Race Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024
Start Time: 7:00 AM
Organizer: The race is organized by the Marathon Tours & Travel, Inc. in association with the National Park Association.
Course: The marathon course starts at Relais de la Reine. The course will cross over Highway 7 and enter Isalo National Park and run about a 14 mile loop back to Highway 7. The course follows some trails onto pasture land past through some small villages, across shallow streams and back to the finish at Jardin du Roy. A large loop within the park along grassy trails passes spectacular rock formations dating back millions of years. The courses have just a few rolling hills and good footing for 98% of the course. The half-marathon course is run almost entirely within Isalo National Park.
Entry Fee: The entry fee is RMB 1,150 for the marathon or half-marathon and RMB 1,330 for the Ultra 50K. Entry is offered only by booking a package through Marathon Tours & Travel.
Eligibility: All runners traveling from outside Madagascar must purchase the special travel package and enter through Marathon Tours & Travel. Runners in the marathon must be at least 18 years old on race day.
Time Limit: Marathon and Ultra 50K: 7 hours; Half-Marathon: 5 hours
Number Pickup: Numbers and pre-race briefing will be held at Le Jardin du Roy, official race headquarters. The pasta party will follow.
Aid Stations: Portable water is a valuable commodity in Madagascar. Runners must be self-sufficient while running. Drink stations with bottled water will be positioned where possible. Camelbacks and other carrying devices for liquids is highly recommended. Runners must bring their own electrolyte drinks or nutritional supplements.
Awards: Top three overall for males and females in both races. In the marathon: top two in each age category under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over. All finishers will receive a certificate and medallion.
Temperature: May is the dry season in Madagascar so expect little to no rainfall. The average temperature will be a high of 30C and low of 16C.
Difficulty: Challenging Course. Although fairly flat with a few rolling hill, parts of the course is on sand, through grass, and through shallow water at various points on the course.
Packing Suggestions: Buying new shoes or clothes is not recommended. A better solution is to take old clothes and leave them behind as they will go to good use and you can travel light on the way home. Long sleeves and long pants for the forest are recommended as you will go off the trail and into the bushes at times. Also layers work best because it will be chilly at night and in the early morning. A sweatshirt, warm sweater and/or a scarf will come in handy! All carry-on items must comply with size, weight, and security regulations. A suggested packing list will be shared in your final documents.
