The Red Island Challenge
Madagascar Race
The Madagascar Race is a 250km endurance event that forms part of the 4 Deserts Roving Race series. Unlike the fixed annual events in the Gobi, Sahara or Atacama, the Roving Races visit new locations. This edition took competitors to the northern tip of Madagascar, in the Diana Region. The route was designed to show the diversity of the island, starting near the city of Antsiranana and winding south-southwest along the coast and inland tracks to finish near Ambilobe.
The race structure follows a stage-race format. Over seven days, runners face six distinct stages. The itinerary typically breaks down into four stages of approximately 40km each, followed by a continuous 80km stage, a rest day, and a final 10km sprint to the finish line.
A Test of Autonomy: The race is self-supported. Participants are responsible for their own supplies, with the exception of water and shared tents provided by the organizers. Every calorie of food, medical supplies, sleeping gear, and clothing must be carried in a backpack for the entire week.
The rules mandate a minimum nutrition plan of 14,000 calories (2,000 per day), but the exertion level usually requires more. For this expedition, I prepared approximately 23,000 calories (4.3kg of food) to sustain energy levels. Combined with a sleeping bag, safety kit, and technical clothing, the total pack weight at the start was around 7.7kg (excluding water).
Terrain and Climate: Madagascar presents a specific environmental challenge: humidity. The course is a mix of terrains. Competitors navigate soft sand beaches along the Mozambique Channel, volcanic rock formations, red dirt roads (laterite), rice fields, and forests of baobab trees.
The climate in northern Madagascar adds to the physical challenge. Temperatures reached around 35°C, and the 60% humidity increased the effort, making hydration and salt management important.
Logistics: The adventure began in Antsiranana a few days prior to the start for technical checks and briefings. The competitors then transferred to Camp 1, located at a former French Foreign Legion military camp along a beach. This location set the tone for the week before the race officially commenced on Sunday morning.
The 6 stages
August 30: Briefing and transfer to Camp 1
On Saturday morning, the race logistics began. A total of 234 competitors representing 43 different countries departed from the staging area in Antsiranana. The transfer to the start line was relatively short; a 45-minute bus ride brought us to the first bivouac.
Camp 1 was established along a sandy beach. We were welcomed by the local community, whose curiosity and hospitality provided an introduction to the region. The rest of the day was spent making final adjustments to packs and preparing for the start signal the following morning.
Stage 1: “Three bays of the Indian Ocean” – 36.7km
The opening stage, titled “Three Bays of the Indian Ocean,” was scenic but demanding. The route followed the coastal succession of Baie des Dunes, Baie des Pigeons, and Baie de Sakalava. These areas are known for their turquoise waters, white sands and kitesurf spots, but they represent a significant physical challenge for runners.
Coming directly from a climbing season in the cold environment of the Mont Blanc Massif, the transition to running on soft sand in 36°C heat was demanding. The biomechanics of moving through shifting dunes are different from those on alpine granite, and the body had to adapt to the tropical humidity.
Despite the physical challenge, the scenery was a distraction. The landscape—a mix of vegetation and coastline—recalled previous trips to Guadeloupe, La Réunion, and Hawaii. I managed to complete the 40km in 4 hours and 50 minutes, finishing in 30th position out of 230 competitors. It was a reminder that the acclimatization process was still underway.
Stage 2: “Path to the Madagascar Baobabs” – 46.8km
The bivouac on the beach offered a scenic view, but the reality of camp life was difficult. The combination of strong winds, sand, and salt spray—compounded by the lack of showers—made for an uncomfortable night.
The heat was difficult to manage. A review of my heart rate monitor from the previous day showed I had spent nearly the entire race at 90% of my maximum capacity, a high level to sustain over a week. Consequently, I adopted a conservative strategy for this 46km stage, slowing down to manage my body temperature.
I dropped to 60th position at the first checkpoint, but my focus shifted to the surroundings. This stage featured a diverse landscape. The course transitioned from the coast to the interior, weaving through sandy beaches, banana plantations, and coconut palms. The highlight was running beneath the silhouettes of the baobab trees.
The scenery came with a challenge. The heat remained intense, and the route included numerous river crossings. Running with wet feet in high humidity caused immediate issues for the group; many runners arrived at camp with feet affected by the moisture.
Despite losing the trail a few times, I managed to regain some ground, finishing with a cumulative ranking of 34th. The arrival was noteworthy for the reception: local villagers had gathered at the finish line, providing a welcome end to a demanding day.
Stage 3: “The red Tsingy valley Madagascar ” – 42.1km
I began the third day cautiously, starting at a deliberate pace to conserve energy. This strategy was effective; after the first checkpoint, my body responded well and I maintained a steady running rhythm for the remainder of the 42km. The course followed a 3.5km section along the beach before turning inland toward the geological highlight of the day: the Red Tsingy.
These formations of laterite and clay, eroded into sharp pinnacles, resemble a smaller-scale Bryce Canyon, providing a distinct backdrop to the run. However, the terrain was exposed. The route followed open dirt roads where the heat became intense, radiating off the red earth. Just before reaching camp, the course required a river crossing. While the water was inviting, the presence of crocodiles in the local river systems was a deterrent against swimming.
