International
The 4th at the London Games in 2012 and two-time winner of the Trail de Bourbon (2016 / 2017) tells us more about this record achieved under bailiff's supervision in 4h41 for the ascent and the round trip in 8h58'.
"I had already thought of this record a few years ago, but it was difficult to set up in a normal year".
DAVID HAUSS, Pro Trail Runner
What was the route? The distance? The previous record? What time were you planning?
I had already thought of this record a few years ago, but it was difficult to set up in a "normal" year. So, following the cancellation of the GRR, I decided to set off on this trail to beat the record for the ascent and set a time for the round trip, returning to my starting point. I set off on Sunday October 18 from Pierrefonds, then l'Entre-Deux, le Dimitile via le sentier du zèbre, then le sentier Jacky Isnard, les coteaux Kervéguen, le gîte Caverne Dufour and the summit of Piton des Neiges at 3070m. I knew 75% of the route but had never done the whole thing before, or even a reco, so I went with my gut feeling... 73km round trip for 4000D+. The old record of 4h52 was held by Jeannick Boyer since 2014 and Julien Chorier in 2018 had run in 5h06. I planned to climb in 4h45.
Why this project? How important was this route to you?
I chose this route because it was the one used for the sea-summit record attempts, but also because past the Dimitile there are some of the most spectacular views on the island, while skirting Cilaos from the top of the cirque ramparts. The route is very varied, with road sections to start with, forest, lots of roots, very hilly singles tracks, and technical trails with volcanic rock on the summit.
Can you tell us how you felt throughout the race?
I set off at 5:30 a.m. at daybreak to avoid the heat and take advantage of the beautiful morning colors. I set off quite quickly on the road, as this part was to my advantage and enabled me to manage my effort better afterwards. I kept my breath under control for the first 2 hours. Higher up, where the altitude was beginning to make itself felt, I had to lower my pace to finish better and I lost a few precious minutes on my split times, but I was still 5' ahead of the record. The important thing was to pick up the pace as soon as I could, and smooth out my effort as much as possible. I never felt too bad, and I was always in control of my sensations and pace.
Can you tell us about your preparation?
I didn't do any special preparation for this record, as I only arrived on the island 6 days beforehand. I just ran about fifteen kilometers to familiarize myself with the climate and the course. Lacking any reference points, I decided to go for it on the day of the climb.
How did you organize your logistical support?
On the day of the climb, I had the support of 5 people to refuel and support me along the route. And only 2 friends to run with me on the course and refuel me during the race. It was a good choice, because on the one hand I was quite alone in my effort to manage the hard parts, but still accompanied enough to give it my all on the summit. And a team of 6 people also followed me on this journey to make a film to follow.
What are your plans for the rest of the season?
There's nothing planned for the next race, so I'm going back to my family to spend the winter and prepare for the next season.
What products were most important to you for this challenge?
During my challenge, I decided to be as light as possible, apart from my personalized outfit. I chose not to carry a bag, just my FreeBelt for gels and bars and 1 flask, which I renewed with my refuelers. I also wore Full Socks to drain my legs as much as possible during the climb. Again, a wise choice. I'm happy to add my name to this climb and proud to have been the 1st to make this round trip between the sea and the summit of the Indian Ocean's highest point.
