Reunion d’Aventures

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Canyons and Calderas

Rob Howard / 12.05.2005

Seventeen teams are now gathering on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, for the third edition of "Reunion d’Aventures" which takes place from the 14th to 21st of May.

Many of those taking part in Gerard Fusil’s latest venture have raced in Reunion before, or in his earlier races, notably the Raid Gauloises, which he founded. They know his style, and that the race will require a strong teamwork and technical ability, but on a course designed to maximise the experience of exploring new territory and enjoying all the natural wonders the island has to offer.

It is a spectacular setting, a small island set out in the Indian Ocean, Reunion is exceptionally mountainous. On the south of the island the live volcano Piton de la Fournaise rises to 2632m and issues constant lava streams. It’s calderas match some of those in Hawaii for size, and the underfoot terrain is hot and sharp broken lava.

Elsewhere, the islands mountains are dormant volcanoes where the huge eruption cones have collapsed leaving magnificent and verdant steep-sided cirques. The island is known for it’s waterfalls and canyoning, as the heavy tropical rainfall carves deep ravines. The surrounding reefs and seas can be rough, heavy cloud often gathers, and the heat, rainfall and humidity are high. The island is a perfect setting for an adventure race.

The teams have to show their expertise in rope work, canyoning, caving and swimming, but won’t have to travel at night. The race format requires them all to carry GPS and mobile phones and to stop by dusk each night, bivouacking or using mountain refuges if they can find them.

They have to report in with their position and restart next morning after a 12 hour break. They will be hoping for dry nights, and know that if they are camped high it can still get cold, even in the tropics. (The highest point on the island at 3070m is called Piton des Neiges.)See All Event Posts