Olivier CROUVIZIER (FRA)

Respect for the environment is written into the DNA of MARATHON DES SABLES: the legendary desert test does everything possible to minimize its impact on the environment (transport, energy, waste, compensation). And it is a great pleasure to receive competitors who are also particularly invested in this cause. Olivier CROUVIZIER, a 33 year old Frenchman, is precisely in this case. "I have had a passion for nature, plants and animals since I was a child. It must be said that I had a great influence on the part of my family and my grandparents who worked the land. "

Today Caluirard is doing everything possible to live as simply as possible: "less packaging, low consumption of textiles, carpooling, gentle transport, little processed industrial food, local and seasonal food, I wash in raw soap, I rarely eat meat, even less products from the sea except shellfish. "

It is therefore natural that as a good runner concerned about his ecological footprint, Olivier minimizes his consumption: "I wear my shoes to the bone and then I give them to Run Collect, a shoe recycling organization. I only buy a few textiles and backpacks. I make my energy bars from local products ... "No industrial products, energy powders, and yet Olivier succeeds after many tests considered extreme:" These choices do not penalize me in my practice. By stopping the energy gels I never had hypoglycemia again, by stopping exercise or recovery drinks I no longer had gastric problems. Why eat healthy and simply in everyday life to eat junk food the day we ask our body for a great physical effort? "

One position that is complicated to minimize when one likes to run around the world is that of transport. “Regarding my travels, I am not an extreme player and indeed I run races far from home. So I compensate by participating in reforestation programs. And then I do not travel specifically for a race: if I have planned a trip I try to find a race on the spot. "

Today landscaper, Olivier was not always in agreement with his principles: "Between my 25 and 28 years I worked for large industrial groups without environmental ethics or practicing greenwashing on a large scale. It took me 3 years to realize that my work as a chemical engineer did not meet my requirements. After having come close to burnout, Olivier gave up everything to set up his own company with strong local roots.

This 100% turnaround allowed Olivier to flourish, live in accordance with his principles, and create a useful professional activity. He will be in the desert from April 3 to 13 for the 35th MARATHON DES SABLES, an event which there too should delight him: "The desert, I feel good there. I understand Théodore MONOD's love for the Sahara. "