South Channel. Record attendance for the seventh trail in the Airon valley

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Getting back on the trail, after a year without it, was not a foregone conclusion. No worries, the meeting was expected at Loges-Marchis, in the South Manche, as shown by the influx of runners and walkers, each setting off “at full speed” when they left.

Record number of race entries

The previous record was 220 runners. This year, 384 were at the start of the two races (11 and 18 km). The organizers did not expect to exceed 350 registrants, but faced with the interest of new candidates, they extended registrations, warning however that the prizes planned to reward all participants would not be sufficient. The runners are not only from the South Channel, some came from Rennes and Coutances. Note, a strong contingent of runners from Mortain.

It must be said that the trail’s reputation is already well established: a 200 m climb, a 500 m descent, an epic river crossing… Alexandre, 41, from Le Teilleul, is on his fourth participation. What does he like? “The race offers a good challenge, due to its altitude difference. I like doing it alone, it’s a challenge. It’s local too.” For Hugo, who finished well ranked, “it slips, it’s hard”.

As for the walkers, two walks of 7 or 12 km, also a success: there are 180 of them. The pleasure is there as indicated by Isabelle and Claude, who came from Vezins “to discover the landscape, which is said to be is superb.” With two notable guests, Mika and Nutella, two donkeys guided by Cécile, they came to highlight the mediation that these animals allow in nursing homes, but also during treatment (in addiction, for example).

The next generation ensured

Made up of Alicia Minerbe-Levavasseur and Mathéo Lemée (co-presidents), Mélanie Fermin and Laura Lemée, the new team achieved the feat: relaunching the trail. And, unexpected surprise, give it a remarkable scale. Alicia Minerbe-Levavasseur is aware of all those who made it possible: “We were very well supported, by the previous team, the Loges-Marchis town hall, the Festi’Loges association, the 100 volunteers, the 57 sponsors and the farmers we thank.”

The organizers have multiplied the initiatives. A daycare service for children allowed their parents to participate in the events. The “business challenge” offered local businesses the opportunity to form teams of at least 4 runners. The profits will be donated to the Sur ma Route association, which helps a young boy, Yoni, suffering from a rare disease. The latter also participated in the French youth blowgun championships this weekend.

Feats and results

In the 18 km, the main event, Francis Garnier took first place, in 1 h 18’38, for the third time in four participations. Romain Besnard is ranked 2nd and David Hardy 3rd. At 11 km, Gille Anfray (Mortain) won the race in 44’10”.

The youngest, over forty, were not the least determined at the start. Barely 4 years old for the youngest, he insisted on doing the 400 meters. Depending on their age, 5 distances were offered (3,000 meters for juniors).

After such success, there is no doubt that the Trail will return: “Given the success, the desire to continue is strong. We no longer have the choice and it is with pleasure, there will be others,” concludes Alicia Minerbe-Levavasseur.

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