Royal Raid

The Standard Bank Royal Raid 2026 is a premier trail running event in Mauritius, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026. This competition is renowned for providing exclusive access to private nature reserves and showcasing the diverse tropical geography of the island’s southern interior. Organized by Running Mauritius Ltd, the event serves as a fundraiser for "NouZanimo," a local charity dedicated to animal welfare.

Race Categories and Schedule

The Royal Raid offers three distinct distances catering to different levels of endurance. The races transition from the coastal forests to the mountainous slopes of the Savanne district.

Race Distance	Start Time	Start Location	Registration Fee
RR 65km	05:30 AM	Yemen Experience, Tamarin	MUR 2200 (Local) / MUR 2750 (Intl)
RR 30km	07:00 AM	Cerf D'Or, Saint Felix	MUR 1450
RR 12km	07:30 AM	Cerf D'Or, Saint Felix	MUR 1200

Course and Geography

The geography of the Royal Raid is characterized by extreme environmental variety. The RR 65km distance begins in the Domaine de Yemen before entering the Black River Gorges National Park. Runners must conquer the "Parakeet Trail," a steep, technical ascent, before descending through the Watook Trail in Bel Ombre. The final stretches of all races traverse the private nature reserves of Bel Ombre and Saint Felix, featuring hilly terrain often subjected to wet conditions. In early May, Mauritius experiences a transition toward its cooler dry season, with temperatures typically ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 27°C (81°F) and high humidity levels in the dense forest sections.

Logistics and Mandatory Equipment

Logistically, the event requires participants to be self-sufficient between checkpoints. While aid stations provide water and basic fruit, runners are expected to carry their own nutritional supplies. Due to the remote nature of the trails, specific safety equipment is mandatory for the longer distances. Bib collection is centralized at Be Sport, Bagatelle, on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The event maintains a strict "no refund" policy and may be modified or cancelled in the event of torrential rain or cyclone warnings as per National Park regulations.

Mandatory gear for RR 65km and RR 30km includes:

Hydration: At least 1 liter of water. Safety: A whistle, a survival blanket, and a mobile phone. Weather Protection: A rain jacket. RR 65km specific: A headlamp is required for the early morning start.