The Beachcomber Trail is back with Marie Perrier as ambassador
The Beachcomber Trail will be back on track on 30 July 2023 after a three-year COVID-19-related hiatus. The five-time Mauritian record holder, Marie Perrier will be the special ambassador for the new edition of this trail run recognised as a 5-star event.
This year again, this iconic trail running event will comprise three great races with new routes. The Trail du Sud Sauvage (60km), the Trail du Nautile (25km) and the Trail du Souffleur (10km) will take runners into the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of the South of Mauritius, composed of mountains, forests, gorges and beaches. Each event will have a different starting point and the finishing line will be at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa.
Three different routes
The 2023 edition will kick off at 4.30am on Sunday 30 July with the main event, the Trail du Sud Sauvage. This 60km run is the most technical race of the Beachcomber Trail and will bring participants in direct contact with nature’s elements. This event challenges them to call upon all their resources with a climb of not less than 2,200 metres! After crossing the start line in Case Noyale, runners will head towards the island’s highest peak, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire before making their way down into the gorges. Rolling trails will take them through a challenging section with the famous Parakeet climb, followed by the Paille-en-Queue trail leading to Alexandra Falls. The race will immerse runners in the natural beauty of the island, climbing to Piton Savanne, crossing Rochester Falls and running through the heart of the village of Souillac. Finally, they will return to the coast and run along the southern cliffs to the finish line at Shandrani Beachcomber.
The Trail du Nautile will depart at 7.30am from the Unionfactory. This 25km circuit race is intended for enthusiasts looking for an invigorating challenge and is an invitation to explore the rustic side of the island through scenic sugarcane fields with coconut tree-lined paths. There is a total vertical gain of 300 metres along the southern cliffs with technical paths that will test the agility of runners. The last few kilometres will be run in the shade of filao trees and participants can already see themselves crossing the finishing line on the Shandrani Beachcomber beach.
The Trail du Souffleur is the ideal race for all outdoor running enthusiasts. This 10km route will take participants on a journey of discovery of the southern cliffs of the island. This very enjoyable and fun race with slight gradients and rolling tracks is attracting an increasing number of walkers, runners and hikers. Winding along the coastline, the first half of the race offers superb views of the ocean from the cliff tops. In the second half, runners will continue their way in the protective shade of filaos trees. They only have to follow the route to the white sandy beach, which ends with the finish line at Shandrani Beachcomber.
Marie Perrier, ambassador of the 2023 edition
Marie Perrier is a five-time record holder and one of the most talented Mauritian sportswomen of her generation. She will be the ambassador of the Beachcomber Trail 2023. “I am extremely honoured to be the ambassador of this outstanding trail run. I have already taken part and have excellent memories of this wonderful event. It will be a pure joy to rediscover these breathtaking courses with all the amazing views. I am also very attached to my island and it is a great pride to participate in a 5-star trail event and run alongside my fellow countrymen. I look forward to seeing you all on 30 July! I know that many of you will be there,” she says. Marie Perrier holds five national records (5,000m, 10,000m, 10km road running, half marathon and marathon). She regularly represents Mauritius at regional and international competitions, including the African Championships, the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the Indian Ocean Island Games.
5-star trail running event
This year, the Beachcomber Trail will once again live up to its reputation as a 5-star race, with attention to detail, a warm welcome, outstanding routes, dedicated organisers, accommodation worthy of the Beachcomber brand and food and refreshments prepared by the Chefs of the Group’s hotels, to the great delight of runners.
“We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 7th edition of the Beachcomber Trail. Since 2014, it has become a major trail running event in Mauritius and is eagerly awaited by seasoned runners and amateurs alike. In keeping with its 5-star status, the Beachcomber Trail will showcase the best the island has to offer in terms of outdoor running. We have raised the bar even higher to elevate the 5-star experience for trail runners,” says Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels’ Chief Brand & Communication Officer, Karine Curé. “More than just a race, the Beachcomber Trail is also an opportunity to discover Mauritius differently with its mountains, forests, gorges and beaches, highlighting its wealth and diversity of landscapes.”
Ahead of race day, runners have until 29 June 2023 to register for the Beachcomber Trail 2023 at www.roag.org
For more info on the event: http://www.beachcomber-events.com/fr/beachcomber-trail