Trail running, camping and adventure. That’s what Racing Madagascar is offering trailites and thrill seekers. Happening from 18 to 24 July 2016, it is a six-day, self-sufficiency trail race starting on 19 July.

We’ve talked about what to expect in Racing Madagascar before and the deadline for registration has been extended to 19 June. So if you’ve been thinking about joining but still hesitating, here are six solid reasons to consider:

1. Fulfil A Lifelong Dream

Do you dream of going on trail ultra-marathons but always doubted your ability to? Covering 150 km of vast terrain under 48 hours is a steep challenge, but what if you break down the distance over six days?

Racing Madagascar participants will cover 9 to 44 km of trail a day and stop to camp in tents at villages and campsites each night. It’s a unique chance to savour Madagascar’s natural beauty while achieving your lifelong dream for outdoor adventure too!

Photo Credit: RACING MADAGASCAR®

2. Explore A Unique Playground

As the name suggests, this epic trail race is held in a unique playground trailites will love: Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world. Spectacular and diverse natural landscapes await you in Northern Madagascar’s Diego Suarez region.

The first night will be spent camping by Beamalona Waterfall amidst lush greenery. Over the next six days, trail runners will go pass rice fields, run through national parks and visit villages. Other highlights including the Anivorano sacred lake, the famous Red Tsingy rock formations, beaches like Sakalava Bay, and coastal features like the ‘sugar loaf’ of Diego Bay.

3. Rest Assured You’re in Good Hands

Racing Madagascar 2016 is organised by Boogie Events LTD, the little sister of Boogie Pilgrim. An established company with 30 years of experience, Boogie Pilgrim has managed several events in Madagascar, including Raid Gauloise and Racing The Planet 2014.

Logistics like setting up the campsites, bag drop transfers, meals, water supplies, medical assistance, and everything you need are taken care of. So all you have to do is focus on running the trail race and enjoy the camping experience.

Photo Credit: RACING MADAGASCAR®

4. Experience the Exotic with Loved Ones

Share your exotic Madagascar adventure with your loved one supporting you. Relish the camping atmosphere as you stay in South African tents made for two.

While runners are out on the trail race in the morning, supporters can enjoy sight-seeing tours in the Diego Suarez Region. Famous for its wildlife, the region includes national parks, wild beaches, multiple bays, an emerald sea, grey and red Tsingy (pinnacles), volcanic landscapes, and unique Baobabs.

5. Contribute to A Good Cause!

As an advocate for sustainable development, Racing Madagascar will work with locals in the Diana region and support the Diego Suarez Handisport Federation. Local Handisport athletes will participate in the last stage of the race alongside trail runners.

For every race registration, €50 will be directly contributed to the Diana regional league, a part of the Madagascar Paralympic Committee. The funds raised will go towards purchasing sports equipment as well as manufacturing and maintaining wheelchairs.

Photo Credit: RACING MADAGASCAR®

6. Qualify For An International Race

Racing Madagascar is certified by the International Trail and Running Association (ITRA©) and American Trail Running Association (ATRA). This means that runners will earn two points to qualify for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® 2017 (UTMB®)

Register Now

Registrations have been extended to Sunday, 19 June 2016 or until the 100^th runner has signed up.

Entry fees are €1,500 per runner and include:

• Race bib
• Logistics (water supplies, setting up and breaking camp, checkpoints, drop bag transfers)
• Meals
• Accommodation in tents on camp
• Security guarding the camp
• Medical assistance throughout the race and in camp
• Organisation Public Liability
• Finisher’s prize
• €50 donation that goes directly to the HANDISPORT Federation of Diego Suarez

Supporters can join the Supporters' Tour for €1,187.

For more information, visit the official Racing Madagascar website.