Mathilde's campsite experience
Hello, my name is Mathilde and I live in the South of France, nestled between the reliefs of the Alpilles in Grevson, I've found my playground to prepare for the challenge, my annual rendez-vous: the Templiers.
It's much more than a race. It's an experience, a journey where nature, encounters and the challenge of surpassing oneself intertwine to create a memory engraved forever.
On Friday evening, I set off for Millau.
The Camping 2 Rivières, a haven of peace run by Antonin VERDIER, offers me my first breath of fresh air. A keen runner, Antonin shares his love of the region and the event.
I enter the heart of the matter, heading for the Templiers tent, where I slalom between 110 exhibitors accompanied by Adrien, my companion, Jérome, my father, and friends from the TARAHUMARAS Running Club.
A veritable gold mine for a running enthusiast: socks, shoes, equipment... I find my souvenir, a By Hoka Templiers earmuff, the symbol of this edition.
On Saturday morning, excitement mounts as the start approaches. My father sets off on the 48.5 km Boffi Fifty at 6.45 a.m., while I prepare for the Mona Lisa, a 30 km and 1300D+. We all meet in the starting hatch, silence, glances, smiles, concentration, then the Ameno hymn rings out, chills guaranteed.
The hours of training, the sacrifices, the dreams... it all makes sense. The race begins.
The first few kilometers, shared with my friend Shogoun, fly by. Then the terrain gets rougher, but the breathtaking scenery keeps me going. The atmosphere on the course is magical, with every feed and encouragement a wave of energy.
At Les Privats, my family is waiting for me. The familiar faces, the smiles... a breath of comfort.
And then, the finish line. I cross it, emotions are running high, and I'm no longer alone. Two other runners join me in this moment of pure magic, united by this experience as if we'd known each other all our lives. I see my father, who has also reached the end of his race. With a smile on his face and tears in his eyes, we've climbed our own Everest.
But the story doesn't end there.
I was lucky enough to experience the Templiers from another angle, that of assistance. Adrien takes the start of the legendary 80 km race. In the dark of night, by the light of headlamps, the crowd is getting ready. The emotion is palpable. It's another world, another dimension.
Adrien sets off between the Causse and the Larzac for at least 12 hours of racing.
During those long hours, I'm right there with him, with my family to support him along the trails. Every moment of doubt, every smile, every boost. The race takes its toll.
Adrien crosses the line after 12:45 of effort, the sun setting over Millau, and we share this moment of triumph together.
The Templiers is much more than just a race.
It's a party, a human adventure, an unforgettable memory.
The landscapes engraved in the memory, the reunions with family and friends, and the impeccable organization, all make this weekend a unique moment.
So, if you want Ameno to speak to you and you dream of discovering this natural paradise, go to Les Templiers 2025. The stars are just around the corner.