The Loop hosted the first-ever edition of the ‘Sunset to Sunrise’ endurance race, which kicked off on Saturday 23 May and concluded on Sunday 24 May, with Anabelle Devienne crowned as the winner after completing 12 loops, i.e. 92 kms in 11h26mins.
The inaugural edition of The Loop ‘Sunset to Sunrise’ took the form of a brand-new, deeply inspiring overnight challenge designed to test the spirit as much as the legs. The event attracted 85 participants who were thrilled to try out this inclusive, loop-based race where the primary goal is simply to keep moving from one day into the next.
On a balmy evening, against the stunning landscape of Mont Choisy Le Golf, participants chose to undertake each loop by walking or running and then returned to a vibrant “base camp” after every loop where they received a lot of encouragement to push themselves further. Athletes were able to access their personal stations for fuel, rest, and gear, allowing friends and family to remain an active part of the support crew from the first shadow of dusk to the rising sun.
Commenting on the event, founder Estelle Poupinel de Valence said: “We came up with the ‘Sunset to Sunrise’ concept as a unique concept and we are thrilled to have had so many enthusiastic participants to share this very inclusive experience. I would like to thank all of those who took part, and to offer my warmest congratulations to Anabelle on her victory after a night of effort, which really marked out this event as one to remember. Anabelle shared the top finishers list with Mindaugas BUDREIKA as second runner up, Claire BONIEUX and Julie DUCRAY ex-aequo as third runner-ups. The event was designed to be open to experienced and newer or slower runners alike, and I am delighted to have welcomed a wide range of runners, including many who surpassed the distances they had set for themselves and went beyond what they thought possible, which is truly rewarding to witness. What was even more amazing was that this race was won by a woman, when in most races, it’s men who take the first place. This shows the willpower and endurance of female runners on the island. This event is about community: an intimate, human-sized gathering where every runner feels they belong.”
The Loop Backyard Ultra will be back in action for its second edition of the challenging ultra running race at Domaine de Labourdonnais on 28 August, with pre-registrations already closed.
About Estelle Poupinel de Valence
A veteran of the trail-running circuit since 2008, Estelle has transitioned from 10 km sprints to the world of ultra-trails. As the founder of runher Mauritius and The Loop Backyard Limited, she is dedicated to professionalising the local endurance landscape while promoting the joy of movement across all fitness levels. Her purpose is simple: to deliver events that are professionally run, deeply human, and truly unforgettable.
