Two Breton sisters are trading the coastal paths of Finistère and Morbihan for the tropical terrain of Sri Lanka this November to compete in the 27th edition of the Raid Amazones. Catherine Richard, who lives in Le Conquet, and her sister Isabelle Lucas, based in Morbihan, will join 221 other aventurières for six days of multi-sport competition spanning trail running, canoeing, bike and run, mountain biking, a treasure hunt, and archery.
From the Coastal Trails of Brittany to Colombo
The journey to the starting line has been nearly a year and a half in the making. The siblings, born Bodénès, registered for the event before the host country was even revealed. For both women, athletic endurance is a lifelong pursuit; Isabelle completed the Paris Marathon earlier this year, while Catherine regularly trains along the GR34. “The sport has been part of our lives since childhood,” they said. “This adventure is like an obvious choice for us.”
Following their arrival in Colombo, the competitors will travel south to Kalutara, where the active phases of the race are scheduled from November 4 to November 9. The itinerary demands early mornings, with competition days starting at 5:00 a.m. local time. The afternoons are set aside for cultural exchanges with local residents and exploring the host region.
Carrying Regional Pride and Supporting Senior Mobility
Competing in teams of two or three, the sisters intend to fly the Gwenn-ha-du throughout the event. Beyond the athletic challenge, the pair is using the platform to raise awareness for À vélo sans âge, a community association based in Le Conquet that provides recreational bicycle rides for senior citizens. Catherine noted that the organization is looking for volunteers to help combat isolation among older residents and give participants “the right to the wind in their hair.”
Financing the 9 600 € entry fee required extensive local fundraising over the past eighteen months, including community pancake sales, flea markets, and participation in the Christmas market. A portion of the sum is donated to organizations that work with women and children in Sri Lanka.
Endurance, Solidarity, and the Road Ahead
Rather than focusing on competing against others, the sisters emphasize sisterhood, solidarity, and encouragement. While physical injuries remain a concern, both competitors maintain that dropping out is not an option. “Pain is temporary, abandonment is permanent,” Catherine said.
Competition events conclude on November 9, with the return travel to Paris scheduled for November 11. Followers can track the duo’s daily progress through their dedicated updates on Facebook and Instagram.
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