Jean-Claude Ah Kang, affectionately known as 'Waro', has been a cornerstone of the Rodrigues Trail organization since its inception. As the event approaches its 17th edition on November 8, Waro is busier than ever, overseeing the final preparations of the trail. With his extensive knowledge of the island's terrain, he is responsible for marking the course and coordinating volunteers. Waro's dedication to the event is evident in his tireless efforts to ensure its success.
Waro's involvement with the Rodrigues Trail dates back to its early days when a small group of enthusiasts came together to create the event. He was approached by Arnaud Meunier, a fellow member of the Rod Riders club, to join the team alongside Aurèle André. Over the years, Waro has developed an intimate knowledge of the island's terrain, having explored much of it. This expertise is invaluable in preparing the trail for the competition, which has become a staple in the Rodrigues sporting calendar.
One of Waro's key responsibilities is marking the trail, a task that requires considerable time and effort. Depending on his schedule and the state of the terrain, this process can take anywhere from two weeks to a month. Certain sections of the trail require more attention than others, with Waro having to clear branches, remove obstacles, and anticipate potential hazards. His familiarity with the terrain allows him to divide challenging sections into manageable parts, ensuring a smooth experience for participants.
The 75-kilometer course, which takes participants on a tour of the island, holds a special place in Waro's memory. He recalls the challenging rocky section between Pointe-Coton and Baladirou, where large stones and uneven terrain make progress difficult. Waro's dedication to the event is evident in his recent reconnaissance of the course, where he spent six hours verifying the trail and making adjustments. His goal is to ensure that the course is safe and enjoyable for all participants.
In addition to marking the trail, Waro is also responsible for coordinating volunteers. As the event approaches, he is working tirelessly to ensure that all aspects of the organization are in place. This includes managing the volunteers who will be stationed along the course, providing support and assistance to participants. Waro's experience has taught him to anticipate and prepare for last-minute changes, including dealing with volunteers who may need to cancel at short notice.
Despite the demands of organizing the Rodrigues Trail, Waro finds solace in his work. He enjoys spending time in nature, and the task of preparing the trail allows him to escape the pressures of everyday life. Waro's passion for the event is evident in his words: "J'adore ce que je fais" ("I love what I do"). This enthusiasm has been a driving force behind his involvement with the event for so many years.
As the 17th edition of the Rodrigues Trail approaches, Waro's efforts will soon come to fruition. The event promises to be an exciting and challenging experience for participants, with Waro's expertise and dedication ensuring its success. Despite his plans to retire, Waro's love for the event and the island's terrain will likely see him continue to play a vital role in its organization for years to come.
Key points
- Waro has been instrumental in organizing the Rodrigues Trail for 17 years, using his extensive knowledge of the island's terrain to mark the course and coordinate volunteers.
