Raid de l'Archange

Raid de l'Archange: The Longest Raid in France

The Raid de l'Archange is an extraordinary sporting challenge that invites trail runners to cross the entire Manche department, from Mont-Saint-Michel to the cape of Beaumont-Hague, at the northwestern tip of the Cotentin. With its approximately 300 km and 6,000 m of positive elevation gain, it stands as the longest raid in France.

A Spectacular Course Through the Cotentin

The route of the Raid de l'Archange offers a condensed version of the most remarkable landscapes of the Manche. Participants cross vertiginous cliffs overlooking the sea, vast sandy beaches, picturesque small fishing ports, typical villages of the Norman bocage, listed sites, and numerous testimonies of the peninsula's maritime and military history. Facing the Channel Islands, the west coast of the Cotentin offers panoramas of striking beauty.

Several Formats for All Levels

While the flagship format remains the 300 km ultra-distance, the Raid de l'Archange offers six different distances and formats to allow as many people as possible to participate. The events can be completed solo or in teams of 3, with stages of 50 to 100 km, bivouacs, and necessary self-sufficiency in supplies. The main event is run in four stages with three bivouacs.

The Spirit of La Barjo

The Raid de l'Archange is organized by the association La Barjo, which also runs the eponymous trail, "the craziest trail in Normandy." The spirit of the event is about self-transcendence, solidarity among runners, and respect for the natural environment crossed. The association makes it a point of honor to offer an authentic race, rooted in the territory and its landscapes.

An Immersion in Manche's Heritage

Beyond the sporting challenge, the Raid de l'Archange is a true discovery of the heritage of the Manche. From Mont-Saint-Michel, a marvel of the West, to the Vauban fortifications in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, passing through the D-Day landing beaches and the Nez de Jobourg, the route is dotted with exceptional historical and natural sites.