The Seychelles Nature Trail is back for its second edition on Saturday, August 23, 2025. After a successful debut in 2023, the event is fast earning its reputation as a must-do trail race for both local and international runners. What started as an initiative to connect people with nature, sport, and culture is now becoming a regular highlight on the Seychelles event calendar.
More than just a competition, the Seychelles Nature Trail is an invitation to experience Seychelles differently—through its forests, mountains, coastlines, and communities. Organised by Tourism Seychelles, in collaboration with its partners, including the Seychelles National Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), the Grand Anse Mahé District Administration, Ilop Sport, and the Seychelles National Sports Council (NSC), the event is a celebration of sport, sustainability, and tourism, growing bigger with each edition.
This year, around 169 runners from 16 countries will take on the challenge. That includes 117 local athletes and 52 international runners from South Africa, Pakistan, Mauritius, Réunion Island, France, Germany, Bangladesh, Spain, Austria, UAE, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Russia, and Switzerland. The mix of participants reflects the growing international interest in eco-sporting events and Seychelles’ potential as a unique destination for such experiences.
The 22km course runs through Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé, the country’s largest and most biodiverse protected area. The route begins at Constance Ephelia Hotel and ends at Grand Anse Mahé Stadium, covering everything from coastal roads and riversides to steep climbs and technical forest trails. Key landmarks along the way include Cap Ternay, Anse Major, Mare aux Cochons, Casse Dent, Tomassin, and more.
With an elevation gain of 1,210 metres, the course is a true test of endurance. Terrain varies from easy to very difficult, with the most technical sections between 14–22km. Runners can expect a mix of shaded forest, rocky paths, river crossings, and open coastal stretches, all while surrounded by the stunning natural scenery Seychelles is known for.
At the finish line, runners and visitors can look forward to a Family Fun Day with Creole food, live entertainment, handmade crafts, and cultural performances, turning the end of the race into a full community celebration.
Other collaborators include Constance Ephelia Seychelles, Nouvobanq, Cable & Wireless, Skychef, Val Riche, SCOBA, Pasqual, and Raidlight.
Speaking on the anticipated event, Mrs Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing, shared:
“This event is part of a bigger strategy to grow eco‑tourism, build stronger ties with our communities, and bring international sports to our shores. The Seychelles Nature Trail is more than just a race; it’s a way to connect people with nature, health, culture, local businesses, and the environment.
As it moves into its second year, the Seychelles Nature Trail is gaining real momentum, helping to shape a form of tourism that’s active, inclusive, and deeply rooted in our islands’ natural beauty and heritage.”
