6 rewarding trails to take on in Corsica in 2018

Test your stamina in stunning surroundings this year, with our pick of the best outdoor challenges this Mediterranean French island has to offer…

Napoléon Trail, Ajaccio: 6 May

This patriotic trail takes walkers and runners from the peninsula of La Parata to the bottom of Napoléon's statue at Le Casone , following the splendid Crêtes path which overhangs the northern bank of the gulf of Ajaccio. There are usually two routes available, the first of 23km and the other an easier 15km, better suited to the walkers.
www.corsica-run.com (External link)

Calvi International Triathlon: 12-13 May

‘Calvi X Tri’ is a series of events held around the beautiful bay of Calvi, with routes stretching from the Pointe du Revellata to the Spano tower and up to the heights of Notre Dame de la Serra. There’s something to suit everyone: children can compete with reduced distances, there’s a 5km trail reserved for women only, and separate sections for swimmers and mountain bikers since all the races can be done in relay.
www.corsicaxtri.fr (External link)

Corsica Raid Aventure: 1-6 June

An international competitive sporting event uniting several activities (mountain biking, orientation, running, zip-lining, sea kayaking, etc) which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
www.corsicaraid.com (External link)

Corte Trails: 8 July

These three events comprise the 110km Ultra trail, the 69km Restonica trail and the Tavignano trail of 33km. The Restonica follows the mountainous central spine of the island and is Corsica’s most challenging event, encompassing parts of the GR20 long-distance trail and reserved for the truly superfit. Racing starts at 5am on 6 July and ends two days later.
www.restonicatrail.fr (External link)

Corsa di l’Oriente, Ghisoni: 5 August

Go on an adventure through the Corsican mountains! With a choice of a 24km run, a relay and a 6km walk, there are different ways to participate – though entrants should bear altitude in mind, with a change of 2,000m over the course of the run. A buffet is on hand at the finish line.
www.coursedeloriente.fr/en/ (External link)

Porto-Vecchio Half Marathon: 21 October

Accompanied by 10km and 8km options, this half-marathon in Corsica’s sophisticated southern resort is now in its fifth year. The route departs Porto Vecchio for Lecci towards the St-Cyprien beach, passing Poretta di Ciacone and Marina di Fiori. It loops back around Porto Vecchio’s marina before making for Palombaggia, finally ending in Santa Giulia.
www.marathon-portovecchio.com (External link)

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