The second edition of the Seychelles Nature Trail successfully finished last Saturday, 23rd August 2025, marking another achievement in the country’s efforts to promote eco-tourism, wellness, and community engagement through sport.
Organised by the Tourism Department with the support of Ilop Sports and in collaboration with key partners—including the Seychelles National Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), the National Sports Council (NSC), the Seychelles Defence Forces, and the Grand Anse Mahé District Administration—the event brought together 169 runners from 16 countries, reaffirming Seychelles’ position as a rising destination for eco-sporting events.
The 22km trail, set in the Morne Seychellois National Park, took participants through a varied and technically challenging route with key checkpoints at Cap Ternay, Anse Major, Mare aux Cochons, Casse Dent, and Tomassin, before concluding at Grand Anse Mahé.
As the morning unfolded, the atmosphere at the Grand Anse finish line grew increasingly electric. Spectators, families, friends and supporters gathered with anticipation, their eyes fixed on the trail's final stretch.
The finish line saw a competitive field of athletes pushing their limits across challenging terrain. In the overall male category, Wiquar Ahmad Nasir of Pakistan claimed first place with an impressive time of 2:11:30.20, followed closely by fellow Pakistani runner Umar Zaman, with Seychelles’ own Jonathan Quatre securing third place.
In the female category, Isabelle Lame from Reunion took the top spot with a time of 3:05:03.40, with Aisha Radwan of Seychelles securing second place, and Shaundre Jacobs from South Africa completing the podium with a time of 3:32:28.91.
Athletes began crossing the finish line just after 9:00 AM, following the 7:00 AM race start, with steady arrivals continuing throughout the day. The flow of finishers came in waves, and the final participant crossed the line just after 2:20 PM—7 hours and 20 minutes after the race began.
Delivering the keynote address at the closing ceremony, Mrs Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, reflected on the significance of the event:
“Each of the 22 kilometres of this trail has revealed what is truly special about Seychelles, reminding us why Seychelles is a destination like no other. This event is not just about competition—it is about wellness, sustainability, and celebrating our islands’ natural and cultural heritage.”
Mrs Francis also extended her appreciation to all volunteers, sponsors, and organising teams for their collective efforts in realising the second edition of the event. Special thanks were given to the numerous community members, including the Grand Anse District Administration and cultural groups, who helped turn the finish line into a vibrant celebration of Creole heritage through food, music, and art.
The cultural celebration continued as the Grand Anse District Administration, together with the organisers, hosted a lively Family Fun Day. The finish line area was transformed with stalls offering a variety of local products and Seychellois-made goods, from refreshing island drinks to traditional snacks like fried local chips. The day’s festivities culminated in a captivating Moutya performance, giving international competitors a memorable and authentic taste of Seychelles’ rich cultural heritage through rhythm, dance, and storytelling.
The prize-giving ceremony was made even more memorable thanks to the strong support of key tourism industry partners, whose contributions played a crucial role in the overall success of the event. Their presence at the finish line and during the ceremony highlighted the close relationship between tourism stakeholders and community-led initiatives like the Seychelles Nature Trail.
Mr Chris Hamer, Race Director of the Seychelles Nature Trail, also addressed the audience during the ceremony:
“The Seychelles Nature Trail is more than a race. It is a celebration of nature, of personal challenge, and most importantly, of community. Each runner today helped write a new chapter in this event’s story, and in doing so, brought global attention to Seychelles as a world-class trail running destination.”
Mr Hamer acknowledged the support of the Tourism Department and partner agencies, as well as the logistical and on-the-ground assistance from the police, armed forces, emergency services, and volunteers—particularly the SCOBA association. He commended the exceptional dedication of everyone involved in delivering a safe and successful event, and affirmed his hope that the Seychelles Nature Trail will continue to grow as a permanent fixture on the international trail running calendar.
With a successful second edition now complete, Tourism Seychelles and its partners look forward to expanding the reach and impact of the Seychelles Nature Trail in the years ahead.
By offering a unique combination of physical challenge, natural immersion, and cultural celebration, the event continues to support the nation’s broader goals of sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and international visibility.
