“L’Ultra Terrestre”, the new ultra from Reunion Island which will make the Diagonale des Fous look like an easy race!

The Indian Ocean Ultra-Trail organization has decided to think big. Very big. With a new event in 2025 even bigger than the terrible Diagonale des Fous: “The Ultra Terrestrial”. A route of 224 kilometers and 14,330 meters of elevation gain on the trails of Reunion Island. Two former winners of the Diagonale des Fous have already planned to compete there: Beñat Marmissolle and Antoine Guillon. Thursday May 8, 2025, 150 runners will take the start of “L’Ultra Terrestre”, the new XXL event of the Ultra Trail of the Indian Ocean (UTOI), an event which will celebrate its second edition. On the program: 224 kilometers and 14,330 meters of elevation gain in the heart of Reunion Island. A diagonal between Saint-Philippe, to the South, and Saint-Denis, to the North, of which regulars of the Grand Raid will recognize many sectors (Nez de Bœuf, Mare à Boue, Cilaos, Marla, Sentier Scout, Les Orangers, la Brèche… ). Added to this are other equally demanding trails, including, among others, an ascent of 2,300 meters of positive altitude difference which will set the tone from the start of the race. “We can't compete with the Grand Raid, it's an institution” On paper, the event is not that far from the legendary Diagonale des Fous (175 km, 10,150 m D+). Its route, however, greatly exceeds that of the main race of the Grand Raid. Both in terms of distance and elevation. Also note that with regard to the eight time barriers scattered along the route, the minimum imposed pace of 2.8 kilometers and 179 meters of positive altitude difference per hour. Compared to 2.5 kilometers and 145 meters of positive altitude difference per hour on La Diagonale des Fous. “We cannot compete with the Grand Raid, it is an institution, it is in the landscape of Reunion Island” assures Hassen Patel, president of the UTOI. “It is therefore a second ultratrail to diversify the trails, and allow the most experienced trail runners to be able to do a very long race.” What Stéphane Ferrère supports,…