Ar Redadeg, Brittany
Ar Redadeg (Breton for The Race) is a relay race modelled on the Basque Korrika. In 2008 the inaugiral Ar Redadeg took place around Brittany over three days and three nights from Naoned (Nantes) to Karaez (Carhaix). Its aim is to raise funds each year to finance a project promoting the Breton language.
While the Korrika has taken place every two years since 1980, 2008 witnessed is the first Redadeg to be organised. It started on April 30, 2008. The runners covered some 600 km (373 miles) at an average speed of 9 km (5.6 miles) per hour. The route for Ar Redadeg was planned so it would go through the five Breton provinces (départements).
At the end of every kilometre, runners would pass each other a baton containing a message to be read in Karaez at the end of the race. One fund-raising method in this event is payment by each runner of 100 euros for the privilege of bearing the baton over a kilometre.
The funds raised in the 2008 edition of the race will benefit the Diwan Schools, through which the French Ministry of Education curriculum is taught using the Breton language. The itinerary went through as many towns and cities as possible where Diwan schools are operating.