Madagascar Marathon, Half, 10K & Ultra 50K
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Madagascar Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Often referred to as the Eighth Continent and earth’s fourth largest island, Madagascar is a true adventure destination! The marathon, half-marathon, 10K and ultra 50K will be held in Isalo in the south central highlands with most of the course routed through Isalo National Park. This is Madagascar’s most visited area where the country’s oldest dinosaur bones were discovered.
The start and finish are conveniently located at the Hotel Jardin du Roy, which is also the race’s headquarters. You will find the hotel blends into the surrounding magnificent hills. They offer an equestrian center, hiking trails, and complete spa services.
We offer a seven-night package with two nights in the capital city Antananarivo (Tana) where you will get your first introduction to the magnificent wildlife at Lemur Park. In addition, you will have the option to extend your stay to visit more of Madagascar to include hiking in amazing rainforest, lemur treks, and visit the unique island of Palmarium. This exotic destination is ideal for the runner looking for their next adventure!
IMPORTANT. Madagascar requires uncomfortable travel on bumpy roads from Tulear to Isalo, approx. eight (8) hours each way. This trip is not suitable for those who cannot handle long travel days or these conditions. Madagascar is also a third world country so one must be prepared for the poverty that exists.
Meals Included
Most meals as outline on itinerary
Guide
Services of English-speaking guides and MTT Hosts
Transfers
Airport transfers & ground transportation according to the itinerary
Trip Extension
Six-night post-race extension available
Entry
Guaranteed Entry (additional cost)
Celebration Party
Welcome reception and post-race party with entertainment
Excursions
Nature hikes, touring and sightseeing as per the itinerary
Medal Bling
Race shirt and finisher medal
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, May 26
Arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar affectionately known as “Tana”. You will be met and transferred to the Relais de Plateaux Hotel (in close proximity to the airport) for your overnight stay. Airport transfers included. All meals are on your own today.
Thursday, May 27
Following breakfast, we will have our first encounters with lemurs at Lemur Park! After enjoying a morning walking through this lush park full of wildlife, we will head to a local restaurant for lunch. The afternoon will be a visit to the Rova of Antananarivo, which is a royal palace complex that served as the home of the sovereigns of the Kingdom of Imerina in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as of the rulers of the Kingdom of Madagascar in the 19th century. Following this we will return back to the Relais de Plateaux for dinner and overnight accommodations. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, May 28
Today is our very early morning flight to Tulear. The group will be transferred to the airport with your English-speaking guides for the one hour flight to Toliara (also called Tulear) on the southwest coast of Madagascar. Upon arrival, we will begin the eight hour (approximate) drive to Isalo, with a stop for breakfast first. Arrival at Le Jardin du Roy will be in time for a late lunch and a restful afternoon to get acquainted with your new surroundings. Tonight, we will gather for our welcome dinner at Le Jardin du Roy. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, May 29
Following breakfast, we will have a guided hike around Le Jardin du Roy property and surrounding area. After lunch at the hotel, you are free to do one of the several optional activities offered by the hotel or rest for race day tomorrow! This evening will be our mandatory race briefing prior to our pre-race dinner. All meals will be enjoyed at the hotel today. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Sunday, May 30 - Race Day
Breakfast will be available early this morning. The races will begin at 7:00am outside your doorstep at the Jardin du Roy. The post-race party will include an awards ceremony, entertainment and will be followed by a buffet dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, May 31
Following breakfast is a visit to the sapphire mining town of Ilakaka. This area produces some of the world’s purest sapphires, which were first unearthed only 25 years ago. Enjoy afternoon activities at your hotel prior to our group dinner. All meals will be enjoyed at the hotel today. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, June 1
After breakfast, we will transfer from the hotels to Isalo National Park for a beautiful hike. The group will be divided into smaller groups and by ability. Those who wish to have a full day hike with proceed to Canyon Namaza’s picnic area for a boxed lunch before continuing their hike up to the stunning Cascades (swimming option). This is a moderate to difficult hike, so guests should be confident in their balance and walking ability along wet and narrow paths. Those only doing the morning less moderate hike, will return to the Le Jardin du Roy for lunch. All meals will be enjoyed at the hotel today. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday, June 2
This morning will be an early departure for the return drive to Toliara (Tulear) Airport for our flight to Tana where you can connect to you international flight home. For those flying out the next day (Thursday, June 3), an additional night can be arranged for you at the Relais de Plateaux near the airport for an additional cost. Those extending their time in Madagascar on the extension, please see the Post-Race Extension Itinerary for details. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Please plan for a very long day today!
