South Channel: a modified route for the Saint-Hilaire relay

See my news
Follow La Gazette de la Manche

The Saint-Hilaire – Mortain relay is making its comeback after two years of absence. The legendary South Channel race returns for a 26th edition, and a route of more than 15 km between the two towns, Sunday October 20 at 10 a.m. It is of course organized by the Avenir de Mortain athletics club.

“The idea with this race is always to reach Mortain via the greenway,” announces Annick Saives, vice-president of the club. But this year the route differs slightly from other editions. “A new section of the greenway opened last June. We are therefore going to branch off on this path at the Acome factory instead of continuing on departmental road 977,” explains the woman who is also a coach for several categories of young people.

This major through road has long been used by runners. However, the organization had to put in place major security measures, as the prefecture did not authorize the complete closure of this route. “We had to do traffic and it was dangerous. With this new route, runners will always be safe,” continues Annick Saives.

Arrival at the summit

With this route, the relay is shortened by 800 m (15.7 km compared to 16.5 km previously). The ending is also slightly modified. “We always arrive at the top of the climb to the little chapel of Mortain, but we no longer do the entire climb,” explains the running enthusiast. Previously, riders had to climb the entire 3.7km of hill, with areas over 20%. These difficulties are still present, but the new route reduces the climb by 700 m, for 3 km of coast. “It’s always where people go to see their loved ones in difficulty,” laughs Annick Saives.

Solo, couple or family

More than 250 participants are expected for the event. The departure is from the center of Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët. Shuttles will be set up at 8:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. to take runners from Mortain, if necessary, subject to availability. It is possible to run alone, in pairs, or in quartets for families or beginners. “The solo race is accessible from 17 years old. But for those who run in groups, we go down to 13 years. Everyone completes part of the course in the form of relays. Checkpoints will be set up. Performance or family leisure, everyone’s ambitions in this race are very different.

Relais Saint-Hilaire – Mortain: Sunday October 20 at 10 a.m. Registrations on Klikego.com or on site on the day. €14 per person, €18 for two and €24 for four.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.