Trail Running

You don’t need to be in the high mountains to enjoy trail running—just being surrounded by nature is enough. In New Caledonia, some of the best trail routes can be found in the Blue River Provincial Park within the Great South, Dumbéa Park (featuring sections of the GR® NC1), and along the Dogny Plateau trail. Experience the thrill of running on red dirt tracks, through mining scrubland, alongside rivers, or with panoramic ocean views from the summits of the Central Range—an unforgettable adventure at every step!

Experience a truly unique adventure by crossing the finish line in New Caledonia! Participating in a race is an emotional journey, with moments of euphoria at the start, awe-inspiring views along the route, and camaraderie shared with fellow runners, volunteers, and spectators. In New Caledonia, you’ll enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere at the base camp, take refreshing breaks at the aid stations, and set off again in the best possible conditions. Racing here also offers the chance to explore trails you might not otherwise encounter, with some routes even including an overnight stay in a tribal village as you cross the Central Range.

New Caledonia hosts a variety of trail events throughout the year, catering to everyone from ultra-marathon veterans to those looking for a more relaxed, exploratory race experience. Here are some of the highlights:

• Trail des Cagous: Known for its family-friendly technical courses, this event offers four routes through the heart of the Blue River Provincial Park.
• Shell Pacific Coast to Coast: This challenging race crosses the Central Range, from Canala in the east to La Foa in the west.
• XTerra: Part of an international off-road trail and triathlon circuit, culminating in an annual world championship. The New Caledonian leg takes place in the stunning landscapes of the Païta municipality.
• Ultra Trail NC: A 130 km race that takes participants through the Blue River Provincial Park, sections of the GR® NC1, and trails recently reopened by the association in the Great South, with a positive elevation gain of approximately 6,000 metres.
• Gigawatt: Starting at the Yaté dam, this course showcases the charm of the south. Competitors will run across the dam, along the lake, and follow the electricity network between Yaté and Nouméa, finishing at the Bois du Sud (Southern Forest) site.
• Ouvea Trail: A unique trail in the Mouli tribe, held during the Fête du Lagon (Lagoon Festival) in Ouvéa.
• Isle of Pines Raid: A truly unforgettable race, finishing on the stunning Kanuméra beach opposite the Nataïwatch gîte.
• Grand Prix of the Northern Raids: This race series includes six raids across the municipalities of New Caledonia’s North Province, offering the perfect opportunity to experience tribal hospitality and immerse yourself in Kanak culture.
• Trail Camp: A three-day trail camp featuring bivouacs, taking participants across different sections of the GR (with two stages over two days), starting from Nassirah (Boulouparis).