Looking for a July training & racing break for your club or running group? Then why not combine it with a great holiday and a unique cultural experience at the Vanuatu Round Island Relay, a challenging 10 person relay race around Vanuatu's main island of Efate and part of Vanuatu's Independence Celebrations.

Next year (2008), the Telecom Vanuatu Round Island Relay will take place on Saturday 26th July.  

The 10 sections of the race are based on landmarks and terrain, shorter hilly sections (the shortest is a hilly 11.7km) and longer flat sections of up to 16km. Road conditions vary from tar sealed to rugged coral & dirt roads, passing through traditional villages, taking in mountain rain forest, crossing crystal clear streams and through coconut plantations. The latter stages of the race take runners along the edge of coral reefs and white sand beaches offering some of the most breathtaking views you'll ever see.

To check out the Race Profile, registration and for more information, click here. 

Local teams often train for specific stages of the race some runners specialising in the hilly sections early on the western side of the island, whilst others train specifically for the hot flat longer sections later in the day on the eastern side of the island.

Villages and communities along the route join in the event, acting as staging points and entertaining and cheering on the teams. Throughout the day, anticipation builds as news of the teams at the various checkpoints is relayed back to the leader board at the Post Office Finish in the centre of Port Vila where hundreds of locals gather to welcome the teams home.

Whether your team is racing for a top place finish or simply aiming to get around the island you are sure of a great time and the opportunity to experience the friendliness, tradition and culture of Vanuatu.

Stages:

• Post Office - Tamate Village : 13.0 km
• Tamate Village - Lelepa Landing : 11.6 km
• Lelepa Landing - Siviri : 14.1 km
• Siviri - Saupia Clinic : 12.7 km
• Saupia Clinic - Bethel Village : 14.8 km
• Bethel Resort - Forari Bridge : 13.3 km
• Forari Bridge - Dry Creek : 16.0 km
• Dry Creek - Rentabao City : 14.9 km
• Rentabao City - Teouma Bay : 13.0 km
• Teouma Bay - Post Office : 14.6 km

For other general inquiries, contact trade@tourism.vu