DropZone Girls

The DropZone Girls – Raid Training Orientation takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle and Sare, Basque Country (Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle-Aquitaine), France. This 8th edition of the women's (or mixed) orientation raid features a 15-18km itinerant course combining trail running (or fast walking) with map reading and navigation, as teams of 2 to 4 participants (100% female or mixed with 1-2 men) search for checkpoints and orienteering markers using only a map, compass, and roadbook.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Registration Opens: January 17, 2026.
• Team Requirements: Only complete teams (minimum 2 people) can start. Teams must complete the entire course together – solidarity is essential.
• Navigation Tools Provided: A roadbook with GPS coordinates (longitude and latitude), bearings, and distances indicating: the starting point, checkpoints (CP), orienteering markers to find, and the exact finish location.
• Course Profile (2025 example – 2026 course pending validation): Approximately 15km with D+357m and D-399m (subject to change). New course awaiting validation for 2026.
• Time Limit: A maximum time window must be respected (details provided on race day).
• Surprise Destination: Participants are blindfolded during the morning bus transfer to a secret drop-off location – the only information given is the GPS coordinates of the site to be plotted on the map.
• Post-Race: Refreshments await at the finish, with time to share experiences with other teams.
• GPS Safety Tracking: All teams are tracked via Solustop GPS beacons. Operators monitor real-time progress on a 25km² play area and can send assistance to help, guide, or support teams if needed. The beacon includes an assistance button.
• Competition & Ranking: No competition or ranking – however, start and finish times are recorded so teams can know their completion time if desired.
• Fitness Level: Accessible to beginners in orienteering, but a minimum physical condition is required to complete the course (trail running or active walking) and fully enjoy the experience.
• Safety & Rules: Participants must respect traffic laws and all instructions provided by the organization. Solidarity before all else.
• Organizer: Cap Women Organisation – founded by Christelle Dubourg.
• Location: Meeting point in Sare village, Basque Country (64). Course area around Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle and Sare.
• Contact: +33(0)6 19 77 22 00 – [email protected]
• Partners: Océania Club Bayonne, Intermarché Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, Intersport Bayonne, Restaurant Cidrerie Mendionde, Conserverie Gilbert Baradat Itxassou, La Société Pays Basque découverte, Solustop (GPS tracking).

Route and Atmosphere:

• Concept: A unique and original raid-training format to test yourself, train, and prepare for bigger adventures. The perfect opportunity to discover orienteering or take on a new sporting challenge built around strong values: sharing, solidarity, respect, authenticity – and maximum fun.
• Terrain: Varied paths through the stunning Basque Country landscapes – forests, hills, and coastal views.
• Navigation Challenge: No marked trails – only a map, compass, and roadbook. An equation with multiple unknowns. Teams must optimize their route to find all mandatory markers within the time window.
• Atmosphere: A supportive, non-competitive adventure where teams work together, share emotions, and celebrate at the finish. "From this experience, you can only come out grown and changed."
• Testimonials: Participants praise the spectacular landscapes, top-notch organization, team spirit, and the sense of achievement after validating all balises (markers).
• Spectator Experience: Friends and family can welcome teams at the finish in Sare or Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, share in the post-race refreshments, and celebrate the adventure together.
• 2026 New Feature: Mixed teams (1 or 2 men per team) are now allowed alongside 100% female teams.

The DropZone Girls – Raid Training Orientation 2026 on June 7 in the Basque Country – offers an 15-18km orienteering raid for teams of 2 to 4 (female or mixed), combining trail running or fast walking with map reading and compass navigation through spectacular, unmarked landscapes, with GPS safety tracking and a secret start location.