Diagonale des Fous

Next Race

October 15, 2026

189

days to go

"The Madmen's Diagonal" is a legendary volcanic island ultra that traverses three massive cirques on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. With roughly 9,600 meters of elevation gain over 165 kilometers of technical mountain trails, it is widely regarded as one of the hardest footraces on Earth. The tropical heat, unrelenting vertical, and remote volcanic terrain push the limits of human endurance.

ITRA 6 Endurance Points

Est.

1993

Distance

165km / 103mi

Course

Point-to-point (island traverse)

Surface

Technical Trail

Elev. Gain

9600m

Elev. Loss

9600m

Field Size

~2,700

When

October

Time Limit

66h

THE COURSE

Gain

+9600m

Loss

-9600m

MI 0

KM 0

Saint-Pierre Start

The race begins at sea level in Saint-Pierre on Reunion's southern coast. Runners set off in the darkness of night and immediately face a brutal climb out of the coastal plain into the volcanic interior of the island.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 22

KM 35

Cirque de Cilaos

The first of the three great cirques, Cilaos is a massive amphitheater of collapsed volcanic rock surrounded by sheer 1,000-meter cliffs. Runners descend into the caldera on steep, technical switchbacks, pass through the thermal village, then climb back out on the infamous Mare a Boue trail.

ELEV: 1200ft

MI 44

KM 70

Cirque de Mafate

Accessible only by foot or helicopter, the Cirque de Mafate is the most remote section of the course. Runners traverse ridgelines high above the valley floor, descending to isolated hamlets before facing the grueling climb over the Col des Boeufs at 1,956 meters.

ELEV: 1956ft

MI 66

KM 106

Cirque de Salazie & Piton des Neiges Approach

After crossing from Mafate into Salazie, runners pass through lush tropical forest draped in moss and mist. The trail skirts the flanks of Piton des Neiges (3,070 m), the highest point in the Indian Ocean, with punishing climbs through the volcanic terrain.

ELEV: 1600ft

MI 103

KM 165

La Redoute Finish — Saint-Denis

The final push descends from the mountain interior to Saint-Denis on the northern coast. Runners arrive at the Stade de la Redoute to a carnival atmosphere — thousands of Reunionese line the roads with music, food, and fireworks to celebrate every finisher.

ELEV: 25ft