153 teams took on the incredible challenge of covering 210 km around the majestic Lake Geneva. Day and night, participants ran an average of 24 hours, crossing 74 communes, 29 of which had a relay point, 2 swiss cantons and 1 french department. The runners called “mates” made the Lake Geneva region vibrate with emotion: laughter, tears and solidarity were the order of the day.

As a “covid-compatible” event with staggered starts of 2 to 9 runners teams, Run Mate had it all to offer to the participants an event respectful of the health situation. Among the measures put in place for this 2nd peculiar edition, participants needed to wear a mask and to respect safety distances.

The teams set off on a spectacular course on Saturday between 10 am and 5 pm and were finally able to be back on a race in a serene and festive atmosphere. Whether with friends, family, or colleagues, Run Mate allowed the teams to get together for a weekend to share a sporting challenge.

For Thando, a volunteer, it was a pleasure to participate again in an event. “Last year I came to run and I thought the concept was great. This year I motivated my friends to create teams, but I am participating as a volunteer to get to know the other side of the scene and be at heart of the atmosphere.”

More than a race, numerous challenges kept our “mates” busy when they were not running. The “Intello Quiz” made our teams reflect with questions on the history of Lake Geneva. We saw the participants give their best on the speed challenge “My Legs Are Better Than Yours”. As for the “Carnaval des Mates”, some dressed up as vikings while others opted for superheroes. The greenest ones collected the cigarette butts found along the route. The Detraqu’runneurs team won the “Zero Mégots” challenge with 1198 grams weighing in.

This challenge was of great importance to the organizers, who were concerned about the event’s environmental footprint. Other measures related to sustainable development such as the Ecocups, the use of local suppliers or the respect of the zones crossed (temporary markers) were thought for the occasion.

Regarding the race, the team “Tourist Pro Team” is the winning team of the second edition of Run Mate. The “mates” finished the race in 14h29min5sec by setting a new record an hour less than the best time of 2019. ” The hard times united us and it went so quickly! It’s really great from the organisation to have coordinated and marked 200km, we didn’t get lost once, a big plus for the organisation. ”

And on top of that, the participants were lucky to run with Dorian, a famous adventurer who came to help the organisation and run. “It’s just amazing when you walk in and the sun comes up, it’s just beautiful. The organization is amazing, it’s a great event.”

Today, on Sunday, the 153 teams have come through this adventure with smiles on their faces and stars in their eyes. Benjamin Chandelier, event director, is also moved: “It was an exceptional year, we fought hard and we are proud to have been able to deliver an exceptional event in a special context. We would particularly like to warmly thank our partners, our volunteers, the Cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Valais as well as the Department of Haute-Savoie. Special thanks to the commune of Pully as well as all the communes of Bourg en Lavaux, Vevey, Montreux, Villeneuve, Port-Valais, Saint-Gingolph, Meillerie, Lugrin, Evian-Les-Bains, Thonon-Les-Bains, Anthy-sur-Léman, Excenevex, Yvoire, Chens-sur-Léman, Veigy-Foncenex, Meinier, Genève, Pregny-Chambésy, Versoix, Coppet, Nyon, Prangins, Dully, Rolle, Aubonne, Morges, Préverenges, Lausanne and the 45 other cities crossed. A big thank you also to our mates who played the game wearing the mask throughout the weekend outside of racing times.”

The waiting list for the 2021’s edition is already open! If you also want to become a mate, book your spot now (they are limited!). Click here.

Key figures :

• 2nd edition
• 210 km race course with signage and security
• 2 to 9 runners per team
• 2 race formats: Team (6 to 9 per team) / Ultra (2 to 5 per team)
• 153 teams
• 13 student teams (with special discount)
• 29 relays
• 2 days and 1 night
• Longer time: 26h28min03sec
• Quicker time: 14h29min05sec
• 2 countries : Switzerland and France
• 3 cantons : Vaud, Valais, Geneva
• 1 departement : Haute-Savoie
• Relays from 3km to 13km
• 200 volunteers
• 5 out-of-race challenges
• 40% women
• 60% men
• 36 years old in average
• 18 years old: the youngest participant
• 71 years old : the oldest participant

Podium :

Team

1. 200 - Tourist Pro team: 14h29min05sec - RECORD
2. 89 - Stade Richemont: 15h12min22sec
3. 177 - Lac de Genève: 15h18min25sec

Ultra

1. 28 - SportAltitude: 16h11min52sec
2. 25 - La Royale: 16h52min50sec
3. 23 - Tcheu, c’te panthère!: 17h36min09sec

Défis hors-course

• Intello Quiz: 10 - Roast Beef and Rosti Claire
• Zéro Mégot: 116 - Detraqu’runneurs
• Le Carnaval des mates: 121 - La Super Team
• My Legs Are Better Than Yours: 2 - Lucky Momo