Raid des Alizés 2026 Martinique: The Caribbean's Premier Women-Only Adventure Race Returns November 24–29
Every November, the tropical island of Martinique becomes the stage for Raid des Alizés, the Caribbean's most prestigious 100% women-only adventure race that brings together elite female athletes from around the world for five days of trail running, mountain biking, canoeing, and surprise challenges through the island's most spectacular landscapes. The 10th edition of this legendary event takes place from Tuesday, November 24 to Sunday, November 29, 2026, with the race starting in Fort-de-France and winding through Martinique's tropical forests, volcanic trails, wild beaches, and lagoon zones.
Organized by TV Sport Event and the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme (CMT), the 2026 edition will gather 75 teams of three women each, representing over 225 adventurers competing in a multisport challenge that spans the island's most iconic natural environments. After a pause in 2024, the event made its grand return in 2025 as a pioneering women-only nature raid, and the 2026 edition marks the milestone 10th anniversary of this unique celebration of female athleticism, solidarity, and connection to Martinique's natural heritage.
Martinique's Landmark Women-Only Adventure Race
The Raid des Alizés is a 100% women's sporting adventure organized annually in Martinique's natural surroundings. The event is unique in the world of adventure racing because it is exclusively for women, creating a space for female athletes to compete, connect, and celebrate their strength in one of the Caribbean's most beautiful island settings.
"This element of surprise ensures that participants must be prepared for any sport on any surface, testing their adaptability, endurance, and teamwork under unexpected conditions."
The race is organized by TV Sport Event and the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme (CMT), with the mission of attracting women from all over the world to participate in sporting events in the island's most beautiful natural sites. The event launched in 2015 and has grown into one of Martinique's most important sporting and cultural events, drawing participants from France, Europe, North America, and across the Caribbean.
Key facts that define the Raid des Alizés:
- 10th edition in 2026 (launched in 2015, with a pause in 2024)
- Dates: Tuesday, November 24 to Sunday, November 29, 2026 (6 days total, 5 days of competition)
- Start location: Fort-de-France, Martinique's capital city
- Teams: Limited to 75 teams of 3 participants each (225 total adventurers)
- Participant fee: €3,620 per participant (covers race entry, accommodation, and support)
- Registration: Opens February 24, 2026, closes September 15, 2026
- Sports: Trail running, mountain biking (VTT), canoe-kayak, course d'orientation (orienteering), and surprise tests
- Duration: 5 days of competition over 6 days, with bivouac camping each night
- Charity: All teams represent a charity of their choice, receiving donations based on performance
Five Days of Multisport Adventure Across Martinique
The 10th edition of the Raid des Alizés in Martinique takes place from Tuesday, November 24 to Sunday, November 29, 2026, with the race starting in Fort-de-France and the final stage finishing on Sunday, November 29. The event spans 6 days total, with 5 days of intense multisport competition in Martinique's most spectacular natural environments.
Race Schedule Overview:
- Tuesday, November 24, 2026: Opening ceremony and race kickoff in Fort-de-France at 10:00 AM
- Wednesday, November 25 to Friday, November 27, 2026: Three days of multisport competition (trail, VTT, kayak, surprise tests)
- Saturday, November 28, 2026: Final competition day and moving base camp
- Sunday, November 29, 2026: Award ceremony and celebration at the finish line
Daily Structure:
- Morning: Race stages begin at varying times (typically 8:00 AM departure)
- Afternoon: Teams arrive at bivouac locations and rest
- Evening: Teams gather for meal, cultural activities, and preparation for the next day
- Night: Bivouac camping under the stars in Martinique's wild landscapes
The Route:
The route is kept secret until the start date, but it is known to pass through Martinique's most iconic landscapes:
- Tropical forests in the interior mountains
- Volcanic trails in the northern region near Montagne Pelée
- Wild beaches along both the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts
- Lagoon zones in the southern and eastern regions
- Mountain bike routes through rural villages and agricultural areas
Sport Activities:
The raid includes a variety of classic adventure race disciplines plus surprise tests:
- Trail running on mountain and coastal trails
- Mountain biking (VTT) through forest and rural terrain
- Canoe-kayak on rivers and lagoons
- Course d'orientation (orienteering) using maps and compass
- Surprise tests revealed only at the last moment
"The surprise element is a signature of the Raid des Alizés, ensuring that teams must be prepared for anything, from beach sprints to mountain climbs to water challenges."
The 75 Teams: Women Joining Forces for Charity
The Raid des Alizés is limited to 75 teams of 3 women each, creating an exclusive field of 225 adventurers competing at the highest level of women's adventure racing. Teams come from France, Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and beyond, united by their passion for endurance sports and their commitment to representing a charity.
