Les Foulées du Gois
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About the race
Les Foulées du Gois is a running event held on the Passage du Gois, a tidal causeway described in the program as a site unique in Europe. The event was born from an idea in 1986 to organise a race against the incoming tide on the Gois cobbles, preceded by popular races on the exposed roadway.
Races include:
- 4 km Course des As
- 8 km course at falling tide
- 8 km men
- 8 km women
- 2.4 km children
- 900 m children
- Sport adapté race
Each edition mobilises medical and rescue teams: two doctors, 25 secouristes and two Zodiacs, together with about 250 volunteers known as the "Casquettes rouges" from the association Les Amis du Gois. Oyster producers provide their chalands to media to follow the runners confronting the rising tide. Technical assistance is provided by the association Étoile Sportive du Marais (ESM Challans). The event lists around 2 000 national and international runners. In 2022 a new race was introduced for thirty selected men and thirty selected women running at falling tide, described as a new approach and technique of race.
The event gives practical information on registrations with opening dates: 1 December for licensed athletes and 15 December for non licensed athletes. The 2027 edition is scheduled for Saturday 26 June 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
