TRAIL RUNNING IN MARTINIQUE
Whether you’re sporty or want to be, you’ll found something to enjoy in Martinique !
With its breathtaking scenery, marked paths, and preserved nature, Martinique is the ideal playground for trail running during stays full of discovery !
The Tchimbé Raid : A guaranteed change of scene
Take part in a major sporting event, a mythical course that brings together several hundred people each year. Above the clouds, at almost 1300 meters of altitude, at the summit of the Mount Pelée volcano, you are sure to have a change the scenery. Awaken your sense in the heart of a dense and majestic tropical forest... Run, feel the adrenaline, and push your limits covering over almost 103 km in tropical nature ! So yes, be proud because taking part in the Tchimbé Raid means becoming part of the legend !
If you love trail running, would you have thought you can push your limits during your vacation in Martinique !
Practical information :
- The Tchimbé Raid (103km) happens in May.
- It has five trail routes covering from 5 to 53km.
Something extra to know : The name “Tchimbé Raid” comes from the local Creole expression that you’ve probably heard, "tchimbé red pa moli” which means “keep going, don’t give up”!
Our practical advice for doing your trail run in good conditions :
- Sign up for this adventure with friends who will help you stay motivated, go faster and above all share the satisfaction of crossing the finish line together.
- Have a whistle with you as well as a head lamp with extra batteries.
- Don't forget to make sure you stay hydrated by drinking at least 1.5L of water per person per half-day.
- Make sure you have at least one fully charged cell phone with you.
- Kit yourself out with a pair of gloves and good hiking shoes.
- Do not veer off the marked paths.
- Take some snacks with you.
- Protect yourself from the sun with a good sun cream, a pair of sunglasses as well as a baseball cap or hat.
The TransMartinique : Surpass yourself to know yourself better
Here you are setting off on circuit of almost 133 kilometers that go from the humid green summits of the extreme north to the soft beaches of blond sand at the extreme south of the island.
Starting out from the town of Grand-Rivière, the TransMartinique takes you on a discovery of extraordinary landscapes… At the summit of the volcano, the heart of tropical forests, across cane sugar or banana plantations or along wonderful untouched beaches, enthusiasts from around the world know about this trail which will be one of the best sporting adventures you can have made even better by meeting incredible people.
Practical information :
- The TransMartinique happens in December.
- It covers other races such as the Trace des Caps (33 km) or the Défi Bleu (58 km).
The Mythik : Total nature !
You move along the north-west coast of Martinique from le Prêcheur in the footsteps of locals who took this mythical route in the past to get to Grand-Rivière. You’re surrounded by tropical forest and viewpoints looking down over the Caribbean sea give you a striking spectacle at each moment.
Your adventure continues by going up Mount Pelée where the most beautiful landscapes in Martinique await you.
Bonus : A totally female adventure
One of the best sporting experiences in the world happens in Martinique !
Each year almost 225 women battle it out for the first places of an exceptional, united adventure, with women only, the Raid des Alizés. With a strength and zest for life, whatever happens, fueling them, the Alizés take part to raise money for the charities they support.
Through several physical challenges, they set off in teams of three to discover the natural beauty of the North and South of Martinique. Trail Running is part of the sporting activities available, just like kayaking and mountain biking.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL PREPARATION
Your adventure starts as soon as you start training, day after day, training session after training session, you learn to increase your physical performance but above all you know how to listen to your body... Listen to your body and mind and as such cultivate the qualities you need for trail running to be able to push through the limits that seem unreachable at the moment…
You realize early on that beyond physical performance, experiencing a trail means sharing a human adventure where the passion for sport translates as the desire to help, run for with and thanks to others ! As the kilometers go by, the mental preparation you do will therefore be a key to your success, knowing how to relax and enjoy in a moment of freedom the exceptional nature of the Island of Flowers.