Team Composition:
- 3 women per team (no mixed teams, no individual entries)
- Teams must be registered together, with all three members committing to the full 5-day race
- Limited to 75 teams, making registration competitive and spots fill quickly
Charity Component:
Every team represents a charity of their choice, and the event is structured as a charitable race:
- All teams crossing the finish line receive a donation for their charity
- Donation amount is set according to the team's performance
- Solidarity and sharing are core values of the event
This charitable mission makes the Raid des Alizés more than just a competition. It is a movement that brings together female athletes who want to push their limits while supporting causes close to their hearts.
Notable Achievements:
The 9th edition in 2025 gathered 75 teams for a four-day adventure to the heart of the island, with participants bivouacking each night and completing multisport challenges across tropical forests, volcanic trails, wild beaches, and lagoon zones.
The Route: Martinique's Most Spectacular Landscapes
The Raid des Alizés route is famous for its secrecy, with participants discovering the challenges only at the last moment. This element of surprise ensures that the race tests not just physical endurance but also mental adaptability and teamwork. The route passes through Martinique's most iconic natural environments, making the race as much a journey of discovery as a competition.
Iconic Locations on the Route:
- Grand Rivière to Château Depaz: A 19.8 km trail stage starting at 8:00 AM, passing through rum estate grounds and volcanic terrain
- Montagne Pelée: The active volcano in northern Martinique, with challenging volcanic trails and forest routes
- Tropical forests: Dense jungle trails in the island's interior, with high humidity and steep climbs
- Wild beaches: Coastal runs along both the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts, with sand, rocks, and ocean views
- Lagoon zones: Calm waters in the southern and eastern regions for canoe-kayak stages
- Rural villages: Mountain bike routes through agricultural areas and Creole villages
- Protected environments: Natural reserves and protected areas where the race takes place
Bivouac Camping:
Each night, teams set up bivouac camps at moving base camp locations, creating an immersive experience in Martinique's wild landscapes:
- Communal meals with local Creole cuisine
- Cultural activities exploring Martinican traditions, music, and history
- Recovery time before the next day's challenges
- Community building with other teams, fostering solidarity and friendship
The bivouac experience is a defining feature of the raid, ensuring that participants are fully immersed in Martinique's natural environment and culture throughout the 5 days.
Registration and Entry: Securing Your Spot
Registration for the 10th edition of the Raid des Alizés in Martinique is now open. The event is limited to 75 teams of 3 participants, making registration competitive. Here is what you need to know:
Registration Dates:
- Opens: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 00:00 (midnight)
- Closes: Sunday, September 15, 2026 at 00:00 (midnight)
- Race date: November 24–29, 2026
Entry Fee:
- €3,620 per participant, covering:
- Race entry for all 5 days
- Accommodation (bivouac camping and final night at holiday club)
- Full race support (transport, medical, nutrition)
- Post-race celebration and award ceremony
How to Register:
- Official website: raiddesalizes.com
- Miles Republic platform: Registration available via fr.milesrepublic.com/event/raid-des-alizes-15812
- Team registration: All 3 team members must register together
- Limited spots: 75 teams max, so register early to secure your place
Contact Information:
- Official website: raiddesalizes.com
- FB page: Facebook page "Raid des Alizés Martinique" for updates
- Instagram: @raiddesalizes for race highlights and announcements
Travel Tips for Spectators and Supporters
If you are not racing but want to support the women pushing their limits in one of the Caribbean's most challenging adventure races, here is how you can engage with the event:
Getting to Martinique:
- Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF) in Le Lamentin is the main gateway
- Fort-de-France is the starting point, about 15–20 minutes from the airport
Where to Stay While Following the Race:
- Fort-de-France: Closest to the starting ceremony and opening events
- Grand Rivière: Northern town near Château Depaz, good for watching trail stages
- Le Carbet: Village near Château Depaz rum estate, scenic location
- Le Marin and Les Trois-Îlets: South coast, accessible for final stages
- Le Robert and Sainte-Marie: East coast, near lagoons for canoe stages
Best Viewing Locations:
- Fort-de-France: Opening ceremony on November 24
- Grand Rivière: Trail stage starting at 8:00 AM
- Château Depaz: Photo opportunities at the famous rum estate
- Final finish line: Check official website for location and award ceremony details
Supporting the Teams:
- Follow the official website for stage updates and route reveals
- Watch for social media posts from participating teams
- Attend the award ceremony on Sunday, November 29
- Support the charities represented by the teams, as donations are made based on performance
Martinique Beyond the Raid
The Raid des Alizés is just one of many reasons to visit Martinique in November 2026. The island offers a rich calendar of cultural events that complement the adventure race:
- Fête de la Banane 2026: 9th edition in Sainte-Marie, traditionally July or September (after the race)
- Mwa Lang Kréyol La 2026: October 2026, Creole language month festival, just before the raid
- Festival Martinique Gourmande 2026: September 8–19, 2026, 19th edition of the island's premier food festival
- Carnaval de Martinique 2027: Late January–February 2027 (extend your trip if visiting in November)
- Montagne Pelée: The famous active volcano, accessible for guided hikes year-round
- Château Depaz: Rum estate and museum on the volcano's slopes, with tours and tastings
- Plage des Salines: World-famous beach in southern Martinique, perfect for relaxation after the race
- Rhum JM and Compagnie: Two historic rum distilleries offering tours and tastings
November is an ideal month to visit Martinique, with warm weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and the beginning of the optimal sailing season for Caribbean island-hopping.
