Finishing Well

The toughest part of the Guadarun is the terrain, particularly because of the elevation gain. Much of Guadeloupe is mountainous (Basse-Terre reaches nearly 5,000 feet on an island just 25 miles wide) and you can expect to cross hills and mountains on narrow, uneven surfaces along the trails and paths, with significant amounts of mud, sand and water. This race is extreme, and could be dangerous in places if you are not very careful about your footing. Certain sections of the course require significant upper body strength, to assist pulling oneself up the almost vertical slopes.

It is imperative to train extensively on hills before the race, building up the necessary strength and minimizing the risk of injury during the event.

Stages are of a manageable length, though runners can still expect to be out on the course for 10+ hours per day. Due to the heat and humidity, runners should ensure they keep fully hydrated during the race. It is important to have a good supply of bars, gels and isotonic drinks that will be palatable in the heat.

Proper footwear and footcare are imperative. The organizers recommend bringing at least two pairs of running shoes of which one should be very sturdy trail shoes.