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Restonica Trail by UTMB 2026: deep within the heart of the Corsican mountains New
Restonica Trail ©Loïc Colonna
Trails carved into the very heart of Corsica
Forget the well-trodden paths. Here, every metre must be earned on rocky trails that follow the legendary GR20 .
The Restonica Gorges reveal their crystal-clear waters, cool even in the height of summer. The Laricio pine forests offer welcome shade before the final push up to the high-altitude lakes. Capitellu and Melu , turquoise gems surrounded by rocks or vegetation, reward the efforts of the most courageous. The sheepfolds of Padule tell the story of a pastoral life still very much 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 discovery to the extreme
The Giru di Tumbone (17 km, 650 m elevation gain) kicks things off on Friday evening. The only race open to those aged 18 and over, its accessible route winds its way up Monte Tumbone. It follows the old Mare a Mare north mule track, ideal for getting a taste of the joys of Corsican trail running.
The Tavignanu Trail (33 km, 2,400 m D+) packs a bigger punch with a formidable opening climb: 1,400 metres of elevation gain over 6.2 kilometres! The reward? The natural arch of Scandulaghju and breathtaking views over the Tavignanu valley .
The Restonica Trail (67 km, 3,900 m elevation gain) remains the race that has made the event’s reputation. Runners cross Lake Ninu and its pozzini (peat bogs) before climbing up to Bocca alle Porte at an altitude of 2,252 metres.
The fittest athletes tackle the Ultra-Trail di Corsica (110 km, 7,200 m elevation gain): a 48-hour trek that takes in Monte Cintu (2,706 m), the highest peak in Corsica.
Restonica Trail ©Loïc Colonna
A small, close-knit organisation
Fifteen enthusiasts from the Restonica Trail association are organising the event with the help of 300 volunteers. “Running the Restonica Trail by UTMB means experiencing the full diversity of the Corsican mountains in a single race (altitude, technical ascents and descents, rolling trails, lakes, scree),” says Loïc Colonna. Refreshment stations offering Corsican specialities, encouragement, and assistance at tricky sections: the trail exudes the island’s authentic character.
The UTMB seal of approval: a mark of international quality
Inclusion in the UTMB World Series propels the event onto the international stage without compromising its true spirit. Finishers leave with valuable Running Stones (1 for the GT, 2 for the TT, 3 for the RT, 4 for the UTC), which are essential for entering the Chamonix race lottery. The top three finishers in each race secure a direct place in the UTMB® World Series Final.
Restonica Trail ©Loïc Colonna
Running in harmony with the protected natural environment
The routes pass through strictly protected ecological treasures. The Corsica Regional Nature Park (450,000 hectares, or half the island) and the Monte Ritondu Nature Reserve (3,135 hectares) provide a natural backdrop for participants. Runners discover exceptional biodiversity whilst respecting its delicate balance. The routes, developed in collaboration with the managers of the protected areas, avoid sensitive zones and offer the island’s most beautiful panoramic views.
Three days of trail running festivities
From 10am on Thursday 9 July, the excitement will take hold of Corti (Corte) as race numbers are collected at the Tuffelli village. The afternoon is dedicated to children with the Restonica Trail per i Zitelli mini-races on Cours Paoli. The night will be filled with the wild rhythms of Brazilian dance with Sambatina Studio before the night-time start of the UTC at 11 pm.
On Friday, the Giru di Tumbone sets off at 6 pm for a festive finish in the early evening. Saturday sees the dawn starts of the Restonica Trail (4.30 am) and the Tavignanu Trail (6.30 am). For those accompanying runners, the Andata solidarity walk offers an accessible alternative at 8.30 am.
Restonica Trail ©Loïc Colonna
Simple yet rigorous inscriptions
Registration is open until 30 June 2026 and is open to runners aged 20 or over (18 for the GT). No last-minute sign-ups: everything must be sorted in advance, with an FFA licence or a Parcours de Prévention Santé (PPS) certificate to hand. Optional cancellation insurance guarantees a refund in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
Visiting 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 ferry crossings. Air Corsica is offering a 30% discount on all flights to the island, valid for return journeys between 2 and 18 July inclusive. The Corsican Railways will transport all registered runners free of charge upon presentation of their registration confirmation email.
The Restonica Trail embodies the Corsican spirit: wild, technical, authentic and uncompromising. Here, the Isle of Beauty reveals its most rugged side. Between the rocks of Corti and the high-altitude lakes, every participant forges their own adventure. Legs burn, breath is sometimes short, but the memories remain. Memories of an eternal Corsica, where exertion blends with the beauty of the mountains.
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