Despite the high temperatures, this was a strong day. I climbed thirteen spots in the general classification, finishing the stage in 21st position. The effects of the environment were evident, with twenty-five competitors having already withdrawn from the race.
Stage 4: “Route to the Madagascar Sacred Lake” – 40.3km
The fourth stage, covering 40.3km, continued the exploration of the interior. The terrain shifted into vast savanna stretches, connected by dusty dirt roads that wound through isolated villages.
The highlight of the day was a 3km loop around Sacred Lake (Lac Anivorano). This section was active, as crowds of locals gathered to watch the race. The sight of runners pushing through the 40°C heat was a source of amusement for the villagers, who cheered with laughter and encouragement.
Crossing the finish line marked the completion of four marathon-distance stages in four consecutive days. My physical condition improved with each stage. The acclimation process was finally taking hold, and I felt stronger than at the start of the week. As the body fully adapted to the rhythm of the race, the end was already approaching.
Stage 5: “The Long March through the Grey Tsingy reserve” – 77km
The “Long March” was the defining stage of the race, a 77km push into the rural Diana region. The landscape was typical of inland Madagascar: green rice paddies contrasting with red laterite tracks, set against a backdrop of volcanic hills.
The stage was scenic, but the physical intensity of a double-marathon distance created a narrowed focus. The effort required to keep moving often reduced the world to the few meters of trail ahead. The primary obstacle was the water; the route required navigating numerous river crossings. With shoes constantly waterlogged and the humidity preventing them from drying, foot management was a persistent challenge.
For me, this stage was a test of endurance. My strategy was to run the entire distance without walking breaks. I maintained this pace to the end, finishing the Long March entirely during daylight hours. I crossed the line in 9 hours and 45 minutes, taking 16th position. I finished exhausted, having given maximum effort on the trail.
Rest day
Following the effort of the Long March, the day was dedicated to recovery. The camp atmosphere shifted from competition to shared relief. We spent the hours resting, replenishing calories with our remaining food, and talking with friends. It was a necessary rest before the final stage.
Stage 6: “The final footsteps to Ambilobe” – 10km
Approaching the final stage, I had some apprehension. After 240km of effort, my legs were heavy, and I knew the pace of this final sprint would be fast. However, the pressure was low; I held a one-hour lead over the next runner in the general classification, which allowed me to run without the stress of defending my position.
The route consisted of a final 10km stretch of dusty track leading toward Ambilobe. Despite the accumulated fatigue, the running felt manageable, and crossing the final finish line brought satisfaction.
Reflecting on the week, while this may not have been the most demanding physical challenge compared to high-altitude expeditions, the competitive depth of the field was higher than in previous races. It was a positive experience to share this journey with the community. I concluded the race in 19th position overall out of the 230 starters, with 189 competitors successfully completing the full distance.
Information & Logistics
The Destination: Northern Madagascar
The Madagascar Race takes place in the Diana Region, at the northern tip of the island. While Madagascar is known as the “Eighth Continent” for its biodiversity, this specific region offers a challenging geology that differs from traditional desert races. It is not a land of sand dunes, but a complex mosaic of terrain.
Geologically, the course traverses the Red Island‘s signature laterite earth—iron-rich soil—and jagged limestone formations known as Tsingy. These sharp pinnacles are the result of groundwater erosion and require careful navigation. The route also winds through dry deciduous forests and baobab groves, specifically the Adansonia suarezensis, which is endemic to this area.
The climate is a primary challenge. Unlike the dry heat of the Sahara or Atacama, Northern Madagascar is tropical. Temperatures typically range from 30°C to 35°C, but humidity often exceeds 80%, which increases the physical toll. The air feels heavy, and sweat does not evaporate easily, leading to a risk of overheating and dehydration. The region is also swept by the Varatraza, a powerful trade wind from the Indian Ocean that can turn coastal sections into difficult corridors.
Culturally, this is the land of the Sakalava people. The presence of the Zebu (humped cattle) is not just agricultural but symbolic. The blend of African roots and history, visible in the architecture of Diego Suarez, adds a unique human layer to the experience.
Nutrition Strategy
Fueling for the desert: In a self-supported race, food choice is a balance between weight and energy. The rules dictate a minimum of 14,000 calories for the week (2,000 kcal/day), but for this race, I opted for a strategy to enhance performance and recovery.
Strategy Analysis: My food supplies weighed 4.3kg for a total of approximately 21,800 calories. This averaged out to roughly 3,700 calories per active race day, which is higher than the mandatory minimum.
- Macro-nutrient Split: The diet was composed of roughly 58% carbohydrates, 26% fat, and 16% protein.
- Daily Structure:
- Breakfast: Muesli with milk powder (approx. 500 kcal).
- On the Trail: A mix of energy bars and savory snacks. In the humid heat of Madagascar, sodium loss is significant. Sweet foods can become difficult to eat, so I relied on salted cashew nuts and crackers to maintain electrolyte balance and appetite.
- Recovery and Dinner: A recovery drink followed by a freeze-dried meal (usually 600-800 kcal).
Comparison: While 4.3kg is heavier than the packs of elite runners, this strategy is common for competitors aiming for a balance of speed and recovery. The extra weight carried on the first day is beneficial by the fourth day, as the body remains better fueled, reducing muscle loss that affects lighter-packing runners.
