The Seychelles Nature Trail returns on August 23, 2025, as one of the Indian Ocean’s most anticipated endurance trail events. With registration closing on August 1, the countdown has officially begun for what promises to be a rigorous yet rewarding experience set against the pristine backdrop of Mahé.
This year’s edition builds on the momentum of the 2023 trail, which successfully brought together local athletes, regional competitors, and international adventurers. From its inception, the event has aimed to promote physical endurance, environmental consciousness, and cultural connection through sport. Organized under the direction of Tourism Seychelles, the trail run is not only a test of athletic capability but also an intimate journey through the island’s unique topography.
The 2025 trail is set along the Morne Blanc Trail and adjacent routes within the Morne Seychellois National Park, the largest and most ecologically diverse protected area in the Seychelles. Participants will navigate a 22km course with an elevation gain of over 1210 meters, making for a physically demanding yet visually spectacular experience. The official race route spans from Port Glaud through Cap Ternay, Anse Major, Mare aux Cochons, Cassedent, and Tomassin, culminating at Grand Anse Mahé, a journey that encapsulates the island’s dramatic terrain.
Participants can expect steep ascents, technical descents, and an immersive experience through dense forest, granite outcrops, and sweeping coastal views. With the highest point of the island reaching nearly 905 meters above sea level, runners will navigate a course that demands both strategy and stamina.
New to this year’s nature trail is an expanded category system, allowing participants of varying skill levels to engage meaningfully. The race is designed as a one-day adventure suitable for all levels, with distances ranging from shorter formats suited for beginners to longer, more intensive loops tailored for seasoned runners. Registration requirements include a mandatory medical certificate for international runners, while local runners will need to qualify through a preparatory test run organized by the National Sports Council (NSC).
Organizers have also placed increased emphasis on sustainability, introducing eco-friendly hydration points, waste separation zones, and community-driven conservation messages embedded along the trail.
Beyond the physical aspects, the Seychelles Nature Trail continues to evolve as a platform for promoting wellness and environmental stewardship. The initiative engages local schools, tourism operators, and community stakeholders, positioning the event not merely as a sporting competition but as a shared national moment. From volunteer stations to local food vendors at the finish line, the event is anchored in community participation.
A vibrant Creole cultural fair will also take place at the Grand Anse Mahé playing field, the race’s finish line, creating space for local business engagement and celebrating traditional Seychellois heritage alongside the athletic triumphs.
The growing scale and visibility of the event are generating notable economic spin-offs. Local businesses, from accommodation providers to small-scale food vendors and transport operators, benefit from increased visitor traffic, while the event itself stimulates seasonal job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The significance of this event is also resonating beyond the athletic world. It supports Seychelles’ broader tourism strategy by drawing nature-based and experiential travelers to the islands. The growing interest in sports tourism in the region provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the archipelago’s untapped potential for adventure-based travel.
This year’s edition expects to welcome 150 international participants and 60 local runners, further reflecting its global appeal and growing prominence on the international trail running calendar.
A prize-giving ceremony is scheduled to cap the 2025 event, recognizing athletic excellence and community participation while reinforcing the spirit of unity the trail aims to foster.
As the August 1 registration deadline approaches, the excitement surrounding the Seychelles Nature Trail 2025 continues to build. For those seeking to push their limits, connect with nature, and be part of a shared purpose, this year’s event offers more than just a trail, it offers a journey into the very heart of the Seychelles.
