The Seychelles Islands are set to host their first-ever nature trail half-marathon on 13 May 2023. The event will take place on Mahé island and is expected to attract runners from all over the world! As a matter of fact, even I am keen to go and I’m not even a half-marathon type of runner. But, another opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the tropical paradise of the Seychelles is priceless, that’s for sure.
The half-marathon, which is organised by ILOP Sport (Reunion) & Tourism Seychelles, will showcase the island’s unique landscape, with runners following a 22-kilometre route. It will take them across lush forests, mountainous terrain, mangroves and stunning coastal scenery on the west coast of the main island of Mahé.
“We are thrilled to be hosting our first-ever nature trail event,” says Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary of Tourism Seychelles. “This event will be held annually as a celebration of the incredible natural beauty of our islands. It is a unique opportunity for runners to experience the biodiversity of Seychelles in an engaging and exciting way.”
Starting in Port Glaud and looping around the island’s northernmost tip to end at Grand Anse, participants will traverse challenging terrain with a vertical ascent of 1210 metres. Abundant vegetation can make the trails rather difficult to manage, so runners will need to come prepared. However, the natural beauty of the surroundings is bound to make the trail an unforgettable one.
“Our focus has been to preserve the authenticity of the natural surroundings and not to disturb the fauna and flora of the nature reserves. Going back to the origins of trail running, it is the runner who needs to adapt to the natural surroundings and not nature that needs to adapt to the runners,” says Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Marketing at Tourism Seychelles.
Registration for the Nature Trail Marathon is open. Runners can sign up and register online on the official event website, trailpei.run.
In addition, there are exciting holiday packages that include the nature trail entry fee too. For more information contact Thompsons Holidays on +2711 770 7700 or visit www.thompsons.co.za.
Absolutely stunning!