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153 teams took on the incredible challenge of covering 210 km around the majestic Lake Geneva. Day and night, participants ran for an average of 24 hours, crossing 74 municipalities, 29 of which had a relay point, 3 cantons in Switzerland and a French department. The runners called “mates” made the Lake Geneva Region vibrate with emotions: laughter, tears and solidarity were there.
“Covid-compatible” in nature with delayed starts per team of 2 to 9 runners, Run Mate had everything to offer participants an experience respectful of the health situation. Wearing a mask and respecting distance were, among other things, part of the measures put in place by the organization for this second particular edition.
The teams set off on a spectacular course on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and were finally able to put on a bib in a serene and festive atmosphere . Whether between friends, family, or colleagues, Run Mate allowed teams to share a sporting challenge together.
For Thando, a volunteer, it was also a pleasure to participate in an event again. “Last year I already came to run and I found the concept brilliant. This year I motivated my friends to set up teams and I participated as a volunteer to get to know the other side of the scene and be at the heart of the atmosphere.”
Beyond the race, many challenges kept the “mates” who were not running busy. “The Intello Quiz” asked the teams to think with questions about the history of Lake Geneva. We saw the participants give their best in the “My Legs Are Better Than Yours” speed challenge. As for the “Carnival des Mates”, some dressed up as vikings while others opted for superhero disguises. The most eco-friendly collected the cigarette butts found along the route. The Detraqu'runners team won the “Zéro Mégot” challenge with a weight of 1198 grams.
This challenge was close to the hearts of the organizers concerned about the environmental footprint of the event. Other measures linked to sustainable development such as Ecocups, the use of local suppliers or even respect for the areas crossed (temporary markings) have been designed for the occasion.
On the race side, the “Tourist Pro Team”, the big winner of this second edition, set a new reference time by circumnavigating Lake Geneva in just 14h29min5sec, an hour less than the best time of 2019. The hard times brought us together and it passed so quickly! It’s really great that the organization coordinated and marked out 200km, we didn’t get lost once, a big positive point for the organization.”
And the icing on the cake, participants had the chance to run alongside Dorian, a famous adventurer who came to help the organization and run! “It’s just exceptional when you arrive and the sun comes up, it’s just magnificent. The organization is really great, it’s really crazy, it’s a great event.”
Today, Sunday, the teams completed this adventure with smiles on their faces and stars in their eyes . Benjamin Chandelier, director of the event, is also moved: “ It was an exceptional year , we fought and we are proud to have been able to organize an exceptional event in a particular 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. We particularly thank the municipality of Pully as well as all the municipalities 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 municipalities crossed . A big thank you also to our mates who played the game by wearing the mask throughout the weekend outside of racing times without having to call for order.”
The waiting list for the 2021 edition is already open if you also want to become a mate, reserve your place quickly (they are limited!): Click here
The 2020 edition in figures:
2nd edition
210 km of marked and secure route
2 to 9 runners per team
2 formulas for teams: Team (6 to 9 per team) / Ultra (2 to 5 per team)
153 teams
13 student teams (who benefited from a discount)
Longest time: 26h28min03sec
Fastest time: 14h29min05sec
29 relays
2 days and 1 night
Longest time: xxx
Fastest time: xxx
2 countries: Switzerland and France
3 cantons: Vaud, Valais, Geneva
1 department: Haute Savoie
Relays from 3km to 13km
200 volunteers
5 non-race challenges
40% women
60% men
36 years average age
18 years old: youngest participant
71 years old: oldest participant
Podium:
Team:
200 - Tourist Pro team: 14h29min05sec - RECORD
89 - Richemont Stadium: 3:12:22 p.m.
177 - Lake Geneva: 3:18:25 p.m.
Ultra:
28 - SportAltitude: 16h11min52sec
25 - The Royal: 4:52:50 p.m.
23 - Tcheu, it’s a panther! : 5:36:09 p.m.
Challenges :
Intello Quiz: 10 - Roast Beef and Rosti Claire
Zero Butt: 116 - Detraqu'runnerneurs
The Carnival of Mates: 121 - The Super Team
My Legs Are Better Than Yours: 2 - Lucky Momo
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