week, combine two bases: south before the start, north or west after the finish. Recce lodging books very early.
Diagonale des Fous 2027 race-week timeline
D-30
Book lodging and transport, then save official links in your Prep.
D-14
Test the full pack, shoes and nutrition on terrain close to race conditions.
D-7
Recheck rules, weather, bib pickup times and any shuttle information.
D-2
Arrive or prepare the final transfer without relying on a tight connection.
Race day
Start controlled, hike early on climbs and eat from the first hour.
After
Plan dry clothes, simple food, the return to lodging and recovery without complex decisions.
Turn the guide into action
Diagonale des Fous 2027 is best prepared as a complete project: terrain, pack, arrival plan and recovery. The earlier those decisions are made, the more race day becomes about pacing, clarity and enjoyment.
Diagonale des Fous 2027 FAQ
What reference distance does this guide use?
This guide uses the 180 km format as the main reference for Diagonale des Fous 2027.
How much climbing is there?
Use about 10200 m of ascent as the preparation benchmark.
What is the main trap?
Underestimating logistics and starting with an untested pack: the terrain feels harder when details are not solved.
Should I use poles?
They can help on long climbs if rules allow them, but only if you already use them confidently in training.
When should I book accommodation?
As early as possible, especially when the race base is a village, resort or tourist area with limited rooms.
Which official link should I keep?
Keep at least the official website: https://www.grandraid-reunion.com/fr/les-courses/la-diagonale-des-fous/.
How should I use TrailCompanion?
Create a Prep from this guide to turn transport, lodging, gear and nutrition points into tracked actions.
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