Trail in Corsica
If you're a fan of running, this is the perfect opportunity to come to Corsica for a trail run. Indeed, there's no shortage of rugged terrain, at altitude or otherwise, on all types of paths and tracks, and this will be your chance to tread Corsican soil, admiring the varied and fantastic landscapes and enjoying the Corsican welcome.
Try trail running in Corsica
Races in Cap Corse
During the Corsica Coast Race in Maccinaggio at the end of October, 100 competitors can choose from a range of options! This trail can be run in 3 or 6 stages, for 44, 73, 80 or 150 km, and is the only trail that follows the Corsican coastline and its most beautiful landscapes to reach Centuri. This trail is a real adventure to meet up, share and enjoy together.
Rendez-vous A serra di U Capicorsu (in October), a mid-mountain race in the Cap Corsefrom Centuri to Bastia: 57 km / D+ 2900. On this demanding route, you'll cross prehistoric sites, admire Genoese bridges, towers and suspended staircases...and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
The Restonica trail
Starting in Corte, against a backdrop of Monte Cardu or Rotondu, this event is a huge success: 1700 runners, 150 walkers including 35 nationalities, with 200 foreign competitors. At the start of the race, a frenzied animation is supposed to give athletes wings, to cover solo or in relay, 110 km / 7200 m D+ for the ultra trail. It's steep and it stings a little, especially at the start, but the reward is there, a spectacle for the eyes in front of the 2 mountain lakes, the pozzines of Lake Ninu and a sunrise over Monte Cintu. The unusual technical nature of this trail pushes competitors to the limit, testing their mental mettle and combining pain and pleasure.
Other easier versions exist: Restonica trail 69 km / 4000 m D+, Tavignano trail 33 km / 2500 m D+, U Giru Tumbone, 17 km / 650 m D+.
Trail Napoléon
The Trail Napoléon, a historic odyssey on the Isle of Beauty. This emblematic trail, remembered as Napoleon Bonaparte's return route from Elba to Paris in 1815, offers much more than a simple crossing of Corsican lands. It's a journey through time, imbued with the indelible imprint history has left on this Mediterranean island.
Following in the emperor's footsteps, the Trail Napoléon winds its way through the enchanting landscapes of southern Corsica. Through steep paths and mountain trails, runners embark on a sporting and cultural adventure, punctuated by discoveries and challenges.
Under the mild Mediterranean sun, participants wander through picturesque villages, soaking up the authentic atmosphere of hilltop hamlets and admiring the breathtaking panoramas before their amazed eyes. The Corsican maquis, perfumed with the bewitching scents of thyme and rosemary, accompanies their journey, adding a sensory dimension to this epic adventure.
But the Trail Napoléon doesn't just reveal the natural beauty of the Isle of Beauty. Following in the footsteps of the illustrious emperor, runners cross places steeped in history, where every stone tells an epic story. From ancient vestiges to medieval fortifications, via villages with narrow streets, they are offered a veritable journey through time.
As the miles go by, the Trail Napoléon becomes much more than just a run. It's an intimate, immersive experience, an encounter with Corsica in all its splendor, where wild nature and cultural richness blend harmoniously to offer runners an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Isle of Beauty.
Other challenges on the Isle of Beauty
Terre dieux circuit
In July, in Calenzana, the "Terra di i dii" ultra trail offers an extraordinary race of 165 km and 11,000 D+. It takes place in the heart of the Corsican mountains, from stone to stone, sometimes bordering on mountaineering, in a sublime and fascinating natural setting.
Gr20 route
This mythical trail is well known to all. It takes 15 days to walk it, and running it.... will give you wings.
The women's record was broken by Anne-Lise Rousset in June 2022. Just eleven months after the birth of her child, Anne-Lise Rousset achieved the immense feat of completing the GR20 (170 km of running and 13,000 metres of positive ascent) in 35 hours 50 minutes.
Ultra trail de la Via romana
It takes place in July and is reserved for trail experts , starting from the village of Carpinettu in Castagniccia with 50 km and 2600m D+. Easier versions of the Via romana exist in 22 km and 1500 D+ (the short trail), 12 km and 600m D+ (discovery trail) and the 12 km, 600 D+ walk.
The calendar
If you're in the mood for a high-level sporting and human adventure, take a look at the Corsican trail calendar .
Combine a circuit in Corsica and a trail event will provide you with an extraordinary experience, so don't hesitate any longer and take advantage of our best advice.
