Off-stadium race: The Trail du Platane hopes to be full

Aubas, Coly-Saint-Amand, Sauveboeuf Castle, not forgetting the viewpoints over the Vallée de l'Homme. The Trail du Platane, which will take place on Sunday, July 6, near Aubas, is sure to inspire you. "It's true that the course is quite nice," acknowledges Thierry Heimburger, the organizer. And people come from far and wide to participate. "This year, there's someone from San Francisco," points out the leader. "And there's a family coming from Réunion."

It's logical, then, that during this summer period, tourists are starting to show up, and their sneakers, in this corner of the Périgord Noir. Otherwise, there are many locals and a few Corréziens, who came as neighbors. If the event is only in its fifth opus, it's simply because there was Covid, in 2020, and then the Félibrée de Montignac, last year. An Occitan festival that mobilized volunteers and the association's vital forces. "And then, it didn't make sense to organize a race on the same weekend as the Félibrée," points out Thierry Heimburger.

Rolling courses

Last year, 470 people took part in the two races on the menu. This year, the organization hopes to do at least as well. "But the gauge is limited to 500," warns the organizer. On the program, two distances: a 21 kilometer, which can be run solo or in relays (12 and 9 kilometers) with a cumulative elevation gain of 620 meters. Then comes an 11 kilometer with an elevation gain of 270 meters and, finally, a 7 kilometer with a 170 meter elevation gain. Given the lack of precipitation in recent weeks, the competitors will be able to give it their all, as the courses promise to be quite smooth.

"And 90% of it is trails," assures Thierry Heimburger. As for combating the heat, three aid stations are planned for the long race and one for the other two distances. "But we don't rule out providing a table with water at the fourth kilometer, just after the climb," says the president. Registration is possible on the OK Time website. Note that starting Thursday evening at midnight, there will be a 3 euro surcharge. No registration will be possible on site. Prices: 18.20 euros for the 21 km, 26.70 for the relay, 13 euros for the 11 km, and 11 euros for the 7 km.