Beachcomber Trail - A successful 2024 edition!
[Curepipe, 30 July 2024] Like previous editions, the 8th edition of the Beachcomber Trail has been an engaging experience for outdoor racing enthusiasts. This year’s event attracted 1,155 amateur and seasoned trail runners who challenged themselves on the stunning trails of the wild South on Sunday 28 July 2024. After hours of relentless effort, the day culminated in a prize-giving ceremony at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa to celebrate the winners in various categories.
You could feel the excitement, the boundless enthusiasm and the look of determination on every face during the 8th edition of the Beachcomber Trail. Shortly after 4.30am, the 90 runners participating in the flagship event, Trail du Sud Sauvage (65km), set off from Case Noyale on a demanding course. Featuring a 2,200m elevation gain, this technical route led them to the top of the island at Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, through the Black River Gorges, the Parakeet climb and the Paille-en-Queue trails to Alexandra Falls, before going uphill to the top of Piton Savanne. In the final stretch, they passed through the village of Souillac and along rugged cliffs to the Shandrani Beachcomber beach.
For Judicael Sautron from Reunion, who won the race for the second consecutive year, it was both a physical and mental challenge, but the landscapes were worth every effort. “I enjoyed the first part of the course, which was very technical. The second part was more challenging, especially with tired legs, but it was a good test for our mental strength and it was an amazing feeling to cross the finish line after a perfectly marked race,” he said. On the women’s side, Amelie Huchet from Reunion claimed victory in her first participation in the Beachcomber Trail.
At the former Union sugar factory, 215 runners were on the starting line of Trail du Nautile at 7.30am. With a total ascent of 300m and technical trails, this 25km course was an exciting challenge for athletes of all levels, who had the opportunity to explore the rustic beauty of the island, between coconut tree-lined sugarcane fields and the famous southern cliffs. Vincent Perrault, also from Reunion, won the race in his first participation in the Beachcomber Trail. “I was not very familiar with this fairly rolling course, but I enjoyed taking on the challenge,” he said. His compatriot, Pauline Winer also took first place in her debut at the event.
The 850 runners who took part in third race, Trail du Soufleur, immersed themselves in the beauty of the southern coast at a more leisurely pace. They left Savinia at 9.30am to reach the clifftops, where they were able to marvel at stunning views before heading towards the finish line at Shandrani Beachcomber. With 10km of winding trails and moderate climbs, the race offered a fun-filled exploration for trail running enthusiasts. The Mauritian, Badal Dusooa, who took first place, said, “It was a great feeling to cross the finish line, especially for my maiden participation in the Beachcomber Trail. The course was fast-paced and very well marked, with an exceptional reception at the Race Village.” Malika Ramasawmy from Mauritius repeated last year’s performance by topping the women’s podium.
Since its inception eight years ago, the Beachcomber Trail has established itself as a unique sporting event, attracting participants of all levels with its three internationally renowned courses. It stands out for its top-level racing amidst unspoilt nature, with the added luxury of 5-star hotel services. Attention to detail, warm hospitality, Beachcomber accommodation and catering by the chefs of the Group’s hotels make it an exceptional trail running event.
Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels’ Chief Brand & Communication Officer, Karine Curé stated, “The Beachcomber Trail continues to attract a large number of participants. Thank you to all the runners who took part in the event, which was another great success. My heartfelt thanks also to our volunteers for their involvement, our sponsors for their support and our organising team for their hard work. We look forward to seeing you next year for an even more memorable edition.”
The winners of the Beachcomber Trail 2024 