The Gévaudathlon

The Azimut Gévaudan association was created in 1997. It was the brainchild of a group of friends (footballers, no less!) who had a love of the country and, above all, a fear of losing sight of each other as each of them set off on their own career paths, sometimes far from the Lozère region. Their idea: to create a sporting event that would enable them to get together at least once a year, and enable sports enthusiasts to discover our beautiful département.

So yes, more at ease with a ball at his feet than with a CO card in his hands, this gamble was a bit crazy. But these self-taught enthusiasts learned quickly, working alongside other enthusiasts who accompanied them on this slightly crazy adventure. The Gévaudathlon raid was born, an event designed to be as tough as the land it crosses. With its length (two and a half days of effort) and variety of events (running, mountain biking, canoeing, orienteering on foot or mountain bike, by day or night, with road-book…), the Gévaudathlon has, over the last 24 editions, established its “style” and become a national benchmark for multi-activity raids.

Beyond the sporting aspect, the Gévau is first and foremost a large troop, made up of the family and friends of this group of friends and now our children…Nearly 80 volunteers wait for just one thing each year: the weekend of the Ascension and its traditional Gévau ! Their role is to spend whole days waiting for competitors on safety posts in the cold or heat… but they wouldn’t give up their place for anything in the world, because it’s above all a reunion and a great party!

So as you read these few lines, we hope you’ll be part of the adventure too. We look forward to seeing you on May 8, 9, 10 & 11 , 2024 to take part in the Gévaudathlon. Once again this year, we are offering two race formats:

• Gévaudathlon, the mythical long-distance raid
• Gévauda’day, in the footsteps of the great: Day raid (Saturday)