Trail running has been gaining popularity for several years on the French Riviera. But this trend is not limited to our region, as evidenced by the growing success of all major national and international events. Beyond our borders, one event is particularly worth a visit… The Dodo Trail in Mauritius, on July 7, 2013.
The Dodo Trail in Mauritius indeed gathers all the best elements in the discipline: a night start, allowing participants to enjoy the sunrise during the race; sections through the forest cleared with machetes specifically for the competition, and thus completely wild; dizzying viewpoints over the surrounding lagoons and mountains; landscapes that change completely in appearance over the course of the kilometers, ranging from tropical forest to granite rock, even passing through a prairie resembling the African savanna; highly technical, aerial descents demanding agility and feline skills; vertical climbs straight up the slope… Enough to offer its participants a true adventure in the heart of the Indian Ocean!
The 3rd edition of this resounding competition will take place this year on July 7. To the great delight of the organizing duo, Yan De Maroussem (an accomplished athlete who completed a tour of the island running last September) and Yannick Doger De Speville, a number of “star runners” have already confirmed their participation: Pascal Blanc (a former resident of the Côte d’Azur who now lives in Réunion, a trail running hub, just like Mauritius), Xavier Thevenard, Laurent Valette, Nerea Martinez, René Paul Vitry, Fabrice Armand…
Last summer, it was the reigning world champion Erik Clavery who won the main course, ahead of the top runners from Réunion. His succession is very open, as in a race as long and difficult as this, anything can happen… But for the more experienced, the Xtreme Dodo Trail (50 km with 3,500m of elevation gain) is a suitable challenge, and there is something for all tastes and levels at this event. Two other races are also on the schedule: the Mini Dodo Trail, measuring 10 km with 500m of elevation gain, and the Ti Dodo Trail, 25 km long with 1,500m of elevation gain.
The finish village will be located at the Le River Land sports center, a magnificent complex with a swimming pool, tennis court, soccer field, restaurant, etc…
Stéphane Giordanengo
All information on the race can be found on the official website: www.dodo-trail.com/
Or by email: inscription@dodo-trail.com
