Coureurs Montee Campu Rumanilu Trail Bonifacio

Surpassing yourself

The Bonifacio Trail

In the far south of Corsica, far from the hustle and bustle of summer, every year an event punctuates the life of the Cité des falaises around All Saints’ Day. If this period is important for all Corsicans who honor their deceased, it is also important for Bonifacians who see a cohort of runners in search of the ultimate challenge. Starting from the port, the Trail de Bonifacio invites runners to discover the essence of Bonifacio: its medieval upper town, its ivory cliffs, its spectacular mouths, and its coastal paths winding through the maquis overhanging the sea. So, are you coming to try your hand at this trail in such a remarkable setting?

An applauding start at the marina

Discovery in the morning light

It’s October 29, 2023, and the 500 participants in the 20th edition of the Trail des falaises are at the starting line on a sunny autumn day. A successful anniversary, since the organizers had announced a few days earlier that the race was sold out. With the excitement at its peak, some runners jog on to warm up and relieve some of the accumulated pressure. Others were concentrating or being encouraged by a crowd of onlookers who had come to support these athletes with their varied profiles, who seemed to be professionals as well as amateurs. What’s certain is that everyone is ready to devour the 14 kilometers and 500 meters of ascent that the race profile offers. It’s 9.30 am on the harbour esplanade when the 500 trailers set off to the applause of the crowd.

Warm up your calves in the narrow streets of the medieval city

Still compact, the mass of runners make their way along the quays in the direction of the commercial port, before rushing up the first hill on rue Sauveur Paul Étienne. After the Avenue Charles de Gaulle, the challenge-seekers cross the superb Porte de France and enter the upper town. Already, the leaders were widening the gap, while some participants were panting heavily from this first difficulty. To the cheers of the many spectators on the main thoroughfare, Via Fred Scamaroni, the leading pack of five speeds along, reaching the Porte de Gênes just a few minutes later. Then it’s down the montée Saint-Roch along the ramparts, under the watchful eye of the Bastion de l’Étendard.

Good to know

In the interests of the environment, the trail organizers have banned single-use plastic cups. Participants must take their ecotasse with them to rehydrate at the Pertusatu semaphore refreshment station.

A race in the heart of nature

Trails overlooking the sea

Having just left the medieval town, the runners pass the chapel of Saint-Roch and set off on the Campu Rumanilu path for a new stage of the race. Leaving the asphalt behind, they now run on small paths winding through the maquis. The views from Bonifacio’s alabaster cliffs, which form a natural balcony, are astonishing. Everywhere, harmony dominates, flooding the landscape with its beauty. The race route skirts the cliffs while overlooking the sea, whose horizon reveals nearby Sardinia. In the midst of these incomparable landscapes, the runners pass the Pertusatu semaphore, which watches over the sailors, and continue further south towards Cala Sciumara. We’re now at the eighth kilometer, and the less experienced runners are beginning to feel the strain, having to dig deep within themselves. A few more hundred meters and the lighthouse reveals itself, before giving way to Capu Pertusatu and its lunar scenery.

The final stretch before delivery

From the translucent waters of Saint-Antoine beach, runners have to push one last time to reach the limestone plateau 80 meters above. A vertical that requires those who are not used to races to hang in there. Despite the tired faces, you can feel the enthusiasm and determination to go all the way, with just a handful of kilometers to go. Under a blue sky and in an atmosphere of mild temperatures, the jerky breathing of the athletes breaks the silence. They pass the old slaughterhouse perched on the cliffs and rush down the final descent, just as one of the organizers tells them that the finish line is just around the corner. Finally, the terracotta-colored roof tiles appear in the runners’ field of vision. “This is it!” exclaims one of the runners.

A brief history

Bonifacio trail and solidarity walk

Created in 1993 by the CO Lecci-Trinité, this southern event has gone from strength to strength. Over the years, the trail’s reputation has spread beyond the ramparts of the Cité des Falaises, thanks to the efforts of the volunteers who contribute to the smooth running of the event.

Did you know?

While the 14-kilometer race is the main event, a solidarity walk in and around Bonifacio is also organized on this day. There’s no ranking or timing involved, just a moment to admire and enjoy the scenery. Proceeds from the walk go to the INSEME association, which supports people who have to travel to the mainland for medical reasons.

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And finally the finish line appears

To the sound of their strides and applause, the 500 participants gradually cross the finish line after a final push along the quayside. Out of breath but happy, they’ve just taken part in a race that’s unique in the change of scenery it provides. Prizes are awarded to all, including a magnificent wooden trophy made by l’Âme du Bois. The top finishers completed the race in just under an hour, and took to the podium to the cheers of the crowd and a highly complimentary announcer.

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Enjoy a convivial meal after the race

Comfort after effort? What could be more satisfying than to be able to enjoy a good meal after a physical effort in one of the restaurants still open on the Marina. In fact, after the trail, the organizers organized a meal for the participants at L’Escale restaurant. It’s a time for sharing and debriefing, and why not talk about the next edition of the Trail de Bonifacio?

Further information