Sylvaine Cussot in

“Sissi et la Diagonale des Fous”

100 Miles.
The most iconic ultramarathon in the world.
One of the most beloved runners.

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The Grand Raid de la Réunion: Legend, Landscape & Limits

Le Grand Raid de la Réunion — also known as La Diagonale des Fous — is one of the world’s most iconic and demanding ultramarathons. Since 1989, each October, elite trail runners and daring amateurs alike converge on Réunion Island to test themselves over rugged terrain, extreme elevation changes, and unpredictable weather.

What Makes It Legendary

  • Distance & Elevation: The full Grand Raid, Diagonale des Fous, spans ~170 km with around 10,000 to 10,500 meters of accumulated positive elevation gain — scaling volcanoes, summits, cirques (natural amphitheaters), steep ridgelines, and deep valleys.

  • Varied Routes: There are multiple race options in the Grand Raid event series, suited to different levels of experience:

    • The Diagonale des Fous – the full, ultra distance with maximal elevation gain.

    • Trail de Bourbon, Mascareignes, Zembrocal Trail, Métis Trail — all with differing distances and climbs, each uniquely challenging.

  • Epic Scenery & Diverse Terrains: The route traverses the heart of Réunion’s UNESCO-listed National Park, moving from lush rainforests and verdant cirques, up volcanic plateaus, through rocky ridgelines, forested valleys, and sometimes under rapidly shifting weather — making the race as much a journey through nature as a physical test.

  • Cultural & Human Challenge: More than just physical endurance, the Grand Raid is celebrated for its spirit of solidarity, confronting isolation and fatigue, and the mental grit required to keep pushing when the terrain and altitude become punishing. It’s as much about inner journey as outer terrain.

  • Global Prestige: It’s frequently ranked among the hardest ultra-trail races in the world, admired not just for its difficulty, but for the beauty, risk, and respect it commands among trail runners and outdoor communities globally.

Event poster for Grand Raid on October 16-19, 2025, featuring a mountain landscape with runners on a trail, with logos of sponsor organizations at the bottom, and colorful directional signs for various race routes.

Sylvaine Cussot

Known affectionately as "Sissi" in the trail running community, Sylvaine Cussot embodies the spirit of resilience and joy that defines ultramarathon champions. At 35, she has built an impressive track record in the demanding discipline of trail running, but it's her infectious positivity and unwavering determination that truly set her apart.

Her relationship with the Grand Raid de La Réunion runs deep. In 2023, she achieved an remarkable 5th place finish in 35 hours and 14 minutes, proving that her combination of mental fortitude and physical preparation can compete with the world's elite ultramarathoners. For Sylvaine, "ultra-trail is a face-to-face with oneself" - a philosophy that transforms every mountain into a mirror of personal growth.

Now preparing for her fifth attempt at this legendary race, Sylvaine continues to embody what it means to never surrender to life's challenges. Her journey from heartbreak to triumph on Réunion's volcanic peaks serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own seemingly impossible mountains. With her warm heart, infectious smile, and unbreakable spirit, she proves that the greatest victories come not from crossing finish lines, but from the courage to keep starting.

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Lush green mountains with a small village village at the base

Discover

Île de la Rèunion

Where Is It & How to Get There

  • Réunion is a French overseas department and region, located about 680 km east of Madagascar and roughly 180 km southwest of Mauritius.

  • You can fly in via Roland Garros International Airport (RUN) near Saint-Denis, or from smaller airports such as Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds.

  • There are regular flights from mainland France (Paris, Marseille, etc.) and connections via other Indian Ocean hubs.

Natural Wonders & Landmarks

  • Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world’s most active shield volcanoes. Rising to about 2,632 meters, its eruptions are frequent and picturesque — lava flows, lunar landscapes, and the constantly evolving terrain dominate the south-east part of the island.

  • Piton des Neiges, an older, extinct volcano, forms the backbone of the island’s highest peaks and interior massif.

