Restonica Trail by UTMB 2025: into the heart of the Corsican mountains +Added to my favoriteItem already present New

From July 3 to 5, 2025, Corti (Corte) will be buzzing with the sound of trail runners challenging the Corsican mountains. The small medieval town, perched in the heart of the island, will host the 16th edition of an event that is now part of the prestigious UTMB World Series circuit. Four races, four atmospheres, but one spirit: that of wild adventure in the most beautiful landscapes of Corsica.

Hiking trail Restonica ©ADOBE STOCK

Trails carved into the soul of Corsica

Forget about standard routes. Here, every meter is earned on rocky trails that follow the legendary GR20 .

The Restonica Gorges reveal their crystal-clear waters, which remain cool even in the height of summer. The Laricio pine forests offer welcome shade before the final push to the high-altitude lakes. Capitellu and Melu , turquoise jewels surrounded by rocks and vegetation, reward the efforts of the most courageous. The sheepfolds of Padule tell the story of pastoral life that is still alive in these mountains, where time seems to stand still. The Restonica Trail offers you an authentic taste of wild Corsica, without artifice or compromise.

Four challenges, from beginner to extreme

The Giru di Tumbone (17 km, 650 m elevation gain) kicks things off on Friday evening. The only race open to participants aged 18 and over, its accessible route winds its way around Monte Tumbone. It follows the old Mare a Mare north mule track, ideal for sampling the joys of Corsican trail running.

The Tavignanu Trail (33 km, 2,400 m elevation gain) packs a bigger punch with a formidable first climb: 1,400 meters of elevation gain over 6 kilometers! The reward? The natural arch of Scandulaghju and breathtaking views of the Tavignanu valley .

The Restonica Trail (67 km, 3,900 m elevation gain) remains the event's signature race. Runners cross the Lake Ninu and its pozzini (peat bogs) before climbing up to Bocca alle Porte at an altitude of 2,252 meters.

The most athletic runners attempt the Ultra-Trail di Corsica (110 km, 7,200 m elevation gain): a 48-hour crossing that flirts with Monte Cintu (2,706 m), the highest point in Corsica.

Trail on the Monte Cintu ©ADOBE STOCK

An organization on a human scale

Fifteen enthusiasts from the Restonica Trail association are running the event with the help of 300 volunteers. “Running the Restonica Trail by UTMB means experiencing all the diversity of the Corsican mountains in a single race (altitude, technical climbs and descents, rolling trails, lakes, scree slopes),” says Loïc Colonna. With refreshments featuring Corsican flavors, encouragement in the local language, and assistance at tricky points, the trail exudes the authenticity of the island.

The UTMB stamp, a guarantee of international quality

The integration into the UTMB World Series propels the event onto the international stage without changing its essence. Finishers leave with precious Running Stones (1 for the GT, 2 for the TT, 3 for the RT, 4 for the UTC), which are essential for entering the lottery for the Chamonix races. The top three finishers in each event earn a direct ticket to the UTMB® World Series Final.

Running in harmony with protected nature

The routes pass through highly protected ecological treasures. The Regional Natural Park of Corsica (450,000 hectares, or half the island) and the Monte Ritondu Nature Reserve (3,135 hectares) watch over the participants. Runners discover exceptional biodiversity while respecting its delicate balance. The routes, designed in collaboration with the managers of the protected areas, avoid sensitive areas and offer the most beautiful panoramic views of the island.

Three days of trail running festivities

Restonica Trail ®Loïc Colonna

From Thursday onwards, excitement will be building in Corti (Corte) with the distribution of race numbers at the Auchan shopping center. The afternoon is dedicated to children with the Restonica Trail per i Zitelli mini-races on Cours Paoli. The night echoes with the frenzied rhythms of the Samb'ava di Corti batucada before the nighttime start of the UTC at 11 p.m.

On Friday, the Giru di Tumbone sets off at 6pm for a festive finish in the early evening. Saturday marks the dawn start of the Restonica Trail (4.30am) and the Tavignanu Trail (6.30am). For those accompanying runners, the Andata solidarity walk offers an accessible alternative at 8.30am.

Simple but rigorous inscriptions

Open until June 25, 2025, registration is open to runners aged 20 and over (18 for the GT). No last-minute registrations: everything must be finalized in advance, with an FFA license or PPS (Parcours de Prévention Santé) certificate in hand. Optional cancellation insurance guarantees a full refund in case of a problem. Without it, the sliding scale provides for a 75% refund until the end of March, 50% until the end of May, and 25% in June before the deadline.

Come to Corsica without breaking the bank

Smart partnerships make it easier to get to the event from the mainland. Corsica Ferries is offering a 15% discount on sea crossings from June 29 to July 13. Air Corsica is offering a 30% discount on all flights to the island. Chemins de Fer de la Corse is transporting all registered runners free of charge from June 29 to July 7, upon presentation of the confirmation email.

The Restonica Trail embodies the spirit of Corsica: wild, technical, authentic, and uncompromising. The Isle of Beauty reveals its rawest side. Between the stones of Corti and the high-altitude lakes, each participant writes their own adventure. Legs burn, breath is sometimes short, but the memories remain. Those of an eternal Corsica, where effort blends with the beauty of the mountains.