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Mauritius Marathon 2026

St. Felix
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The KFC Mauritius Marathon 2026 will take place on July 5, 2026 in Saint-Félix.

The essentials in a few words

The KFC Mauritius Marathon 2026 will take place on July 5, 2026, in Saint-Félix, featuring four road races: a 5km Fun Race open to runners aged 8 and up, a 10km race for those aged 15 and up, a 21.1km half marathon, and a full marathon of 42.195km, the latter two being reserved for runners aged 18 and over. All races start and finish on the public beach of Saint-Félix. The course follows the southwest coast, with its turquoise lagoon on one side and the inland mountain range on the other, passing through some more exposed sections where the reef comes close to the shore, particularly near Maconde and Baie du Cap. The event is open to international runners, and registration is online. The atmosphere is family-friendly and festive, the course is flat, and the timing coincides with the southern winter, ideal for running in mild temperatures.

Far from the major events on the Mauritian tourism calendar, the KFC Mauritius Marathon It's a rather exclusive event held annually in the south of the island, in the heart of the southern winter. A race certified by the international federations AIMS and IAAF, it mainly attracts international runners and a loyal local community, but remains largely untouched by mainstream media coverage. Many visitors staying in Mauritius in July never even hear about it.

For those who cross the starting line, it's a course of rare beauty: a road that hugs the southwest coast, alternating between turquoise lagoons and more exposed sections like Maconde, with the silhouette of Le Morne Brabant standing out on the horizon for much of the race. The 2026 edition will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026 starting from the public beach of Saint-Félixin the Savanne district. Four distances are offered, from the 5 km family run to the full marathon of 42.195 km, allowing everyone to find their race, whether they are a visitor passing through or a resident who has come with their family.

Summary

Four races for all levels

The organizers are offering four distances on the same morning, with staggered starts from the public beach in Saint-Félix. The schedule is designed so that marathon runners start first, in the cooler morning air, followed by those running shorter distances.

Marathon — 42.195 km

The race has started 6:30 AMThe registration fee is 1,900 Mauritian rupeesThe race would be open to runners aged 18 and over, with a cut-off time of 6 hours. It's the classic distance, the one that takes runners to the foot of the Morne Brabant before returning to Saint-Félix.

Half marathon — 21.1 km

Departure at 7:00 AM, registration at 1,500 rupeesOpen to those 18 and over, with a 4-hour cut-off time. The course extends to Cape Anbalaba Bay before turning back. It's a distance accessible to prepared runners without requiring the physical exertion of a full marathon.

10 km

Departure at 7:30 a.m., registration at 1,250 rupees, from age 15. The route joins the coastal road of Beautiful Shadow and comes back. A good option for regular runners who want to participate without a specific training plan.

Fun Race — 5 km

Departure at 8:00 AM, registration at 600 rupeesSuitable for ages 8 and up. This is a family race, which can be completed by running or walking. Ideal for getting children and accompanying adults who aren't experienced runners involved.

Route and landscapes traversed

The marathon route crosses one of the most beautiful coastlines in Mauritius. Starting in Saint-Félix, runners head west along Riambel, where there is a first turnaround point after 4 km. They then continue west to the village of Le Morne, the second turnaround point located at 25.1 km. The return journey follows the same route back to the finish line in Saint-Félix.

For most of its length, the road runs alongside a lagoon protected by the coral reef, whose turquoise color contrasts with the deep blue of the open sea. A few more spectacular sections break this regularity, particularly around the Maconde Viewpoint and of the Cape Baywhere the reef comes very close to the coast and the waves crash directly against the basalt cliffs. Morne BrabantThe mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as a visual landmark for much of the race. The landscapes alternate between sugarcane fields, coastal villages, southwestern hotels, and deserted beaches.

The course is generally flat, making it suitable for personal bests. The surface is asphalt, and road traffic is controlled during the morning.

How to register

Registration is done online via the platform ROAGROAG, which manages the administration of sporting events in Mauritius, requires the usual information: identity, chosen distance, t-shirt size, and emergency contact. A free ROAG account is required to complete registration and payment.

The registration deadline would be set at June 17, 2026However, places are limited, and the organizers indicate that registration may close before this date if the quota is reached. It is therefore recommended to register as early as possible, especially for international runners who also need to arrange their travel and accommodation. To stay up-to-date on event news and last-minute announcements, the official Facebook page is regularly updated.

No shuttle service is provided by the organizers: runners must arrange their own transportation to Saint-Félix on the morning of the race. It is recommended to arrive at least one hour before the start to collect your race number and drop off your belongings.