(Itinerary subject to change)
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Extensions
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PRE-MADAGASCAR OPTION
African Challenge
If you are someone who loves a challenge, we recommend you join us prior to Madagascar in South Africa for the Cape Town Marathon! This AbbottWMM race offers the runner the opportunity to earn the newest AbbottWMM star as well as experience the 26.2 course through beautiful Cape Town. Following our five-night Cape Town Marathon package, segue with a rest stop in Stellenbosch for two nights to enjoy the wine country region before we make our way to Madagascar! For more information contact [email protected].POST-MADAGASCAR MARATHON OPTION
Andasibe and Palmarium | Six-Night Package | June 2-8, 2027 (Itinerary Coming Soon!)
Spend more time exploring Madagascar on our extension to the rainforest in Andasibe and Palmarium.Andasibe is a premier protected rainforest region on the eastern part of Madagascar, famous as the prime habitat for the Indri, the world’s largest lemur. It is also home to around 9 to 12 species, including the gray bamboo lemurs, common brown lemurs, woolly lemurs, diademed sifaka, and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. You will also find an abundant number of chameleons, numerous endemic frogs, and rare birds. In addition to the wildlife, flora is abundant with its dense primary forests, giant tree ferns, orchids, and medicinal plants. Our lodging in Andasibe will be at the Vakona Lodge, and include a trip to Lemur Island where you can get an up close encounter with lemurs, a nocturnal walk, and a guided hike through the Andasibe rainforest.
Palmarium, also known as Ankanin’ny Nofy, meaning “Nest of Dreams”, is a private 50-hectare nature and eco-tourism reserve located on a peninsula along Lake Ampitabe and the Canal des Pangalanes in eastern Madagascar. The reserve is accessible only by boat. You’ll find the landscap to be flat, easy -to-navigagte lowland rainforest paths, diverse palm species, and shoreline views of Lake Ampitabe. Our time here will be spent at the Palmarium Lodge, which offers rustic thatched bungalows with private terraces, en-suite bathrooms, and a main lodge for meals and relaxing. Palmarium is home to roughly 10 habituated lemur species that roam freely through the trees, including the indri, aye-aye, black-and-white ruffed lemur, crowned lemur and sifakas. One of the favorite activities is a nocturnal exursion, where you may be able to spot the rare, semi-wild aye-ayes as they come out to feed (coconuts).
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Packages & Rates
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Madagascar Tour | Seven-Night Package: May 26 – June 2, 2027
Features:
- Two nights in Tana at the Relais des Plateaux (upgrades available upon request)
- Airport transfers on arrival date (May 26)
- Services of English-speaking guides
- Excursions, entrance fees and local guides in parks and reserves as outlined on the itinerary
- Five nights at the Jardin du Roy in Isalo
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Welcome reception (Isalo)
- Post-race party with entertainment (Isalo)
- Ground transportation according to the itinerary
- Domestic flights per the itinerary from Antananarivo to Toliara and return. Price is subject to change once domestic flights are confirmed.
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (this does not include local guides when visiting parks)
- Nature hikes as outlined on the itinerary
- Touring and sightseeing per the itinerary
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel staff
- Race entry not included in the package price
Post-Race Extension Andasibe and Palmarium | Six-Night Package: June 2 – 8, 2027
Extension Features:
- Lodging and meals as specified on itinerary (coming soon)
- Intra-domestic flights and taxes on Air Madagascar
- Airport transfers within Madagascar as specified
- Ground transportation by bus as per itinerary
- Services of English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees and local guides in parks and reserves as mentioned
Not Included:
- International roundtrip airfare to Madagascar
- Half-Marathon, Marathon or Ultra 50K race entry fee (additional $250 per entry); 10K (additional $200 per entry)
- Incidentals
- All beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic; bottled water at meals is not included)
- Travel Insurance
- Visa Fee
- Optional activities
- Personal items such as phone, laundry, etc.
