Ar Redadeg 2026: 2,226 km to promote the Breton language, from Lannion to Nantes.

In twelve days before the start, the 10th edition of Ar Redadeg is preparing to cross Brittany over 2,226 kilometers, connecting more than 300 municipalities in the five Breton departments. This relay race, which is both sporting, cultural, and popular, will start from Lannion on May 8 and reach Nantes on May 16.

The 2026 theme — "Bevañ, Bodañ, Bezañ" ("Live, gather, be") — summarizes the spirit of this collective mobilization in favor of the Breton language.

A festive start in Lannion

On May 7 and 8, Lannion will host the launch festivities with a packed program open to all. Starting on Thursday, a Redadeg of schools, a fest-deiz, and an evening gathering in Breton will bring together artists and participants. On Friday, after musical performances and official preliminaries, the race will start at 4 PM, featuring Nolwenn Korbell and the group Plouz & Foen.

Concerts and fest-noz will extend the celebration, in a friendly atmosphere with food available on site.

A race in service of Breton

The principle remains unchanged: kilometers are sold to individuals, associations, businesses, and local authorities. Each purchase allows the bearer to carry the baton over a section of the route, but more importantly, it funds projects in favor of the Breton language.

Half of the funds are allocated to the Diwan school network, while the other half supports cultural and media initiatives promoting the daily use of Breton. "Every kilometer not purchased is a kilometer lost for the language," the organizers remind us.

A symbolic arrival in Nantes

After nine days and eight nights of uninterrupted racing through historic Brittany, the Redadeg will arrive in Nantes on May 16, at the Parc des Chantiers. A festive village will open at noon, before the revelation of the message contained in the baton, which has remained secret throughout the race.

The day will conclude with a musical program featuring Startijenn, Nolwenn Korbell, Eben, and Caamaño & Ameixeiras, with a finale ensured by Plouz & Foen accompanied by the RTZ collective.