Excited trail runners and eager adventure seekers lined up at the Constance Ephelia Hotel in Mahe, Seychelles, for the hugely anticipated second edition of the Seychelles Nature Trail.
Morning dawned on August 23. 2025 to cool and overcast conditions, bringing welcome relief to runners. Light rain overnight and into the morning made for ideal tropical conditions.
International field
With 169 entrants from around the world, including 52 international athletes, with 10 from South Africa, race registration at the hotel was buzzing with excitement and a truly cosmopolitan feel as people from different cultures and countries – some as far afield as Pakistan – gathered for the pre-race briefing.
With race numbers collected and pinned, runners were ready to explore the natural beauty of the Seychelles on foot.
Connecting with nature
Aimed at showcasing the natural beauty of the region, the race concept is about connecting people with nature. The 22km course winds its way through pristine beaches, natural forest, and mountain passes.
The mass start set runners off from the hotel under cool and cloudy conditions. Starting on concrete roads, the pace was fast, stringing out the field in the first few kilometres before the first technical section.
Challenging route
The first stern test comes after the 4km mark, with concrete road giving way to a technical climb on rugged rocks and steep trail. Runners were rewarded for their effort with spectacular ocean views and a scenic stretch along the picturesque coastline from 6-9km.
The major climb of the day started at the 10km mark as runners entered the Morne Seychellois National Park. Climbing over 400m vertical metres in under 2km, the runners were greeted by dense rainforest.
While hugely welcome to temper the heat, the persistent rain turned sections of the trail into slippery mud, making an already technical trail even more challenging.
However, the spectacular natural beauty of the surrounding forest, punctuated with bird calls, the sound of running water and the cheers of encouragement from the friendly support crew along the way ensured even the toughest sections were manageable and memorable.
The stretch to 16km puts runners deep into the wild, with runners cresting the highest point of the route at 500m above sea level.
As climbing gave way to steep and technical descents, runners picked their way through rock gardens and winding forest trails, enjoying spectacular views of rivers, the region’s rich biodiversity and glimpses of the ocean as they wound their way down to the finish at the sports ground at Grande Anse.
Impressive results
In total, runners conquered 1210m in elevation gain over the challenging yet hugely rewarding 22km course.
The inaugural winner of the Seychelles Nature Trail, Isabelle Lamy from Reunion, returned to defend her title, crossing the line in 3h05m05s.
Aisha Adwan from the Seychelles finished second overall in 3h27m14s, with South African Shaundre Jacobs ending the day in third in 3h32m28s.
South African women also took podium positions in the age categories, with Jacobs earning second place in the Senior Women 24-39 years category.
Capetonians Kim Woolrich and Georgina Peters also secured podium finishes in their age categories. Woolrich was first in the Masters Women 40-49 age category and fourth overall. Peters was second in the Masters Women 50-59 age category and ninth overall.
Caption: Pictured here from left to right Kim Woolrich, Shaundre Jacobs, Georgina Peters
- Isabelle Lamy (REU) 3:05:03
- Aisha Radwan (SEY) 3:27:14
- Shaundre Jacobs (RSA) 3:32:28
- Kim Woolrich (RSA) 3:33:15 (left)
- Marjorie Edme (REU) 3:41:16
- Fantine Soulat (SEY) 3:42:05
- Isabelle Joseph (MRI) 3:42:30
- Vanessa Sinon (SEY) 3:49:18
- Georgina Peters (RSA) 3:54:34
- Zoe Bargis (SEY) 3:58:52
For more information on the Seychelles Nature Trail and to book your spot at the 2026 event and plan your trip, visit Ilop Sport and Experience Seychelles.
Thanks to the Seychelles Tourism Board for hosting the author and other media at the event. Accommodation provided by Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.