Air MAURITIUS

En

Choose your location

The best wild and official running options in Mauritius

The island may be best known for relaxing beach breaks, but more and more people are booking an Air Mauritius Holiday so they can take part in adventure activities or fulfil a personal challenge.

Running is an especially popular pastime in Mauritius, and for the enthusiast looking to enter an official race or simply push themselves in beautiful surroundings, the opportunities are numerous. We look at some of the annual events on the running calendar, plus a couple of non-racing options.

Mauritius Marathon

Running

The LUX* Mauritius Marathon takes place in the cooler months of the southern hemisphere winter, and now is an excellent time to start training for next year’s edition, due to be held on 17 July 2016. Starting from Saint Felix Beach, the certified race follows a level route along the south coast road towards the turnaround point at Riambel, with ever-present views of UNESCO-protected Le Morne Brabant mountain in the background.

Royal Raid

Running

LUX* is also the sponsor of the well-regarded Royal Raid series of mountain running events, with the 11th annual outing slated for 7 May 2016. On this day, an 80km, 35km and 15km race will be run simultaneously through some of the most stunning natural scenery in Mauritius, including the Yemen Nature Reserve and the Black River Gorges National Park.

Dodo Trail

Running

Equally challenging is the 100% mountain-based Dodo Trail, another renowned running event which incorporates several different distances, from the 50km ‘Xtreme’ race to a 5km fun run. Held every July, the major hurdles are the massive elevation gains, which hit 3,500 metres on the 50km trail. An opportunity to discover your limitations – and surpass them.

Not a racer?

Running

You love to run, but you’re not particularly interested in an organised event. Not a problem. Everyone can enjoy running in Mauritius, from casual joggers to serious distance hounds. Ask your hotel for advice on circular running trails straight from the entrance of your resort, or do a few kilometres on the beach at low tide (a popular option is from Wolmar to Flic en Flac on the west coast – just remember to go early in the morning if you want to avoid the heat and the crowds).

Looking for something more heart pumping? Consider contacting a trail running company like Yanature, who can create a customised wild running itinerary for you, tailored to your exact level of endurance and what you want to see and do.

Running in Mauritius is a lot of fun and we highly recommend it. But chances are you’ll want to combine all that adrenaline with a spot of relaxation too. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Book one of Air Mauritius Holidays’ Long Stay or Free Nights offers – available at resorts like Tropical Attitude and LUX* Le Morne – and you’ll have enough time to enjoy the pleasures of both.

Don’t forget to follow us on FacebookInstagram and Twitter for all our latest news.

Photo: Black River Gorges National Park, Flic en Flack

Thank you for the comment! Your comment must be approved first
Leave a comment