Sometimes known as the "Eighth Continent", Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. Home to 5% of all known flora and fauna species, it boasts incredibly diverse landscapes. Just imagine: you can trek from rainforest to desert in just 300 km, scale the mountainous central plateau or explore the pristine coastal plains.

This exotic island will also be the site of the inaugural Racing Madagascar, a self-sufficiency trail race based on three fundamentals: Reachable Race, Amazing Journey, and Fair Share. Approved by ITRA© (International Trail and Running Association), Racing Madagascar is a qualifying race for UTMB® (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®) 2017 (2 points).

Reachable Race

Based on the same tracks as RacingThePlanet Madagascar 2014®, which covered 250 km in 7 days, this version offers the same breath-taking views of northern Madagascar with a more reachable goal. Happening from 19 to 24 July 2016, Racing Madagascar challenges runners to finish 150 km spread over 6 days. In stages between 9 to 44 km each day, the race covers a total elevation of 700 m.

In this full-self-sufficiency race, runners will have to carry their own intended food and drink for each day. Water will be provided at each checkpoint. Accommodation in tents, as well as bag transfers will be provided in between each day's stage too. Located at beautiful sites, the camping grounds will include South African tents for 2 pax, bush toilets, outdoor showers, electricity by generator and all meals.

A trophy will be awarded to the top three men and women in the final stretch, as well as the first in each age category. Besides the beautiful lasting memories, all finishers will bring home a prize too.

Amazing Journey

Organised by an experienced team, Boogie Pilgram, the sporting event also welcomes supporters. While assistance during the race will not be allowed, supporters will be provided a 4WD vehicle with a driver/guide to the start and end of each stage, and to some checkpoints to cheer the runners on.

Besides sharing the camp atmosphere, supporters can go sightseeing in the fantastic Madagascan landscape. Known for its national parks, the Diego Suarez region comprises of wild beaches, intimate bays, grey and red Tsingy (pinnacles), volcanic landscape and unique Baobabs. Runners and supporters will be able to witness the iconic lemurs, chameleons and endemic birdlife up close too.

Fair Share

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

For every race registration, €50 will be directly contributed to the Diana regional league, which is part of the Madagascar Paralympic Committee (MPC). The funds raised will go towards purchasing sport equipment as well as a manufacturing and maintenance workshop for wheelchairs.

First 100 to Register!

While the registration deadline is still a long way off on 19 May 2016, there are only 100 places available. S

The registration fee for Racing Madagascar is €1,500 per runner and includes:

• Race bib
• Logistics (water supplies, set up and break camp, checkpoints, bag transfers)
• Meals
• Tent accommodation in camps
• Security (guarding camps)
• Medical assistance during race and on camp
• Public liability organization
• Finisher prize
• €50 directly diverted to the Handisport Federation of Diego Suarez

The supporters' tour costs €1,187 per person and includes:

• Hotel accommodation
• Meals
• Private car with driver and fuel from Day 2 to Day 8
• Admission fees to parks and reserves

There is also another package in Diego with other perks. To discover more of Madagascar, consider booking one of the pre or post-race travel packages available too.

Visit the Racing Madagascar official website for more information.