- Airport transfers not mentioned in itinerary
Flights: You should fly in and out of Ivato International Airport (TNR) based on your tour dates:
Seven-Night Package: Arrive on May 26 and Depart on June 2
Extension Package: Arrive on May 26 and Depart on June 8Recommended Airlines: We strongly recommend waiting to book your airline until advised by the Trip Designer.
Air France – connecting in Paris, France
South African Airways – connecting in Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB)
Kenya Airways – connecting in Nairobi, Kenya (NBO)Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents2027 Rates (all prices in US dollars)
Please note that there may be an increase in price once domestic flights are confirmed.Seven-Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Relais de Plateaux (Standard Room) | Le Jardin du Roy (Standard Room) $5215 per person $5855 Relais de Plateaux (Deluxe Room) | Le Jardin du Roy (Standard Room) $5365 per person $6050 Post-Race Extension Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Andasibe & Palmarium $2705 per person $3100 Race Entry Fee Rate Marathon, Half-Marathon, Ultra 50K $250 10K $200
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Hotels
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Antananarivo (Tana)
Surrounded by lush greenery and shaded by magnificent trees, the four-star Relais des Plateaux Hôtel & Spa welcomes you. A true meeting point in the airport area, the Relais des Plateaux is a unique and innovative addition to the Malagasy hotel landscape. You’ll appreciate our 100% Malagasy hospitality and the kindness of our staff, entirely dedicated to your well-being during your stay. Located at Ivato, only five kilometers from the International Airport, Relais des Plateaux is a perfect spot for a short overnight while in the capital of Madagascar.
IsaloLe Jardin du RoyLe Jardin du Roy will act as the Race Headquarters. The unique 4-star property is hidden away off the main road and offer 15 buildings that include 3-4 rooms in each unit. Exteriors are constructed of hand cut granite with intricate stone work. Rooms are beautifully furnished from palissandre (Madagascan mahogany). The main building has a comfortable bar and restaurant and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy lovely views from the large pool or schedule treatments in the spa. An equestrian center is also on property. The course starts and finishes at Le Jardin du Roy.
Antananarivo (Tana) - Extension OnlyThe Colbert Hotel Spa & Casino shines its 4 stars in the heart of the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo. Located in the city center, its location offers panoramic views of the most beautiful monuments of the city of Miles. The Colbert Hotel has two buildings. The first offers its standard rooms and the new building offers offers deluxe rooms with additional comfort and upgraded showers and baths. There is free Wi-Fi in the lobby.
Deluxe Rooms available upon request and at an additional charge.
AndasibeThe Vakona Forest Lodge is a 3-star Lodge located in the heart of the Andasibe Forest, in a unique and idyllic setting with exceptional flora and fauna. The lodge will offer you an escape experience combined with comfort. Twenty eight bungalows are scattered around the property to give you an experience of relaxation in harmony with nature. Each bungalow is carefully decorated and equipped with modern comforts.
PalmariumPalmarium LodgeSubmerged within thick vegetation, the Palmarium Lodge is located on the bank of the Pangalanes.
Accessible only by boat the Palmarium Lodge offers clean and spacious en-suite rooms. Within the nearby forests there are 10 different lemur species and, although wild, some are very confident and it is a great chance to get close to these creatures, endemic to Madagascar, for some fantastic photo opportunities.
The traditional thatched bungalows, made from local wood such as bamboo, are all spacious and comfortable. The rooms have hard floors and white walls, with large double or twin beds draped in mosquito netting, a rug and a stand for a bedside lamp. This then leads through to the en-suite bathroom where the toilet is separated by a curtain for a little more privacy. Bungalows all have private wooden decked terraces with bamboo and fabric chairs, a table and a hammock.
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Event Information
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Race Date: Sunday, May 30, 2027
Start Time: 7:00 AM
Organizer: The race is organized by the Marathon Tours & Travel, Inc. in association with the National Park Association.
