© Grand Raid du Finistère
Grand Raid du Finistère: the Breton Race Celebrates its 3rd Edition
15/09/2025 11:19The Grand Raid du Finistere is no ordinary race. The event was born just after Covid in 2020, when a runner asked François Hinault (now the organizer) if he would be up for running around the Crozon Peninsula. He accepted and decided to open it up to anyone interested. Around fifty curious athletes lined up for the two distances on offer: 140 km and 57 km. The start and finish line ? In the garden of François Hinault’s mother. The principle was simple: each runner could set off whenever they wished between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., following a GPX track. Today, the numbers have exploded. For this 3rd edition, taking place on September 19 and 20, no fewer than 2,000 participants are expected, supported by 300 volunteers.
François Hinault, founder of the Grand Raid du Finistère (GRF), is himself an ultra-trail runner. Through this event, the Breton, who spent 20 years living in Telgruc-Sur-Mer, aims to showcase the natural treasures of his homeland. For him, the GRF is an outstanding way to push one’s limits. His personal battle is against sedentary lifestyles, a message he also shares through his podcast “L’instant Outdoor.”
The organizers’ mission is to offer runners a truly new experience, setting the GRF apart from the many other races in France. Several race formats are available, both solo and relay.
- Solo races:
• GRF166: 166 km, 3,700 m of elevation gain
• GRF92: 92 km, 2,100 m of elevation gain
• GRF56: 56 km, 1,200 m of elevation gain
• GRF18: 18 km, 300 m of elevation gain - Relay option:
• 4-person relay: the full 166 km split into four segments (38 / 37 / 36 / 55 km). Race conditions are identical to those of solo participants.
| Numerous courses set against typically Breton landscapes
Between cliffs, coastal trails, and seaside forests, the course is nothing short of breathtaking. It crosses 12 towns, with most of the route running along the ocean. Runners must also climb Ménez Hom at 330 m, the highest point of the race. This climb takes place at sunset, offering a stunning panoramic view over the peninsula. The brave then descend into the night toward the Brest harbor, all the way to the Pointe des Espagnols. From there, trail runners will cover long stretches of the coastal path, passing landmarks such as the Pointe de Pen-Hir, Cap de la Chèvre, and Île Vierge beach. The section from Cap de la Chèvre to Morgat (around kilometer 140) is considered the toughest and most technical part of the course. All race formats, except the 18 km, pass through this area before reaching the finish line. Since runners follow a GPX track on their watch, 29 checkpoints are set up along the ultra distance.
What makes the GRF unique? According to the organizer, it’s “an organized off-trail adventure in full safety, more of an experience than a competition.” François Hinault calls it a “personal challenge” rather than a “fight against the clock.” Time barriers are generous, although the cutoff for the longest race is 31 hours.
In 2024, Lucas Tanné won the GRF166 in 19h10’55. Jérémy Treguer (19h29’01) and Aurélien Garreau (19h51’45) completed the men’s podium. On the women’s side, Angélique Cariou was the fastest in 23h49’40, finishing 13th overall. Myriam Gallet (25h43’46) and Cristina Anghel (29h53’29) took second and third place respectively.
| A Truly Eco-Responsible Trail
The goal of the Grand Raid du Finistère isn’t to increase race entries year after year. As organizer François Hinault explains, “Eighty percent of an event’s carbon footprint comes from transport, so we cap participation at 1,500 runners.” Other measures have been put in place to protect the environment. Since the Crozon Peninsula is a protected area, poles are banned to prevent trail erosion. There’s no course marking either. A shuttle system is organized, and night running is limited to avoid disturbing wildlife. There are no food stations (water only) to reduce waste. Instead, life bases are set up at different points along the route where runners can access their own food stored in drop bags.
This year, the event goes further in its sustainability efforts by launching an environmental impact study, combining field observations during the races, consultations with those involved in the event’s design and management, and outreach through the website and informational materials. Every runner also receives a satisfaction survey to help improve the race. From the start, the event has been built in collaboration with local stakeholders such as the French National Forestry Office, Natura 2000, the Armorique Regional Natural Park, the Coastal Conservatory, and local environmental associations. The GRF is firmly committed to being a truly eco-responsible trail race.
“The GRF will never become a mass event with thousands of runners. It was born in a garden with a barbecue waiting at the finish line. We want every participant to soak up that family spirit,” says the organization.
The bib allocation system is also designed to be fair, avoiding the randomness of a simple lottery. The GRF uses a coefficient system: runners who tried to register one year but weren’t selected double their chances for the following edition. Those who have already taken part see their odds halved (0.5). It’s a fair approach that resonates with runners, as every race sells out quickly.
“The GRF will never be a mass event welcoming thousands of runners. It was born in a garden, with a shared barbecue at the finish line. We want every participant to absorb that family spirit.”
François Hinault, race organizer
| A Friendly, Family-Oriented Atmosphere
Scheduled activities will bring the event to life both before and during the Grand Raid du Finistère weekend:
➜ September 18 — At 7:30 p.m., a workshop will be held at the Telgruc-Sur-Mer nautical center: “Running for Women: Listening to Your Body, Pushing Your Limits, Returning Safely.”
➜ September 19 – Children’s races will take place for the local school.
➜ September 19 (afternoon/evening) — For the 166 km race, live coverage will be available on a giant screen starting at 4:30 p.m. Spectators are also invited to gather at the summit of the Ménez Hom between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to cheer on the runners as they pass during sunset.
➜ September 20 — A full day of activities: a kids’ zone will be open, an official GRF shop will welcome visitors, and a 10 km hike will be offered alongside continued live race tracking. Festive moments will include music from the Quimper brass band Les Zingueur’s Band. The day will close with a DJ set, running late into the evening to celebrate the arrival of the final finishers.
The organizers also place a strong emphasis on their volunteers: “Volunteers from 2025 will be guaranteed a race bib in 2026. It’s our way of thanking them and supporting local involvement.”
