A dream turned necessity
The idea of a great adventure had been with Joachim for a long time. But it was a change in his life that pushed him to turn this project into reality. "I had always dreamed of a big crossing," he says. With the HexaTrek, he found the perfect terrain: nearly 3,000 kilometers to cover, and the chance to give a new boost to his personal and sporting journey.
What is the HexaTrek?
The HexaTrek is the great crossing of France through its mountains: 3,035 km, 147,000 m of elevation gain, 14 natural parks crossed and 47 GR® trails stitched together in one continuous thread, from Wissembourg (Vosges) to Hendaye (Pyrénées-Atlantiques). A young but already iconic route, this hike attracts more and more adventurers each year, some for the whole journey, others by sections.
82 days to become a finisher
Raidlight ambassador, Belgian Joachim Lefevre covered the entire route between June 15 and September 10, 2025. Used to long distances (SwissPeaks 360, No Finish Line Brussels – 350 km), he admits that the HexaTrek is "a challenge on another level":
“I planned to go faster… but the heatwaves and storms reminded me that over 3,000 km, you’re not the one who decides. This trail taught me patience and letting go.”
Over the 82 days, he had to deal with extreme weather conditions: two heatwaves, torrential rains, hail in the Mont-Blanc massif, and even -4 °C at the Miage refuge. Alpine passes, steep trails, Pyrenean storms, freezing nights under the tent… obstacles multiplied without ever stopping him. More than the effort, it’s the human dimension that struck him: improvised refuges, help from “trail angels,” and unexpected encounters. “I hadn’t at all anticipated the human side. It brought so many beautiful colors to the adventure.”
More than a sporting feat, a school of resilience
The HexaTrek wasn’t just a physical feat for Joachim Lefevre; it became a true school of resilience. Day by day, he accepted slowing down, changing perspective, and welcoming the unexpected. “At first, I thought performance. Then one day I realized what I’d remember wasn’t the extra kilometers, but the encounters, the stories shared, the detours that give meaning.”
This mindset shift transformed his adventure: less a race against the clock, more a human and inner experience. It gave birth to a documentary titled Et après, in which Joachim reflects on his journey and the sacrifices needed for such a crossing.
Raidlight gear at the service of ultra-distance
Throughout the adventure, Raidlight supported Joachim in his challenge. Far from just material support, the relationship was built on a true spirit of collaboration: sending packages along the route, delivering trail running shoes (three pairs in total), logistical support at key moments.
To take on this challenge, Joachim relied on a setup designed for autonomy and lightness:
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Ultralight MP+ Jacket: protection against rain and high-altitude storms.
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Ultra DryLight Jersey: comfort and quick drying over time.
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Filtering flasks: essential for drinking directly from rivers.
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Z-Carbon Poles: saving energy on long alpine passes.
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Trail running shoes Ultra 4: over 3,000 km swallowed on all terrains.
At Raidlight, we believe you don’t have to be the fastest to be great. Above all, you need the courage to go all the way. Joachim embodies this philosophy: that of "the brand for all finishers."
What if, instead of running around the world chasing distant adventures, we rediscovered France differently?
Whether you cover it all at once or in stages, the Hexatrek is an invitation to walk long, explore, slow down, and let the trail transform you.
👉 Coming soon: the documentary Et après by Joachim Lefevre.