Course: Go here for a map of the course. The marathon is two loops of the half-marathon course; the 10KM is an out and back; the 50KM is two loops of the half-marathon course with an out and back.
Entry Fee: $250 USD (Marathon, Half-Marathon, Ultra 50K); $200 USD (10K). Entry is offered only by booking a package through Marathon Tours & Travel.
Eligibility: All runners traveling from outside Madagascar must purchase the special travel package and enter through Marathon Tours & Travel. Runners in the marathon must be at least 18 years old on race day.
Time Limits:
Ultra 50K – 8 hours. Must be through the halfway point by 3 hours 45 minutes race elapse time.
Marathon – 7 hours. Must be through the halfway point by 3 hours 15 minutes race elapse time.
Half-Marathon – 4 hours and 30 minutes
10K – 2 hoursNumber Pickup: Numbers and pre-race briefing will be held at Le Jardin du Roy, official race headquarters. The pasta party will follow.
Aid Stations: Portable water is a valuable commodity in Madagascar. Runners must be self-sufficient while running. Drink stations with bottled water will be positioned where possible. Camelbacks and other carrying devices for liquids is highly recommended. Runners must bring their own electrolyte drinks or nutritional supplements.
Awards: Top three overall for males and females in marathon, half-marathon and ultra-marathon races. All finishers will receive a certificate and medallion.
Temperature: May is the dry season in Madagascar so expect little to no rainfall. The average temperature will be a high of 30C (86F) and low of 16C (61F).
Packing Suggestions: Buying new shoes or clothes is not recommended. A better solution is to take old clothes and leave them behind as they will go to good use and you can travel light on the way home. Long sleeves and long pants for the forest are recommended as you will go off the trail and into the bushes at times. Also layers work best because it will be chilly at night and in the early morning. A sweatshirt, warm sweater and/or a scarf will come in handy! All carry-on items must comply with size, weight, and security regulations. A suggested packing list will be shared in your final documents.
Difficulty: Challenging Course. Although fairly flat with a few rolling hill, part of the course is on sand, through grass, and through shallow water at various points on the course.
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: Air and land prices may change due to currency fluctuations or changes in the tax or fuel surcharges.
Reservations and Payments: A completed booking application together with an initial non-refundable deposit of 30% must be received before confirming your reservation. The second payment of 20% is due on December 15, 2026, the third payment is due on January 15, 2027, and the final payment is due by February 15, 2027. Please note that these payments will be automatically charged.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. You must secure and pay for your visa to travel to Madagascar. Airfare to Madagascar is additional. Entry fee is additional.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance may offer protection for covered events if your plans do not go as expected. Travel insurance plans are available through Travel Guard. A Travel Guard Travel Insurance Plan can help cover your trip investment, reimburse certain expenses from travel disruption and provide you with emergency travel assistance. To learn more about Travel Guard Travel Insurance Plans or to obtain a quote, please click here. All Customers should carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy including the Pre-existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver language. Refer to your state specific policy of insurance. For questions, call Travel Guard at 855-403-5335.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and/or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Race Results
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Testimonials
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"An epic adventure that will challenge you..." - 2024
An epic adventure that will challenge you, surprise you, and touch your soul!
"I will never forget traveling to Madagascar and running in an incredibly beautiful environment..." - 2024I will never forget traveling to Madagascar and running in an incredibly beautiful environment, it is one of the top destinations I have been to.
"Reconnecting with 'friends' from previous trips, and making new friends and memories..." - 2024Reconnecting with ‘friends’ from previous trips, and making new friends and memories, the relatively ‘relaxed’ atmosphere between excursions (able to manage our day as appropriate) and the availability of Marathon Tours & Travel staff for general chat and/or for information. The choice of tour guides was excellent. I feel inspired to learn more languages!
"Great TRIP! Well planned..." - 2019Great TRIP! Well planned. Guides were professional, knowledgeable, thoroughly informative, friendly, available and helpful! Travel once there, was efficient and comfortable! The resort was beautiful, breathtaking, unique & the service was excellent! In a word: WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW! In 2 words: THANK YOU!
"It was the most spectacular and interesting marathon..." - 2019It was the most spectacular and interesting marathon I have ever run. Being completely alone in such a stunning landscape was out of this world. And the cultural experience during the second half of the course was unforgettable!
