Madagascar Marathon

Course Breakdown:

Start/Finish

Start Line: Relais de la Reine Hotel

Finish Line: Hotel Jardin du Roy

These two hotels are located very close to each other and act as the race HQ

Course Overview

Total Distance Options

• Marathon: 42.2km
• Half Marathon: 21.1km
• Ultra Marathon: 50km

Terrain: Primarily dirt trails and grassy paths, some paved sections, and stream crossings

Route Segments

1. Initial stretch 

• Begins at Relais de la Reine, crosses National Route 7 (RN7)
• Flat to gentle rolling terrain through semi-arid landscape

2. Loop through Isalo National Park (22km)

• This is the centrepiece of the course
• Stunning red sandstone formations
• Passes by deep canyons and desert vegetation
• Trails through savannah, scrub forest, and open grassland
• Occasional wildlife sightings (Lemurs, Birds)
• Shallow stream crossings and small wooden bridges

3. Village and Farmland Section

• Passes through small Malagasy villages
• Dirt paths with occasional livestock or local onlookers
• Authentic culture experience

4. Final Stretch to Jardin du Roy 

• Joins a more defined trail
• Gentle downhill and flat terrain
• Ends at Hotel Jardin du Roy

Elevation

Total elevation gain: 200 meters

• Mostly rolling hills with no extreme climbs

Aid Stations 

• Limited due to remote location – carry your own hydration gear is strongly recommended
• Bottled water available approximately every 4-6km

Time Limits

Full Marathon and Ultra Marathon = 7 hours

Half Marathon = 5 hours

Course Conditions

• May is dry season – generally clear skies and moderate temperatures
• Average daytime highs = 25-30C
• Early start helps avoid the midday heat