A Race That Defines Women's Adventure Sport
The Raid des Alizés 2026 is the Caribbean's premier women-only adventure race, returning for its 10th edition from Tuesday, November 24 to Sunday, November 29, 2026, starting in Fort-de-France and winding through Martinique's most spectacular landscapes. Organized by TV Sport Event and the Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme (CMT), the event brings together 75 teams of three women each (225 total adventurers) for a 5-day multisport challenge featuring trail running, mountain biking, canoe-kayak, orienteering, and surprise tests, with each night spent in bivouac camping under the island's tropical stars.
This milestone 10th anniversary edition celebrates a decade of female athleticism, solidarity, and connection to Martinique's natural heritage, with all teams representing charities that receive donations based on their performance. Whether you are a runner, cyclist, kayaker, or simply someone who believes in the power of women pushing their limits, the Raid des Alizés is an unforgettable experience that defines adventure sport in the Caribbean.
"Register for the 10th edition by September 15, 2026 at €3,620 per participant, with registration opening February 24, 2026."
Follow the official website at raiddesalizes.com and the Facebook and Instagram pages for race updates, route reveals, and everything you need to plan your November 2026 visit to Martinique. The race kicks off on November 24 at Fort-de-France, and the 5-day adventure concludes with the award ceremony on November 29.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Raid des Alizés 2026 in Martinique?
The 10th edition of the Raid des Alizés takes place from Tuesday, November 24 to Sunday, November 29, 2026 (6 days total, 5 days of competition), starting in Fort-de-France.
Where is the Raid des Alizés 2026 held?
The race starts in Fort-de-France, Martinique, and winds through the island's most spectacular natural landscapes, including tropical forests, volcanic trails, wild beaches, and lagoon zones.
Who can participate in the Raid des Alizés 2026?
The event is 100% women-only, limited to 75 teams of 3 women each (225 total participants). Teams must register together and represent a charity of their choice.
How much does it cost to participate?
The entry fee is €3,620 per participant, covering race entry, accommodation (bivouac camping and final night), full race support, and post-race celebration.
When does registration open and close?
Registration opens Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 00:00 and closes Sunday, September 15, 2026 at 00:00. Registration is competitive with only 75 teams allowed.
What sports are included in the Raid des Alizés?
The race includes trail running, mountain biking (VTT), canoe-kayak, course d'orientation (orienteering), and surprise tests revealed only at the last moment.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event: Raid des Alizés Martinique 2026, 10th Edition
- Category: Adventure Race / Multisport / Women-Only Event / Charity Race
- Dates: Tuesday, November 24 to Sunday, November 29, 2026 (6 days total)
- Competition Days: 5 days of competition (November 24–28)
- Opening Ceremony: Tuesday, November 24 at 10:00 AM, Fort-de-France
- Start Location: Fort-de-France, Martinique's capital city
- Teams: Limited to 75 teams of 3 female participants each (225 total adventurers)
- Entry Fee: €3,620 per participant
- Registration Opens: February 24, 2026 at 00:00
- Registration Closes: September 15, 2026 at 00:00
- Organizers: TV Sport Event and Comité Martiniquais du Tourisme (CMT)
- Sports: Trail running, mountain biking (VTT), canoe-kayak, orienteering, surprise tests
- Route: Secret until start, passes through tropical forests, volcanic trails, wild beaches, lagoon zones
- Accommodation: Bivouac camping each night, moving base camp locations
- Charity: All teams represent a charity, donations based on performance
- Edition: 10th anniversary (launched in 2015, pause in 2024, returned in 2025)
- Gateway Airport: Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport (FDF), Le Lamentin, 15–20 minutes from Fort-de-France
- Best Viewing: Fort-de-France (opening), Grand Rivière (trail stage), Château Depaz (rum estate)
- Official Website: raiddesalizes.com, Miles Republic platform
- Social Media: Facebook "Raid des Alizés Martinique", Instagram @raiddesalizes
- Sources: Miles Republic, Martinique France Antilles, Martinique Tourisme, AZ Martinique, Travel Video, Facebook
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