The 2026 Trail de Guerlédan brought together some of the strongest endurance athletes from across Europe to compete on the demanding trails surrounding Lac de Guerlédan in Brittany, France. Renowned for its steep climbs, technical terrain and unpredictable conditions, the event tested both the physical and mental resilience of every competitor.
Among the international field was an Irish contingent determined to make their mark, with Newcastle AC’s Patrick McDaid leading the team in one of the festival’s most competitive trail races.
Set against the dramatic landscape of forests, ridgelines and lakeside paths, the race combined athletic performance with international camaraderie, attracting elite runners and passionate supporters alike.
The main international course covered approximately 26 kilometres with over 1,000 metres of elevation gain, taking runners across a demanding mix of forest tracks, rocky descents, steep climbs and narrow technical trails around Lac de Guerlédan.
The route’s constantly changing terrain required athletes to balance endurance with careful pacing and technical skill, particularly on the sharper ascents overlooking the lake. Warm conditions and dry ground added to the challenge, making hydration and race management crucial factors throughout the event, ensuring that every competitor was tested from start to finish.
In his first international race for the Irish Off-road team, Patrick adopted a conservative race plan.
Having built resilience and determination through his previous representation on the skyrunning team, the ridges and ledges of Lac Guerlédan proved to be natural terrain for him. Holding position with the lead group before the first climb, where he capitalised on his strengths in the ascent, Patrick looked comfortable and at home despite the intense heat.
Halfway through the race, Patrick took a tumble. With 13km still remaining, he focused on mind over matter and quickly dismissed any thoughts that his race might be over.
Regaining his rhythm, he maintained his pace and gained four places in the final 10km, pushing hard to reel in another competitor before the finish.
Patrick crossed the line in eighth place, finishing as the second Irish athlete in a time of 2.26 for 26k, with 2,500 feet of elevation.
Securing second place in his age category added invaluable points to the team standings, helping Team Ireland claim third place overall after a series of exceptional performances across the squad.
Patrick will now wash his Ireland vest rather than put it away for too long, as he sets his sights on Slovenia for the European Off-Road Championships at the start of June.
He will be joined on the Irish team by Newcastle AC’s Áine Gosling and Zak Hanna, who will compete in the Vertical (VK) race, while Patrick takes on the Classic Up and Down race around the mountains of Kamnik.