  • The island is split by dramatic cirques and steep ridges, and rivers carve deep ravines — perfect terrain for trail runners: shifting climates, changing altitude, raw exposure.

Mountain landscape with steep, rugged mountains and lush greenery in the foreground, partly cloudy sky.
Sunrise over a mountain landscape with clouds, rocky foreground, and sparse vegetation.
An aerial view of a volcanic crater with flowing lava illuminating the dark surroundings.
Aerial view of a coastal landscape with a sandy beach, waves, residential areas, and green fields extending to hills under a partly cloudy sky.
A multi-tiered waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush green vegetation, with a person standing in the water at the bottom right.
A humpback whale breaching the ocean surface with its tail and pectoral fins visible.
Green chili peppers stacked on a surface with some in wooden containers, with one red chili amongst them.
Close-up of yellow and orange tropical flowers with a mountain and blue sky background.

Beaches, Marine Life & Environment

  • Hermitage Beach (La Saline-les-Bains area) is the largest white-sand beach on Réunion, with a protected coral reef forming a calm lagoon ideal for snorkelling and relaxing.

  • Trou d’Eau Beach is also on the west coast, offering white sand, palm trees, coral reef protection, shallow lagoon water, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s popular with locals for swimming, paddling, and casual beach life.

  • The marine environment is rich — Réunion has abundant coral reefs, endemic flora and fauna, and opportunities for whale and dolphin watching.

  • But there are environmental challenges: invasive species threaten native plants, and there has been concern about sharks along some west-coast shores. In recent years the island has implemented protective measures and monitoring programs.

A man in a black puffer jacket and navy beanie holding a Canon camera and standing on a boat with icy glaciers and water in the background.

Meet the Team


  • Director

    I blend science with storytelling, adventure with emotion. My work spans from high-energy outdoor expeditions to meaningful commercial projects, but at the heart of it all is a simple truth: nature connects us all. And I’m here to capture that connection, one frame at a time.

A smiling man standing on a street with mountains in the background, wearing a hat, sunglasses, a backpack, and casual clothes.

  • Producer & Filmmaker

    I am always looking for new stories to tell.
    I want my work to make an impact and create unique content that will last for a very long time, inspiring and educating.

A woman in a red North Face jacket and beige Carhartt beanie holding a Nikon camera outdoors in winter, with snow-covered trees in the background.


  • Photographer

    Audrey Cavan is a professional photographer based in Haute-Savoie, at the foot of Mont Blanc, with a vision that knows no borders. A self-taught adventurer, she specializes in outdoor and alpine photography, capturing raw emotions, fleeting light, and the essence of mountain life. Her work blends technical mastery with artistic sensitivity, transforming extreme environments into powerful, immersive stories that inspire and endure.

A young man with dark hair is sitting outdoors among blooming trees during daylight, looking to the side with thoughtful expression.


  • Filmmaker

    Justin Peinado is a 20-year-old videographer from Réunion Island, passionate about nature and sports. The field of video allows him to express his creativity through content on his Instagram.

A message from the producer

Why We're Creating an Impactful Documentary with Sylvaine Cussot

We chose Sylvaine Cussot as the subject of our impactful documentary because her journey embodies the universal human experience of transformation through adversity. From personal heartbreak to becoming a trail running championcompeting in her fifth Grand Raid de La Réunion, Sylvaine represents the resilient spirit that exists within us all.

Why Sylvaine's Story Matters

Authentic Resilience: After facing personal separation and life upheaval, Sylvaine chose adventure over surrender, relocating to Réunion Island and conquering one of the world's most challenging ultramarathons—not once, but five times.

Universal Inspiration: Her story transcends sports, gender, and background. Sylvaine proves that with the right attitude and unwavering determination, anyone can transform their lowest moments into their greatest triumphs.

Real-World Impact: As a television host and adventure sports advocate, Sylvaine already inspires thousands. Our documentary will amplify her message globally, reaching people who need to hear that comeback is always possible.