Practical information for visiting runners

For foreign runners making the trip, a few organizational points deserve to be anticipated.

When to come and how long to stay

Since the marathon takes place on a Sunday morning, the ideal time to arrive is in Mauritius. at least three or four days before The race, time to recover from jet lag, acclimatize, and perhaps familiarize yourself with part of the course. Many runners take advantage of the event to stay for a week or two afterward and explore the island. To prepare for your visit, consult our Complete guide to flights to Mauritius.

Where to stay near Saint-Félix

Saint-Félix is located in the south, near Bel Ombre and Bel-Ombre, where several large hotels and resorts are situated. For runners wishing to stay as close as possible to the start, the establishments in Bel Ombre, Pomponette, and Riambel are the closest. Other villa rental options or small hotels are also available in the area. See our Complete guide to accommodation in Mauritius.

How to get to Saint-Félix

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is approximately a 35-minute drive from Saint-Félix, a significant advantage compared to other international marathons. vehicle rental remains the most practical option for reaching the starting line early in the morning and then exploring the island independently.

The climate in July

July corresponds to the southern winter in Mauritius. Temperatures are significantly cooler than during the summer: between 17 and 25°C on average along the coast, sometimes slightly cooler early in the morning in the windier south. Rainfall is low and humidity remains moderate. These conditions are particularly favorable for long-distance running, without the oppressive heat typical of tropical marathons.

The morning of the race

As temperatures can be cool at sunrise, it's advisable to bring an extra layer before setting off. A visor or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, as the sun rises quickly after 8 a.m. As is common throughout Mauritius, tap water is not always safe to drink in all areas: bring bottled water before and after the race.

Watching the marathon without running

If your spouse, children, or friends are running, there are several options for following the race without participating. The public beach in Saint-Félix is the best vantage point: it's where the start, finish, and entertainment are concentrated. The atmosphere is friendly, with music, refreshments, and cheers from local spectators—without the crowds of major international marathons.

To watch the runners in action, several points along the coastal road between Saint-Félix and Bel Ombre offer excellent vantage points, provided you reach them before the road closes. For those following a marathoner to the turnaround point, the village of Le Morne (25.1 km from the start) is a symbolic spot to cheer them on during the toughest part of the race.

Extend your stay in the south

The south of the island, where the marathon takes place, is one of the most authentic regions of Mauritius, less frequented by mass tourism. Once the race is over, it would be a shame to leave without having explored this part of the island. Our southern Mauritius tour offers a complete itinerary to discover Mahébourg, Blue Bay and the historical sites of the region.

Amateur cyclists who enjoy combining sport and tourism may also be interested in Mauritius Tower, another major sporting event on the island, also open to international participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the KFC Mauritius Marathon 2026 take place?

Sunday, July 5, 2026, starting from the public beach of Saint-Félix, in the district of Savanne.

What distances are offered?

Four distances: 5 km Fun Race, 10 km, 21.1 km half marathon and 42.195 km full marathon. All starts take place on the same morning in Saint-Félix.

How much does registration cost?

600 rupees for the 5km, 1,250 rupees for the 10km, 1,500 rupees for the half marathon, and 1,900 rupees for the marathon. These prices are indicative and subject to confirmation upon registration on the official platform.

Until when can we register?

The registration deadline is set for June 17, 2026, but as places are limited, early registration is recommended.

Is there a minimum age to participate?

Yes: 8 years for the 5km, 15 years for the 10km, 18 years for the half-marathon and the marathon.

What are the time limits for finishing the race?

Six hours for the marathon and four hours for the half-marathon. No official cut-off time is mentioned for the 10km and 5km races.

Is the event open to foreign runners?

Yes, registration is open to everyone, regardless of nationality. No specific documents are required in addition to the ROAG registration form, but a recent medical certificate may be recommended for long distances.

Are there shuttle buses to get to the starting point?

No, no shuttle service is provided. Runners must arrange their own transportation to Saint-Félix.

What is the weather like in Mauritius in July?

July is one of the coolest months of the year in Mauritius. Temperatures generally range between 17 and 25°C during the day, with little rain. These are ideal conditions for running.

Should I train differently for this marathon?

The course is flat and the climate mild, making it more accessible than many marathons. Standard training is still essential for the 42km and 21km races, ideally including some runs in moderate heat to acclimatize to tropical conditions.

The information in this article is provided for guidance purposes only. The author and publisher accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided. It is recommended that you verify the information directly with local operators or the relevant Mauritian authorities during your stay. See the Terms of Use (Article 12).

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