The Maxime Ladies Raid returns for its third edition this Sunday in Sainte-Maxime, France, bringing together 160 female athletes for a multisport challenge combining sea kayaking, archery and a 12-kilometer trail run.
According to Nice-Matin, the all-women’s event will take place on April 27, 2025, with participants gathering at the starting line in Sainte-Maxime-sur-Mer for the épreuves scheduled throughout the day.
The race features three distinct disciplines: sea kayaking along the Mediterranean coastline, precision archery testing focus and control, and a demanding 12-kilometer trail course through the varied terrain of the Vallée du Préconil area.
Justine Peronnet, president of the Maxime Ladies Raid association, confirmed the event’s organization and emphasized its dual focus on athletic challenge and solidarity, noting the continued participation of Ana, a young athlete supported by the association who received a specialized sports wheelchair through community efforts.
This year’s edition builds on the success of previous installments, following the 2024 Ladies & Gentlemen Trail event in Sainte-Maxime which attracted 400 participants in mixed-gender pairs despite weather concerns, demonstrating the region’s strong engagement with inclusive sporting initiatives.
The Maxime Ladies Raid maintains its identity as a 100% feminine competition, distinguishing it from the mixed-format Ladies & Gentlemen Trail while sharing the same commitment to promoting sports accessibility and community involvement in the Sainte-Maxime area.
Local authorities and sports organizations in Sainte-Maxime have coordinated logistics for the event, ensuring safety protocols are in place for the water-based kayaking segment and trail sections that traverse public paths in the Préconil valley.
As preparations finalize, the 160 registered competitors represent a diverse group of athletes preparing to test their endurance across multiple disciplines in what organizers describe as a celebration of women’s sports in the French Riviera region.
The Maxime Ladies Raid joins a growing calendar of women-focused sporting events in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, contributing to the area’s reputation as a host for inclusive athletic competitions that blend physical challenge with community spirit.
Participants will begin the sea kayaking portion from the Sainte-Maxime harbor before transitioning to the archery station and concluding with the trail run that returns competitors to the finish area near the Préconil valley trails.
With the starting signal set for Sunday morning, volunteers and officials are completing final course markings and equipment checks to ensure a smooth execution of the multidisciplinary challenge that has become a fixture in Sainte-Maxime’s annual sports calendar.
The event underscores the region’s commitment to developing sporting opportunities that cater to diverse athletic interests while maintaining accessible formats for competitors of varying experience levels.
As the Maxime Ladies Raid prepares to launch its third edition, it continues the tradition of combining competitive elements with participatory spirit that has defined its growth since inception.
Stay tuned to Archysport for post-event coverage and results from the Maxime Ladies Raid in Sainte-Maxime.
