At a Glance
- Seychelles will host the third edition of the Seychelles Nature Trail on May 16, 2026, on Mahé.
- The 22-kilometer race highlights the islands’ forests, coastlines and protected parks.
- Tourism officials see the event as part of a broader push into sports and active travel.
Seychelles is pressing ahead with plans to grow its sports tourism sector, confirming the return of the Seychelles Nature Trail (SNT) for a third edition on May 16, 2026.
The race will again take place on Mahé, the country’s main island, following strong participation and international interest during the August edition earlier this year.
Tourism officials say the event reflects a clear shift in strategy as the Indian Ocean nation looks beyond its long-standing appeal as a beach destination.
The focus is increasingly on active travel, drawing visitors who want outdoor challenges tied to nature, wellness and sustainability.
Trail running, endurance races and adventure sports have become a growing part of the global travel market.
For Seychelles, with its granite peaks, coastal paths and protected forests, the discipline fits naturally into the landscape.
The Nature Trail has quickly become a fixed date on the local sporting calendar, attracting runners looking for demanding courses set in distinctive scenery.
Organizers believe the event also helps support visitor numbers during a quieter part of the tourism year.
A demanding course across Mahé
At the heart of the race is a 22-kilometer course with a cumulative elevation gain of about 1,210 meters.
The route starts at Port Glaud and passes through Cap Ternay, Anse Major, Mare aux Cochons, Cassedent and Tomassin before finishing at Grand Anse.
Runners move between coastal stretches, dense forest and steep mountain sections.
The course is designed to challenge experienced trail runners while remaining achievable for well-prepared amateurs.
Linking sport and conservation
Tourism Seychelles says the race reflects its wider push for sustainable sports tourism.
Large sections of the route pass through national parks and conservation areas, offering participants close contact with the islands’ biodiversity.
The aim, officials say, is to connect outdoor sport with respect for the environment, while showcasing landscapes that are central to Seychelles’ tourism identity.
Growing international appeal
Bernadette Honoré, senior marketing executive for the Réunion and Indian Ocean market at Tourism Seychelles, said the event targets international, regional and local runners, while also encouraging more Seychellois athletes to take up trail running.
She said close to one-third of runners at the most recent edition traveled from overseas, with participants coming from Europe, Asia and across Africa.
That mix, she added, points to rising interest in Seychelles as a destination for competitive and recreational trail running.
Registration for the 2026 Seychelles Nature Trail is now open, with details available on official Tourism Seychelles platforms.
