“I use my legs to alarm,” the “eco-adventurer” starts. Running 2100km in less than 27 days along the Breton Coastal Path (GR34) is Nicolas Vandenelsken’s new challenge to raise awareness of global warming.
“In fact, I’m exposing my legs, or at least my body, to what we’re exposing the planet to,” adds the marathon runner, who starts at hellish pace on the famous Customs Trail.
The 31-year-old runner started from Mont-Saint-Michel (Manche) on May 31 and as of Friday morning had covered more than 1,300km and almost 20,000m of climbing on this trail, known for its winding route and steep terrain. He must arrive in Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique) before June 26th.
With a daily mileage of around 80 kilometers, the adventurer, who completed 110 marathons in 110 days last autumn, starts from 6:30 in the morning until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. One stage even ended at… one in the morning.
Armed with some dried fruit and squashes made from sugar and salt water, he takes just a short half-hour break for lunch, usually after a 26-mile run.
“Physically Intense”
“These are long days of running but also of contemplation,” he admitted on Wednesday during one of those breaks in Plouhinec (Finistère), a few hours after crossing the Pointe du Raz.
“We will not lie to each other, the physical challenge is tough. It’s a lot of kilometers every day, it’s physically demanding,” he admits.
Photo: AFP
An average hiker completes the GR34 in 100 days, which is 20 km per day. But in June 2021, Jérémy Desdouets set a speed record by covering the 2104 km of coast in just 27 days, 11 hours and 35 minutes.
It is this record that Lille wants to break. Not only for the sporting challenge. “The aim is to provide challenges and raise awareness about the coastal erosion and climate change that we are seeing here,” he explains.
Photo: AFP
Despite all the scientists’ warnings, “I still get the impression that a lot of people hide their eyes,” continues the runner, who is sponsored by Spanish ultra-trail star Kilian Jornet.
The aim is therefore to “attract people who would not necessarily be convinced at the base” through athletic performance. In any case, to get them differently,” he adds.
The GR34, “Warning” about global warming
Particularly symbolic in this regard is the GR34 trail, with its varied course and sections closed due to landslides.
“Compared to the time set by Jérémy Desdouets in 2021 (…) there are already places where the GR has completely deviated where we can no longer pass,” explains Jérôme Habasque, the guardian angel who electrifies Nicolas Vandenelsken follows Van on this “Rand’eau Raid”.
“The GR is the first witness of this: the effects of global warming from sea level rise. The GR is indeed the alarm bell,” stresses the 42-year-old videographer, who embarked on the adventure after a crisis of environmental anxiety.
At his side, the team is completed by Charly and Dimitri, activists from the Uni-Vert Sport association, who raise environmental awareness in Breton schools along the route.