Corsica Coast MultiStage race

October 27 2007. I’ll be attending the Race around Corsica, 6 stages around the coast of Corsica’s mountainous Mediterranean island. South of France, 40min from Paris. Last year’s race attracted Europe’s 100K champion, a professional Moroccan runner with 3rd and 5th MDS placings and French runners with top 10 MDS placings…and me. I was looking for a challenge. I was concerned about the race only requiring a hydration pack, providing hotels at night and even lobster for dinner! Some people quietly reminded me it may also be a ‘very French’ race with little interest in English, and the race website details are mostly in French.


The race was one of the fastest I’ve taken part in, with lightning runners and I emerged stronger than ever. Massages each day and a great course strengthened my body unlike any race before. 175 Km over 6 stages. Far too many prizes at the finish line. One of the most reasonable entry fees. At $1000 less than most MultiStage races, you still get return airfare from Paris, all accommodation and food. One of my stories is coming out in a US magazine in late April.
I’m pretty passionate about every aspect of the race and am the English contact for US, Canada, Australia-Asia regions. I’ve already got a group together for this year’s 2007 event. I’d love you to join us. There are currently only 8 slots available. Like many of the prestigious MultiStage races, they limit the participants to 100 competitors. Here's Corsica's Napoleon Bonaparte looking over me after the Stage over the mountain.

I love that you can do these events at your own pace. If you’re stuck in your office the few weeks beforehand, you can simply view it as a great break for training. The race also offers an Accompagnant package for those partners and friends who want to enjoy Corsica while walking a shorter distance or hanging out. Some of these areas are totally inaccessible without permits, and whether it’s the Mediterranean views, superb athletes or local food on a deserted beach…it’s an incredible time!
If you want to pick up one of the available 2007 slots, email me at chrisella@hotmail.com, Subject: Corsica Coast MultiStage race, and I’ll guide you through.


2012: It's been so long since I looked at this blog - everything goes into my magazine articles...sometimes there would be 5 on just one race/adventure, so there was little oomph to repeat it here :) and of course, many details you never repeat!  
But this Corsica race still wows me + want to clarify some of the above--- 
this race was one of the most perfect races, perfect training for MDS or other Sahara races. yes, I was the only english speaker+that was one of the best parts! 
yes, I was one of few females. 
yes, I did officially win the final stage, 
the only explanation is that the speedy Moroccans allowed me to win :) 
Running beside Lhoucine, and others, was beautiful. They invited me to train with them for the months leading up to MDS, an offer I'm yet to take up. 
I also saw that I may one day trade my high-end sport mix for a chocolate croissant each morning, like the 100K champion...not brave enough yet. 
And it was fun to see that taking a big leap can always work---I had my one+only injury from endurance sports, 6 months before this race, a hefty injury that put me in a wheelchair for 5 weeks+3 weeks crutches with a tattoo of black bruising from the chest down. Moving an inch took my breath away, juggernauts of pain receptors firing. Didnt mention any of this in the magazine articles as didn't want to take away from the fact that endurance sports can look after your body---how many of the 40 and 50 year olds look amazing!---that injury was an unlucky accident, a large trip down a 15mile mountainside. Foot doctors didn't think I'd run again, not more than a casual jog. I'd already committed to the Corsica race so I told them I'd just turn up, maybe run the first day. I started pool walking (not running, due to pain! and caution) 4 months before the race. My first run on land was 5 minutes, and could have stopped at 3. I did one long run training before the race. At Corsica, my body just snapped into it, forgetting what it thought it could do, and just doing what was required. It was relaxed, happy, and just let it happen, 6 days and out in the front pack. Bodies are amazing when you get out of their way :)

Are you a MultiStage Runner or enthusiast?
The races have been called the Tour de France of running. The events attract top athletes and professional marathoners to CEOs and high-achieving professionals of all ages, from all over the world.
A typical race format is 150miles over 6 stages. Most races require self-sufficiency. You carry everything you need to survive, all your gear and food in your pack. Only water and a place in a tent are provided. Some races simply require carrying a hydration pack, which leads to different race strategies and a much faster race.
For me, this is one of the ultimate endurance sports. The events inspire people, highlight our natural world and bring cultures together. I love peoples’ stories, the tough and beautiful terrain, peacefulness and pure fun. I spent a couple of years creating similar athletic endeavours across Nepal for myself and others.
The MultiStage events now bring me into contact with some incredible people and athletes around the world. Many of us know the Marathon Des Sables or RTP series but there are several global series out there. I hope to get to some of the most prestigious and intriguing races in 2007/8 and make over 1.5 million foot steps in races alone. You too?