Trail of the Red Island 2026
- Next eventย :ย 6 Sat โ June 19, 2026Date confirmed
- Last eventย :ย 18 Sun โ May 31, 2025
The event in a few words
If you love running ๐โโ๏ธ, traveling ๐งณ, and sharing ๐, the Trail of the Red Island is THE race for you. This trail solidarity takes place on the magnificent island of Madagascar ๐๏ธ, in the heart of the Indian Ocean ๐. You will embark on a 14-day journey with six days of racing, and a time-trial course to compete with other participants ๐ช. You will alternate between trail running and exploring the Red Island! ๐ถ๏ธ For those lucky enough to set foot on Malagasy soil, it's not just about participating in a race, but rather a human adventure ๐ซถ. The event promises participants self-discovery, but more importantly, to discover amazing landscapes ๐ด, up close with local populations. Wearing the bib of such a race ๐ฝ assures you leave with a head full of memories (and tired legs) ๐.
We won't keep you waiting any longer about the event's proceedings ๐คญ. The trail will take the form of six stages, representing a total of 125 km and approximately 1,380 mD+ ๐. Each day features a stage, averaging 20 km per stage ๐ช. The first will start from the Highlands of Madagascar and it will cross valleys and rice fields ๐พ. A first warm-up that will give you a taste of what's to come ๐. For stage 2, you'll need to be in great shape. You will embark on 20 km and 680 mD+ through the rustic landscapes of the Miandrivazo region. Now you're halfway through this Malagasy journey ๐ซก. Stages three and four will be dedicated to descending the Tsiribihina, a river stretching hundreds of kilometers! ๐ฃโโ๏ธ The morning descent of the river will be done on foot and on the barge in the afternoon, where you'll enjoy a meal served on board ๐ฝ๏ธ. The 5th and penultimate stage will introduce you to the magnificent national park of Tsingy de Bemahara๐ชจ. Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, this place is a must-see for its limestone rocks that will amaze you ๐คฉ. Finally, you're at the last of these six challenges, time flies! And as the saying goes, saving the best for last ๐ฅณ. The sixth and final stage will take place between the Avenue of the Baobabs and towards the Beaches of Morondava.
You will cross the finish line with your feet in the sand, by the seaside, what more could you ask for? โฑ๏ธ
4 reasons to join this race
Message from the organizer:
"A stage trail, with very positive feedback from former participants. We eagerly await you!"
The distance you'll all agree on
125โkmTOP
- 6 Sat โ June 19, 2026
- Elevation gainย :ย 1380mD+
- 1 loopx125โkm
A few more words
125 km is quite impressive! ๐คฏ
But the good news is that with the Trail of the Red Island you will have six days to cover this distance. In practice, you will have six stages of about 20 km to discover Madagascar. The first stage will start from the Highlands, in the region of Antsirabe and will cover 20 km and 350 mD+. It's a part that takes place in the average mountain, with passages through typical Malagasy villages ๐ซถ. For the second stage, head to the region of Miandrivazo, a 20 km loop awaits you ๐ค. To spice things up a bit you'll have 680 mD+, enough to give your legs a workout ๐ฆต. The third and fourth stages focus on the descent of the Tsiribihina River ๐ง. There will be between 21.5 and 17.5 km to cover during the two mornings ๐ฅ. These two stages will cross rice fields and villages ๐พ, and the best part is that they are without any elevation gain! Only two more stages left ๐ช. The 5th will be one of the most beautiful ๐คฉ, as you will tread the lands around the Tsingy de Bemahara National Park. Once you're in this legendary park you won't be able to run, it will be an opportunity to walk to rest your legs after the 24.5 km of the day ๐ด. The 24.5 km will be split into two parts, first a 7 km time trial and then 17.5 km on track to reach the national park. Finally, the icing on the cake ๐, the last stage, the final 24 kilometers will take you towards the beaches of the Mozambique Channel ๐๏ธ. The challenge will be in the endurance, as you have to manage the distance over the six stages. The advantage is that there is no time barrier and everyone can tackle the effort according to their condition of the day in a very supportive atmosphere! ๐ It should be noted that the six stages do not necessarily follow consecutively; there are transit days between them ๐.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Trail of the Red Island is an event that takes place over 14 days, from June 6 to 19, 2026. During these 14 days, it includes six days of running and a time trial through some of Madagascar's iconic landscapes. Each start will be announced in the morning at a time provided to you the day before each stage. The remaining days will allow participants to move between stages, rest, and enjoy some sightseeing!
For more information, you can find the full program here.
A medical certificate dated less than 3 months before the race is required for each participant. The certificate must be submitted to the chief doctor no later than the day before the first stage.
It is important to know that a medical team chosen by the organization will be present throughout the event, on the course and at the stage. The mission of the medical team is to help all runners reach the finish line in good health. However, they are authorized to temporarily or permanently remove from the race any competitor deemed unfit to continue the event. Their decisions are final.
The entry fee is set at โฌ1,890 (excluding international air travel) and must be paid as follows:
A first deposit of โฌ200 upon registration
A second deposit of โฌ1,000 on March 6, 2026
The balance of โฌ690, due no later than May 10, 2026
There are no time barriers. The pace is free.
Yes, there will be refreshments on the course, between two and four per stage. The refreshments will offer both solid and liquid options.
Each runner must carry the following mandatory items during the stage:
A water reserve of at least 1L
A sun hat or equivalent
A whistle
An emergency blanket
A basic first aid kit: paracetamol, antiseptic, bandages, elastic straps.
Checks will be conducted on the first day and possibly at the start of each stage.
To respect the spirit of the race, "run to discover," and to offer the lowest possible price, there are no financial rewards. Each runner will receive a gift in the form of local handicrafts during the award ceremony. Podiums will be recognized appropriately.
To register, you must complete the registration form and include:
A completed information sheet
A passport photo
A photocopy of the valid passport (valid 6 months after the return date)
A deposit of โฌ200 by bank card on the partner site Njuko
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Yes, a visa is mandatory to travel to Madagascar from France. This visa, costing 10 euros, must be paid in cash in euros upon arrival at the airport.
Yes, the track is available step by step on the race website: here
You can check the race rules here
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