Racing Madagascar

The concept: an annual event based on 3 core values:
1. Reachable race: 150kms in 6 days, 700D+
2. Amazing journey: through the most beautiful sites of the island
3. Fair Share: sustainable development, Local Populations, Diego Suarez
Disabled Sports Federation.
The organizer
With almost 30 years of tour operating experience in Madagascar, Boogie Pilgrim &
Sonja Gottlebe rely on their 2014’s experience when the team has to organize Racing
the Planet® in Madagascar. BOOGIE PILGRIM is now launching an innovative race
concept for 2016.
"Beyond sport"
For its first edition in July 2016, RACING MADAGASCAR is focused on sports addicts,
looking for endurance, challenge, but also eager to combine their adventure with
responsible and caring behavior.
In September 2014, our partnership with Racing the Planet for an extreme Ultra-Trail
of 250kms in 7 days with 240 participants from around the world, showed us the
way. Diego Suarez region in northern Madagascar is a perfect playground, varied and
beautiful.
We associate people from trail running, our expertise in Tour Operating and the
long-term integration in Madagascar for over 25 years. We have been the official
supplier for RAID GAULOISES and its organizer in 1993, we also handled several
mountain bike races such as RED ISLAND RACE.
The other feature of this race: RACING MADAGASCAR also offers to incorporate the
rest of the family or friends to accompany and share the experience from the inside
of the race.
BOOGIE PILGRIM is primarily a small dynamic Malagasy team, led by Sonja Gottlebe,
who grew up in Madagascar. Our past experiences inspired us to create this
accessible adventure.
The team
- Sonja Gottlebe: 40 years in Madagascar, Boogie Pilgrim’s manager for over 25
years, well known around the world for her promoting action for Madagascar & her
commitment in fair trade tourism. At the head of the organization: general
coordination and promotion of RACING MADAGASCAR.
- Vivi Razaka: senior guide at Boogie for 20 years, in charge of the field trails, he is
our Race Coordinator.
- Patrice Raoull: Medical Aid coordinator. Strong background as physiotherapist for
30 years, education and sports Kinesitherapy Certificate, trainer and manager of a
Malagasy team of Physical therapists involved in the medical coverage of national
and international sports events (UTOP Madagascar, Antananarivo Marathon, enduro
motorcycle, disabled sports competitions). He was also at the head of French Red
Cross delegation in Madagascar.
- Pierre Beguin: ski instructor, rafting and climbing expert, involved in the
organization of 9 Raid Gauloises and Course Director for 12 ultra-trails of 4DESERTS®.
He will be the Course Director for RACING MADAGASCAR in charge of the route, the
security and the compliance.
- Remy Vanhoolant: At the head of our northern partner - “Evasion Sans Frontieres”.
He was the former local coordinator of Racing the Planet® 2014 and will be in charge
of logistics (vehicles, accommodation, local supplying).
- Laurent Fils: Senior guide - our “man on the field” in the north of Madagascar where the course will be held. He will assist Pierre in the course management.
THE EVENT
It is a Full-self-sufficiency race, the competitors will have to take what they intend to
eat or drink on each day. The camp team provides drinking water at each
checkpoint. Supporters can be taken in charge by camp team during the race to
follow the competitors at the start and at the arrival of each stage, and at some
checkpoints, but no assistance is allowed.
19th TO 24th of July 2016 - 150 km spread over 6 days
- Tuesday, the 19th of July, 2016 – Stage 1 from Beamalona Waterfall (Close to Anivorano)
to Marovato: 19 km; 560 D+; 560 D- ; Time limit 3 hrs.
- Wednesday, the 20th of July, 2016 - Stage 2 from Marovato to Boriravina: 20 km; 150 D+;
460 D- ; Time limit 3 hrs.
- Thursday, the 21st of July, 2016 – Stage 3 from Boriravina to Ankerika: 20 km; 70 D+; 190
D- ; Time limit: 3 hrs.
- Friday, the 22nd of July, 2016 – Stage 4 from Ankerika to Ampondrafeta: 44 km; 300 D+;
310 D- ; Time limit: 6 hrs.
- Saturday, the 23rd of July 2016 - Stage 5 from Ampondrafeta to The Baie des Sakalava: 30
km; 120 D+; 130 D- ; Time limit: 4.30 hrs.
- Sunday, the 24th of July 2016 - Stage 6 from La Montagne des Français to Diégo-Suarez: 9
km; 70 D+; 40 D- ; Time limit: 1.30 hrs.
Boogie Pilgrim is a member of International Trail Running Association (ITRA).
RACING MADAGASCAR is a qualifying race for UTMB® 2017 (2 points).
A responsible and solidarity project
Despite an unfavorable political environment for Disabled Sports, the Madagascar
Paralympic Committee (MPC) exists for over 10 years in Madagascar. Today, MPC
represents more than 700 athletes, 26 clubs and 12 regional leagues.
The Diana region’s league was the last created: 3 clubs and nearly 100 athletes. This
is the region where the race will be handled. Therefore, thanks to Patrice Raoull
(Honorary Chairman and founder of MPC), a 50-euros’ contribution per race entrant
will be collected. The total amount will be directly given to the Regional League of
Diana during an official meeting with disabled athletes. This support will allow them
to purchase sport equipment and contribute to open a factory and maintenance
workshop for wheelchairs.
The way to “TRAIL-TRAVEL”:
Supporters are welcome to follow and experience the race while supporting their
runners!
They can follow the convoy of the organization from day to day in a 4x4 vehicle with
driver/guide. Supporters can share the atmosphere of the camps while visiting
fantastic sightseeing along the way. Indeed, Diego Suarez region is full of national
parks: wild beaches, intimate bays, gray and red Tsingy (pinnacles), volcanic
landscapes and unique Baobabs. The famous lemurs, chameleons and endemic
birdlife are all around of course!
Our bivouacs are comfortable and located in beautiful sites. We use South African
tents for 2 people maximum, bush toilets, outdoor showers, electricity by generator
and all meals are provided.
We also offer pre or post-race journeys for those who want to discover other parts
of Madagascar.
Don’t wait more and join us on this great adventure!
www.racing-madagascar.com/en/