"Madagascar felt like a Dream, an amazing Dream!" - 2019Madagascar felt like a Dream, an amazing Dream! Thank you for providing me with this extraordinary experience! It has enriched my being, my spirit, my soul! I very much appreciate what you have achieved for us, and have greater respect for what you do!
"It may be my favorite marathon that I have run..." - 2019I loved the opportunities to interact with the animals (Lemurs are amazing) and the incredible topography. Isalo National Park is incredibly beautify and I loved the opportunities to hike in it. The race itself was also a highlight. It may be my favorite marathon that I have run.
The Runners Country ClubThe company has been doing a great job listening to clients and adding some remarkable trips – Madagascar, Cuba, Jerusalem, Patagonia.
"I totally enjoyed myself - start to finish..." - 2017First of all I’m probably not like most of the runners on this trip… I’m not a marathon/running maniac… I am going after my 7 continents only if it can take me to places I have never been before… I signed up to experience Madagascar… I don’t like to feel like cattle being herded around so I loved the small group setting… I am an outdoor action traveler… I like to get out and enjoy – experience – take part in the culture where I travel – … So I really enjoyed the hike to the Waterfall and was the first one in the water – and the trip to the Sapphire mine… I got to go down into the test hole… When else would I ever get a chance to do that… I loved all the rock formations and climbing around on them… What can I say… I totally enjoyed myself – start to finish.
"Zeid and guides Lala and Lova where very knowledgeable..." - 2017Zeid and guides Lala and Lova where very knowledgeable, great personalities and fluent in English. Made excursions very enjoyable and I learned a lot about the country.
"New, exotic destination..." - 2017New, exotic destination. Gorgeous location for a marathon. Outstanding medical support. Great initial group of participants.
"I loved the marathon course..." - 2017I loved the marathon course. Going through streams and villages were pluses.
"I wanted to tick off the African continent..." - 2017I wanted to tick off the African continent and was also attracted by the opportunity to travel to a county that is so far off the standard tourist route. It carries an air of mystique about it.
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Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Karen Hoch
Operations Director
Karen Hoch
Operations Director
With more than twenty years of experience in travel logistics, conference planning, and marketing it has been a dream to blend her passion of running and travel with her career. Karen has completed close to 40 marathons, including Boston (2011, 2022, 2023), sevral ultra-marathons, and many half marathons and local races. She earned her Abbott Six Star Finisher Medal in London (April 2023).
Karen is certified as a running coach with Road Runners Club of America, a member of USATF and Marathon Maniacs, is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), earned her MS in Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas and BS in Economics/Finance from Bentley University. In addition to working on Marathon Tours & Travel marketing efforts, Karen manages our programs to Bermuda, Israel, Kenya, the Italy Coast to Coast Relay, Madagascar, Scotland, Athens and supports our U.S. packages to Big Sur and Boston. She is always looking forward to the next adventure!
Jeff Adams
President
Jeff Adams
President
Jeff found his way to Marathon Tours & Travel the same way many do—through a love of running and adventure. What started as a personal quest to explore the world through marathons turned into something much bigger, blending his passion for travel, endurance sports, and connecting with people. Before joining the team, he spent years in client-focused leadership roles at Morgan Stanley, always driven by a desire to grow, push boundaries, and help others do the same—whether by achieving their goals, creating lasting impact, or building a meaningful legacy.
A self-proclaimed middle-of-the-pack runner, he’s tackled 58 marathons scattered over all seven continents, earned three Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medals, and is a proud Seven Continents Club® Finisher. He doesn’t just talk the talk for MTT—he runs it.
Always up for a challenge, he finds just as much joy in climbing, skiing, and paddling as he does in running. No matter how many times he visits a destination, he believes each trip is a chance to see it with fresh eyes, meet new people, and learn something new. He’s deeply involved in the running and adventure community, serving on the board for Oceanites, leading T.O.U.R.S. (Tour Operators United for Runners), and supporting causes close to his heart like Make-A-Wish and Back on My Feet. For him, it’s never just about the finish line—it’s about the journey and the people who make it unforgettable.