21 Students Take On a Wild 1,000 km, 100-Hour Challenge
Inspired by the excitement surrounding the 2024 Summer Olympics, two students on a master's programme in Psychological Preparation and Coaching in Montpellier came up with an ambitious and original project: covering 1,000 kilometres in relay from the Peyrou Arch to the Arc de Triomphe in under 100 hours. Their adventure, named 2ARCS, brings together 21 students, 11 men and 10 women, united by a shared goal: exploring mental preparation through an extraordinary collective effort.
✔ Meet Hugo Duchemin and Lucas Soustre, the initiators of a challenge at the crossroads of sport, psychology and team cohesion.
A crazy project and challenge dreamed up by students
Running 1,000 kilometres in relay from the Peyrou Arch in Montpellier to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, all in under 100 hours. That is the bold idea conceived by two students on a master's programme in Psychological Preparation and Coaching in STAPS, with the aim of becoming mental performance coaches. It took the students almost a year to develop the project from the initial idea to its execution. Twenty-one first- and second-year master's students will set off in an attempt to reach the capital within the allotted time. They come from different backgrounds, are aged between 21 and 25, and have varying levels of running experience, but they share one thing: the determination to take on this challenge in the name of mental preparation.
Where did the idea of linking Montpellier and Paris by relay come from?
“The idea came during the 2024 Summer Olympics. We kept hearing about the importance of mental preparation for athletes. We wanted to talk about mental preparation, so we started thinking about a challenge and eventually came up with this idea. Combining running and mental preparation while linking Montpellier and Paris.”
When will this extraordinary adventure begin?
“Meet us on 8 June at 3 p.m. at the Peyrou Arch in Montpellier. Eleven men and 10 women will take the start, hoping to rise to the challenge.”
What goes into the logistics of a 100-hour relay?
“We are setting off with a van and a support car. The first group will be a trio: one runner and two cyclists, with the trios rotating every eight hours. We are taking five tents, because those who are not running at night need to be able to sleep at campsites. This challenge involves a huge amount of logistics, since we are handling the entire operation ourselves: sleep, driving, running, food and aid stations. At the moment, we are also working on funding and looking for partners, without losing sight of the sporting side of the challenge. We will soon begin specific training and running in groups to get used to managing the collective aspect, so that everything runs as smoothly as possible during our adventure.”
What obstacles have you encountered so far while putting the project together?
“There have been several, but the main ones include coordinating everyone, deciding which issues to prioritise, managing the project alongside our studies and finding funding, which takes time and energy. There is no doubt that this project will teach us a lot for the future, because it gives us the chance to tackle subjects far removed from our field of study. Managing the team, communications, visibility and finances makes the project a very comprehensive experience on several levels.” »
Every euro helps support us. The money will go towards fuel, tolls, GoPro cameras, tents, food, aid-station supplies and more.”
Are there any particular concerns as the start approaches?
“The concerns vary from one participant to another. Some are apprehensive about the sporting challenge, while others are more worried about managing sleep. As for us, we are mainly thinking about everyone's safety. Overall, the mood is good and there is a strong team dynamic. What we have learned about group dynamics helps us manage everyone's concerns.”
● To follow the adventure in real time, head here: www.instagram.com/projet_2arcs/
● To support the challenge financially: click here!
Beyond the physical performance, the 2ARCS project is a deeply human adventure, driven by team spirit, a desire to learn and a shared passion for running. By taking on this slightly crazy challenge, these students are stepping outside the academic framework and putting the principles of mental preparation they study into practice in the real world. It is a tangible and inspiring demonstration that collective strength can push back plenty of limits.
Best of luck to the whole team, and see you on 8 June in Montpellier for the big start!
Every gesture counts. We wish every member of the 2ARCS project the very best for this fantastic challenge. Thank you, Hugo and Lucas, for the conversation.