Aurélien's speed record on the GR20

166 kilometres and 12,000 metres of elevation gain: these are the numbers behind the GR20, the long-distance trail that crosses Corsica from north to south, following the mountainous backbone of the island. Considered one of Europe's most famous and challenging long-distance routes, it connects Calenzana and Conca through rugged trails, exposed ridgelines, rocky sections and scree slopes.

 

Our athlete Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz needed just 27 hours and 29 minutes to complete the entire route and set a new FKT (fastest known time). Aurélien took on a record set only a couple of months earlier by François D'Haene, who had completed the route in 29 hours and 46 minutes.

We caught up with Aurélien to hear the story behind this challenge: six years of preparation condensed into just over a day of effort, doubts, tough moments and a few laughs along the way. On his feet for all 166 kilometres: the Spin Ultra 2.

 

 

Aurélien, congratulations on this incredible achievement! What inspired you to take on the legendary GR20 and attempt the speed record?

 

"I had been preparing to try to break the GR20 record for six years. I've had a special connection with Corsica since I was very young, and as soon as I started running in the mountains, this route caught my attention and became a dream of mine.

When I first came here in 2020, I immediately fell in love with the place and knew that one day I would attempt the record.

To prepare as well as possible, I made the GR20 the focus of everything I did this year. In July, I took part in the Restonica to get familiar with the Corsican trails again. Then, at the end of August, I returned to the GR20 to scout almost the entire route over three days."

 

 

Which sections or aspects of the route worried you the most before setting off from Calenzana?

 

"The first section, the northern part up to Vizzavona, is very technical and physically demanding. But the section I was most concerned about was the one that followed, roughly halfway through the route, because it's the most runnable part of the course.

I knew I would reach it with 14 hours of running already in my legs, and that it would be very difficult to pick up the pace again."

 

 

 

 

The GR20 is famous for its technical terrain and endless scree slopes. Which section did you enjoy running the most, and which proved to be the toughest?

 

"The best part was definitely the first seven hours. That's where the terrain is by far the most technical, and because I was still feeling fresh and agile, I was able to really enjoy it and move quickly.

The toughest sections were the final two long, steep descents, Monte Incudine and the Aiguilles de Bavella, when my legs were starting to give out."

 

 

166 kilometres is a long, very long way!

 

"Yes, I tried to make the most of every moment and stay focused on the present. Every now and then, I also took the opportunity to relax and chat with my pacers.

To pass the time, when we started getting bored during the first part of the night, we even made a few phone calls to friends."

 

 

The GR20 is one of Europe's most famous long-distance trails. Did you meet many people along the way?

 

"Since it was September, we didn't come across many hikers. But we received a lot of encouragement every time we crossed the main roads.

The GR20 is known as one of the toughest trails in Europe. Its reputation keeps growing, and I think that record attempts by athletes like us, for better or worse, play an important role in that.

For me, it was an incredibly rewarding achievement and an unforgettable milestone in my journey as an athlete!"