Volvic Volcanic Experience
An Athletic Odyssey In The Auvergne
Press Release / 18.04.2019
The Volvic Volcanic Experience – VVX – offers an athletic immersion into what is one of France’s most iconic landscapes: the Chaîne des Puys – Faille de Limagne, newly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The VVX will embark all athletes, trail runners and hikers on an odyssey of the senses through the pristine natural landscapes at the heart of this unique natural site.
During the three-day event at the end of May, the whole Auvergne region comes together to share their passions, achievements and even give a sneak peek into some of their local secrets and traditions.
For this event, men and women from all perspectives unite, whether world-renowned athletes or lesser-known adventure seekers. Here are two of their stories:
Anthony Gay (Age 36) And Caroline Benoit (Age 32), Winners Of The 2018 Edition
Anthony and Caroline are wonderful ambassadors of the Volvic Volcanic Experience! As both a couple and a family (2nd child coming soon…), they now proudly represent the event which aims at families, children and all other nature, sports and trail lovers.
Since both Caroline and Anthony are native of Auvergne, they regularly enjoy coming back together to train on the very paths and trails they knew as children, immersing themselves in fond family memories. Both have participated in practically all of the Auvergne volcano region’s races, often bringing home new victories! Although they now live in Haute-Savoie, coming back to their homeland is always a pleasure. As ambassadors for the VVX, they convey the event’s original and unique concept.
In their own words, “the event’s organizers wish to open our regional landscape and culture to others. Only very few events try to establish what the VVX does. Although, of course, the trail races are the main attraction to the weekends’ festivities, there are also over 30 parallel activities open to the public for free. The organizers strive to thereby highlight the local activities, whether cultural, festive or artisanal. Their goal is to promote the territory as a whole and I’m pleased to see that it’s a success since runners are becoming aware of the destination’s uniqueness … and all this, thanks to trail racing!”
Caroline and Anthony both won the 2018 edition of the 83 km format, respectively in women’s and men’s categories. Anthony will participate yet again this year, racing alongside other elite international runners on the 110 km course. On the other hand, Caroline won’t be racing this year because she is expecting their second child, but she definitely plans on being there to cheer Anthony on.
A member of the TSL OXSITIS HG team, Anthony ranks 18th worldwide on the UTWT, thanks to an impressive 6th place on the Trans Gran Canaria race. To top it off, he also regularly organizes mountain trail training trips in Auvergne and elsewhere via his agency called Aupa (www.aupa-agence.com).
“Personally, I have a preference for long-distance races, those that run over 100 km. Crossing an entire island or mountain range, for instance, just has something magic about it. It’s a challenge that I particularly love taking up. This doesn’t keep me from also participating in shorter races, but I just really love the long, extreme formats. One of the main reasons for this is that human physiology is the main factor for success on the short distances.
Whereas on long distances, the way the runner manages nights, sleep and nutrition, will play an important role… And the longer the distance, the more this is true. To win, one has to be able to manage all the different aspects of the race. This year, the VVX’s impressive list of participants is even more motivating!”, says Anthony.
Dawa Dachhiru Sherpa (Nepal)
Dawa Sherpa was born in the Himalayas, in the mountains surrounding Mount Everest, at 2700 m altitude. At the age of 6, he was sent off to join a monastery where he learned the art of Buddhism, martial arts and meditation. He then ran his first race at the age of 25 and very quickly became one of the world’s best runners, winning some of the hardest trail races out there. The ease and technicality with which he seems to accomplish long-distance races has quickly made him a standout among other world-renowned runners. He’s also known and appreciated for his amazing kindness and sportsmanship.
In his career, he has won more than 100 races including, but not limited to, the Annapurna Mandala Trail, the Tchimbé Raid, the Grand Raid du Mercantour, and the 6000 D. In 2010, he landed an impressive 5th place on the Grand Raid de la Réunion. He was also the very first winner of the UTMB® in 2003.
And because for Dawa “trail running is first and foremost the exploration of new landscapes”, he is signed up for the VVX’s 43 km race. “I’m excited to discover the volcanoes of Auvergne for the first time!” exclaims Dawa.
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