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9th edition of Guadarun coming up March 23-30

Jacqueline Windh / 10.02.2008

The ninth edition of Guadarun is coming up this March 23-30. Each stage of this six-day run takes place on a different island of lovely Guadeloupe.

This long-running event is well planned and well paced, so that runners can take part in a challenging race without missing out on getting to know this exotic Caribbean island.

Racers arrive on March 23rd, but then have the following day for acclimatization on the tiny unprotected westernmost island of La Désirade. The race starts the next morning, with each stage between 20 and 40 km in length, and each taking place on a different Guadeloupe island. Days 1 to 3, and 5 and 6 are all race days, with Day 4 being a rest day on the “garden island” Marie-Galante.

The race is all on trails, and organizers indicate that the terrain is varied, and includes beaches, mud, rocky trails and forest paths. One of the many highlights will be running up the active volcano La Soufrière, with its outcrops steaming sulphurous gases.

Forty three competitors are signed up at the moment, but there is currently still room for more registrants. Guadeloupe may be accessed from Europe by direct flights from Paris, and from North America through Puerto Rico. The race website provides more detailed information in four languages, including English: www.guadarun.net