"It's an extraordinary night race": the oldest member of the Allumés de la pleine lune talks about this unusual race that she has been doing for 15 years

have been attracting entire families and friends for many years for a very popular night hike! No rankings, no time limits, just the pleasure of running, walking at night together in a fun atmosphere with costumes galore, laughter, and endless discussions.

Among the enthusiasts of this event is Michelle Chalumeau. She has completed the 50km race in more than fifteen editions, including one as a volunteer.

For the 2025 edition, which will start on Saturday from Saint-Cézaire, the woman who just celebrated her 83rd birthday on April 30th, will set off with her son Benoit and her daughter-in-law, with enthusiasm fixed to her trail poles.

The native of Hanoi (Vietnam) fell under the spell of this night hike and intends to earn a new finisher's diploma.

An incredible atmosphere

"When I arrived in 2004, friends told me about Les Allumés, but there were no more places. I trained to be there the following year, and since then, I haven't wanted to miss an edition!

It's an extraordinary night race with families, parents, and young people chatting. With so many people in costume, I immediately loved the folkloric and sporty side of it.

The arrival is always extraordinary. Sunrise too… You can hear the noise in the forests, the animals including wild boars, the cries of birds, owls, the night… It's fantastic."

This incredible octogenarian wouldn't give up her place for anything in the world on the trails of which she knows every name.

" I also know almost all the marker numbers! Like number 20, which is located about 500m from the finish on the way up the Pont des Tuves. The passes, the summits. I love when you look back and see the participants at night, they look like fireflies! "

In 2013, stopped 2km from the finish: "My worst memory"

A loyalist among the loyal, Michelle bitterly recalls her only withdrawal after a sprained ankle in 2013. "The doctor stopped me 2km from the finish. It was horrible, I didn't want to. It's my worst memory and my biggest regret," the Mandolocian says forcefully.

Today, Michelle Chalumeau is looking forward to returning to "her" hike to share some wonderful moments with her son and the other participants.

" There's a lot of encouragement. If we see someone struggling, we tell them, 'If you have no legs, use your head! We don't give up, that's our motto .'"

An outstanding downhiller, the woman who finished 3rd and 32nd overall in 2007 – "I was proud of myself" – never tires of living this beautiful, wild, nocturnal adventure.

An appointment she wouldn't miss under any circumstances.

The Full Moon Enlightened, departing from Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne on Saturday at 10 p.m.

The route: from Saint-Cézaire to Saint-Vallier (11.7km) then Cabris (23.8km), Saint-Cézaire (34.4km), Aspres (41.6km), arrival in Saint-Cézaire (50km).

1,534m of positive elevation gain and 1,540m of negative elevation gain.