ยฉ๏ธ Mada Nozy Trail
The Mahay Expedition invites you on an extraordinary adventure in Madagascar: the Mada Nosy Trail ๐คฉ. This breathtaking nine-day journey includes running 90 km over five stages with an elevation gain of 1,900 mD+ ๐ช. Who wouldn't dream of testing their limits in a paradise like Madagascar? ๐ฒ๐ฌ The program strikes the perfect balance between self-challenge, camaraderie, discovery, and adventure ๐ฅฐ. Each stage offers you the chance to explore unique locations ๐ด and interact with local communities who are an integral part of your journey ๐. Between the dreamy beaches and the mangrove ๐๏ธ, this sports adventure will be like no other! ๐โโ๏ธ
These opening lines have surely piqued your interest, so we won't keep you waiting any longer... ๐ The trip spans nine days from September 5th to 13th ๐ . The five stages are scheduled from day 3 to day 7 ๐ฅต. Races typically occur in the mornings, allowing participants to navigate between stages in the afternoons โต. The first stage is the Russian Bay loop Russian Bay ๐๏ธ, a 14 km course with 350 mD+, set in stunning greenery offering breathtaking views of the Nosy Be archipelago. Following that, participants will tackle a new loop ๐, that of Marotony. This time, they'll face an 18 km course with 250 mD+ that requires crossing the Malagasy mangrove! ๐ฆ The third stage is a half-marathon distance with an additional 350 mD+ to spice things up! ๐ถ๏ธ But rest assured, those 21 km will fly by with the stunning scenery around you. You'll traverse forests, coconut groves, mangroves, beaches... ๐ Even your senses will delight in the aromas from local spice and fruit tree plantations ๐. Finally, stage 4 features the loop around Nosy Lava with its 17 km and 150 mD+ ๐. Saving the best for last, the final stage is a time trial of 2 x 8 km. This will be the last effort for your legs ๐ฆต. To top it off ๐ซฆ, you'll spend your final day on the island of Nosy Iranja, reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Incredible, right? ๐ค Also know that between your challenges, you'll have extended catamaran sails allowing you to enjoy the sea air and surrounding landscapes ๐บ๏ธ. While running is a key component of this journey, above all, you're embarking on a human adventure ๐ซ. We're confident you'll return with your heart and luggage full of memories from the beautiful Malagasy lands ๐งณ.
After all this, do you have all the reasons you need to join the adventure? ๐ซถ Grab your running shoes ๐ and sunscreen, Madagascar awaits you! ๐งด
The Mada Nosy Trail is a multi-stage race set on the stunning island of Madagascar, with the following breathtaking itinerary ๐๏ธ:
Stage 1: Russian Bay 14 km / 350 m elevation gain
The first stage takes you through a hilly and technical landscape with regular sea views. A short sail after lunch heads towards the village of Marotony โต. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Stage 2: Marotony Loop 18 km / 250 m elevation gain
Starting early to beat the midday heat, this loop offers a rich and varied route with many single tracks crossing villages and mangroves where a few bursts of energy are needed ๐ช. The stage finishes along the beach ๐๏ธ. Sailing to Ankalakajoro. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Stage 3: Nosy Berafia Loop 21 km / 350 m elevation gain
An early morning sail to reach the start of the most diverse stage of the Mada Nosy Trail: you'll experience villages, forests, coconut groves, mangroves, a high point, beaches, pebbles, and the delightful scents of local spice and fruit tree plantations ๐ฅญ. A fabulous single track, perfect for nature trail enthusiasts. Sailing to Nosy Lava. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Stage 4: Nosy Lava Loop 17 km / 150 m elevation gain
This stage begins in the old prison quarters and continues through mangroves and hills before reaching the first village ๐๏ธ. You'll then follow a 4km stretch of fine sandy beach. Another single track across the island leads to a second village, complete with coconut trees ๐ฅฅ.
Stage 5: Surprise Stage with a 2 x 8 km Time Trial / 500 m elevation gain
A time trial start that will test your endurance on a 2 x 8 km loop โ. A steep ascent followed by an equally steep descent offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings ๐. A well-deserved swim follows, then sailing to the bay of Baramamay. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
The stages may not run consecutively day after day; between some events, there is a day of transit to reach new starting points ๐. Stages often take place in the morning, allowing runners to enjoy the afternoons or to transit. Start times will be announced the evening before each event during briefings ๐.
You can find the event schedule right here.
Each participant must carry the following during each stage:
A minimum of 2 liters of water
A desert cap or equivalent
A whistle
A survival blanket
A basic first aid kit: disinfectant, bandages, adhesive tapes
Personal identification and safety tracking sheet
Checks will be conducted on the first day and before the start of each stage.
No, but it's mandatory for the last participant(s) to arrive before noon as each afternoon is dedicated to navigating to the next stage.
This race is in self-sufficiency mode. Participants must bring their own tailored supplies as there will be no refreshment stations. However, 3 liters of water per participant will be provided before the start, and snacks both in liquid and solid form will be offered at the finish line.
Each participant will receive a t-shirt and a "finisher" garment or equivalent. At the award ceremony, each participant will receive a gift, which could be local craftsmanship or another item. Podium finishers will also be rewarded.
Yes, and you can download it by clicking here.
Yes, a visa is required to travel to Madagascar from France. The visa costs 10โฌ and should be paid in cash (in euros) upon arrival at the airport.
The registration fee is set at 1700 euros per person. You can complete the registration process directly on the Finishers website.
To be valid, the registration package must be submitted by August 5, 2025, at the latest. It must be complete and include:
Registration form with the information sheet filled out (bring 2 passport photos with you).
A photocopy of a valid passport (must be valid for 6 months after your return date).
A deposit of 50% of the total amount (850 euros). The balance must be paid before August 5, 2025.
The registration fee includes:
Airport transfers to and from Nosy Be
Full board and accommodations from the evening of September 5 to the morning of September 13
Catamaran rental with skipper and cook (per catamaran)
Hotel stays with half-board on Day 1 and Day 8
Food and drink provided only at the finish of each stage
Civil liability insurance provided by TSDMADA
Technical support and safety (walkie-talkies, GPS, satellite phone)
Medical assistance: 1 medical staff member
Awards
Awards ceremony evening
Registration does not include:
International flight
Travel insurance
The visa (10โฌ) to be purchased at Nosy Be airport
Beverages other than bottled water
Personal expenses
Tips
Food and drink during the stages
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