“It’s a human adventure in an idyllic setting”, Stéphanie Tuffal from Puymirol participated in the Femina raid in Guadeloupe

It was a moment of complicity and solidarity that Stéphanie Tuffal experienced. Gendarme in Martinique since 2022 and originally from Puymirol, from November 12 to 17, she participated in the Raid Femina de Guadeloupe. “In 2023, we participated in the Raid des Alizés in Martinique. Amélie, my colleague, encouraged me to do it with another colleague, Florence. In Guadeloupe, it was as a duo, so I motivated Amélie to do it. participate.”

Four and a half days of intense events on Papillon Island: from lush forest trails to golden beaches, including challenges like trail running, canyoning, and even coastering. These efforts were made for the benefit of Amazone Guadeloupe, an association dedicated to the fight against cancer. “It’s quite a project, part of the registration fees, which amount to €5,600, is donated to the association. It was important for us to get involved,” confides Stéphanie.

A solidarity race

To be able to participate, the two women mobilized sponsors, from Martinique but also from Lot-et-Garonne. “I am very attached to 47 and very proud to see businesses supporting us like the restaurant Le Bar Back or the Puymirol pharmacy and so many others.”

The race remains accessible to all profiles, from the most athletic to those less accustomed to physical effort. “It's quite a bit of cardio,” says the gendarme from Lot-et-Garonne. Despite busy schedules which limited our training. Finally, we got caught up in the ranking game as the days went by. We wanted to challenger.” The pair finished 19th out of around 70 teams.

Despite everything, in the events, solidarity won out over competition. “It's a human adventure in an idyllic setting. We helped the teams in difficulty, thus illustrating the beautiful spirit that reigned. There were a few injuries, but everyone finished the race”, rewinds Stéphanie, accustomed to the landscapes . “The girls from the mainland took more photos than us. We’re a little more used to it,” she says, amused.

In the West Indies since 2022

After several years in Beaumont-sur-Périgord, the gendarme wanted to discover new horizons. So, with her partner, they flew to Martinique two years ago. “It's a lifestyle choice and a unique experience. I signed for three years, and I'm extending until 2026. We're a big unit that's running well. There's a lot of activity, but the interventions remain similar to the Dordogne”, slips the soldier. An activity that doesn't give him much time to enjoy the landscape.