The 32nd edition of the Grand Raid ended yesterday, Sunday October 20. The runners, some of whom started on Thursday October 17, met at La Redoute for the awards ceremony. The absence of a local podium caused disappointment among some, like Judicaël Sautron, first Reunion Islander in the Diagonale des Fous.
Published on October 21, 2024 at 12:48 p.m.,
updated October 21, 2024 at 12:55 p.m.
It’s a 32nd edition which ended on a mixed note for some runners. At the La Redoute stadium, the party was great yesterday, Sunday October 20, to celebrate the thousands of runners who took part in the five races that included this Grand Raid 2024.
Runners in the spotlight, notably the first with the medal ceremony, but some of whom did not hide their disappointment. This is the case of the first Reunion Islander from the Diagonale des Fous, Judicaël Sautron, who was simply “zapped” from this awards ceremony.
Coming with his family, his dalons, his sponsor, he was not called to the podium. Everyone felt a ” very big disappointment ” et ” a lot of anger “, explains Judicaël Sautron, this Monday October 21 in the morning in Réunion la 1ère.
I find that there has been very little recognition for the effort I made, for everything I gave throughout this race to best represent my island, my neighborhood, my sponsor, La Meeting.
Judicaël Sautron, first Reunion Islander in the Diagonale des Fous 2024
The case of Judicaël Sautron is in fact the revealer of a deeper evil. Many people on social networks are critical of the place of Reunion athletes in the Grand Raid.
I find that once again the Reunionese have been pushed aside.
Judicaël Sautron, first Reunion Islander in the Diagonale des Fous 2024
A distrust to which the president of the Grand Raid association responded. Guest of the morning of Réunion la 1erathis Monday, October 21, he said he was listening: ” I hear very well, I hear a lot since last night “.
Pierre Maunier explains that a new reward system has been put in place, which “does not take away merit in terms of ranking”. The organization opted for awards by age groups, namely the first three in each age group.
The awards table is public, and all runners are aware of it before starting, insists the president of the Grand Raid association.
This new system is a test, specifies Pierre Maunier, the limits of which he seems to be aware of: “ we took good note of it “.
To say that the people of Reunion are being pushed aside bothers me a little, because I am from Reunion and I wear two hats. It’s very complex, and I understand the disappointment very well. We had a lot of disappointments yesterday.
Pierre Maunier, president of the Grand Raid association
Pierre Maunier says he is sorry for Judicaël Sautron, and promises to try to review the reward system put in place. Last night, affirmed its desire to have a local podium.
The péi runner, Judicaël Sautron, has observed a change in mindset about competition in recent years. In 2022, he was the first Réunionnais, 8th in the general classification and 3th master. Twice he was called to the podium.
More and more, I find that the Grand Raid no longer belongs to us. It’s a real shame for the people of Reunion. Instead of motivating the Reunion Islanders to perform, I find that they discourage us even more.
Judicaël Sautron, first Reunion Islander in the Diagonale des Fous 2024
Pierre Maunier, who admits to having received a lot of criticism last night, nevertheless believes he is doing a lot.
Reunion Island is already alive with this event, because we are known to 122 countries.
Pierre Maunier, president of the Grand Raid association
For several years, the Grand Raid has made its way into the world of trail running, internationally. By opening, it naturally attracted more trail runners from outside, who came to confront this very difficult event. A difficulty that attracts the best, often professionals.
” For 16 years, a Reunion Islander has not been on the podium “, confirms the president of the Grand Raid association. ” We are aware of this. I will take into account what has been said, we will try to review the situation “, assures Pierre Maunier.
It must be said that we are local runners, in front they are professionals. We try to fight with them to best represent our ti caillou La Réunion. In this way, I find that we really remain in the dark, instead of shining a light on ourselves, of representing ourselves better.
Judicaël Sautron, first Reunion Islander in the Diagonale des Fous 2024
Given this situation, Judicaël Sautron is not sure of being present on the Diagonale des Fous next year.
I was really happy with my performance, but in terms of recognition I was really disappointed. And it wasn’t just me, the whole of Reunion was there. There were a lot of people for the awards ceremony, most of them had come for the Réunionnais, not necessarily for the winners.
Judicaël Sautron, first Reunion Islander in the Diagonale des Fous 2024
