Grand Raid: hiring a car to follow your runner

The Grand Raid – Diagonale des Fous (15 to 18 October 2026) crosses the whole of Réunion, from Saint-Pierre to Saint-Denis. For a supporter, cheering your runner on means moving from one checkpoint to the next, often at night, in places public transport does not reach. A car is not a comfort here: it is the only way to genuinely live the race alongside them. Here is how to organise yourself.

Why a car is essential

The Diagonale is roughly 180 km across the island, with aid stations scattered through the highlands and on both slopes. Supporters move between the accessible life bases to see their runner pass, hand over food, a word of encouragement, sometimes equipment.

Without a vehicle it is impossible to string these points together: they are often isolated and the timings unpredictable (a good part of the race takes place at night). With a car — and unlimited mileage — you follow the adventure from one end to the other.

The 2026 route: from Saint-Pierre to Salazie and Saint-Denis

The start is given in Saint-Pierre, in the south, and the legendary finish is at the Stade de La Redoute in Saint-Denis, in the north. In 2026 the course goes through the cirque of Salazie (rather than Cilaos), for one of the longest editions in the race's history.

In practice, your support logistics will therefore unfold from south to north, by way of the east and the highlands. A base in Saint-Pierre for the start, then somewhere towards Saint-Denis for the finish, is the classic pattern.

Where to follow your runner by car

Not every life base is reachable by car (some are deep in the mountains), but several checkpoints are, and they gather the supporters. Check the organisers' official road book for permitted access and parking — the surroundings are often regulated during the race.

Allow margins: passing times depend on your runner's pace, and mountain roads take time. Reaching Salazie or the highlands at night calls for caution and a vehicle in good order.

Which vehicle to choose

No need for a 4x4: the accessible points are reached on normal roads. The right choice depends on your team:

Alone or as a pair → a city car or compact, nimble and economical.
For the highlands and more comfort → an SUV.
A support crew → a 7-seater or a van to follow together with the gear.

Favour a professional, reliable hire company: during the event, a breakdown can make you miss your runner going through.

Book early: the cars go fast

Thousands of runners and supporters converge on the island in mid-October. Demand for hire cars explodes, and they are booked weeks or even months ahead. Waiting until September means risking finding nothing at all — or paying top price.

We have gathered the suitable offers on a dedicated page: car hire for the Grand Raid, with pick-up at the airport, in Saint-Pierre (start) and Saint-Denis (finish).

Do not let logistics spoil the occasion — book your car on Tropiloc now.