The CIEL Ferney Trail is back in Mauritius writes DEBBIE HATHWAY. The premier annual trail running event makes a welcome return on Saturday, 10 September 2022 after two years of ‘light’ versions due to the government limit on public gatherings imposed by the Covid-19 crisis.
Elite competitors will arrive at the lush La Vallée de Ferney in Mauritius before sunrise on the day to prepare for the start of the C-Care 35km race, a particularly challenging route that involves a 1,800-metre climb.
Incredible views
The first few kilometres lead up Lion Mountain where trail runners will be greeted by the early sun rays and briefly distracted by the incredible views from the summit. They can’t afford to take their eyes off the track for too long as it winds through uneven and often muddy ground if it’s been raining. I covered the event in 2019, and that year, a colleague who had entered the race was surprised by a wild boar crossing his path.
The C-Care 35km continues down into the Ferney valley before moving on to another four climbs and more downhills in open grassy sections and forests of the reserve.
Race organisers cap the number of entries at 3,400, and the event is always fully subscribed. Entries for the Sun Resorts Fun Run 5km race typically close first as children, families and more casual runners and walkers like to enjoy the camaraderie, take time to appreciate their natural surroundings, and support a good cause.
There is also the Bank One 18km and the CIEL 13km for keen athletes. All four races are open to Mauritians, expats, and foreign visitors, who can choose to enter the one that suits their abilities and the level of fun and enjoyment they wish to get out of the day.
The CIEL 13km is more challenging and hillier, with a positive elevation of 530 metres while contenders for the Bank One 18km must tackle over 800 metres of positive elevation through hilly terrain and a tropical forest.
The CIEL Ferney Trail is first and foremost a celebration of trail running and connection with nature. There’s a sign along the route that reminds people that there’s no Wi-Fi in the valley, but you get a better connection!
Transported on a ‘joëlette’
It is the only trail running event in Mauritius that welcomes entries from physically impaired participants who are transported on a ‘joëlette’ by a group of volunteers who rotate at intervals throughout the race. The ‘joëlette’ is a special chair equipped with one wheel and metal bars, which enable the volunteers to lift and balance it as they navigate the terrain. It’s no mean feat and, this year, a team from the nearby island of Rodrigues – a territory of Mauritius – will tackle the CIEL 13km course.
The CIEL Ferney Trail encourages support for nature conservation efforts of La Vallée de Ferney Conservation Trust (with the expert support of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation) and all registration fees are donated to the Trust. The latter manages initiatives for protecting and rehabilitating the flora and fauna of La Vallée de Ferney, which is home to some of the last tracts of endemic forest in Mauritius.
Only 2% of original tropical forest is intact on the island and endemic animal species have been heavily affected by the reduction of their natural habitat. Several endemic bird species are endangered or almost extinct but conservation programmes to reintroduce the Pink Pigeon, the Mauritian Kestrel, the Echo Parakeet, the Flycatcher, and the Cuckoo Shrike in the forests of La Vallée de Ferney have met with remarkable success.
The grounds in front of the old sugar mill of La Vallée de Ferney will house the Village of the CIEL Ferney Trail, which will be the focal point for pre-start and finishers’ gatherings, results announcements, prize giving as well as free massage and post-race care for finishers. Children can enjoy games in the kids’ corner provided by hospitality group Sun Resorts.
Mauritius-based CIEL Group is the main sponsor for the event. Listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius, CIEL has operations in more than 10 countries in agriculture, finance, healthcare, hotels and resorts, property and textile sectors.
What: CIEL Ferney Trail
When: 10 September 2022
Where: Mauritius
WS
