Gruchet Trail Orientation - GTO

Navigate the darkness, decipher the terrain, and embrace the thrill of the hunt at the **GTO (Gruchet Trail Orientation) on Saturday, March 21, 2026**. Now in its 16th edition, this beloved nocturnal orienteering adventure invites teams of 2 to 5 participants to explore the secret, carefully guarded trails of Normandy under the cover of night. Unlike any traditional race, the GTO challenges you to read the landscape, punch as many checkpoints as possible across a 15 to 25km course, and make strategic decisions in real time. With markers color-coded by difficulty—from accessible blue trails to demanding black sections—the course adapts to your team's skill, courage, and navigational precision.
More than a competition, the GTO is an immersive, convivial experience that transforms the forest into a living puzzle. Organized by the passionate volunteers of AGSN, the event emphasizes teamwork, self-reliance, and the pure joy of shared discovery under headlamp glow. Participants must carry essential gear including compass, survival blanket, and whistle, while the mysterious starting location remains a closely guarded secret until race day. The evening culminates in a traditional post-race gathering where stories of near-misses and clever finds are shared over warmth and camaraderie. It is a race where the map is your guide, your teammates are your compass, and every checkpoint found is a small victory.

The 2026 edition promises new terrain, fresh challenges, and the same friendly, grassroots spirit that has defined the GTO for over a decade and a half. With staggered start waves beginning in the early evening, teams set off into the twilight equipped with nothing but a boussole, a front lamp, and their collective wits. Penalties for missed markers or time overages add a layer of tactical depth, rewarding smart route choices over reckless speed. Whether you are an experienced orienteer or a hiker seeking a unique nocturnal adventure, the GTO welcomes you into its fold. Gather your team, sharpen your sense of direction, and prepare to see the Norman countryside in an entirely new light—under the stars, with map in hand.