Your checklist for Ultra-Trail des Cirques
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
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GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm
Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar
Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)
Gear
A genuinely waterproof jacket, not just windproof
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
Plan for more water than you would in mainland Europe
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Book in advance and check the mileage policy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
1 modalities
Ultra 80K
- Distance
- 80 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 5000m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra 80K | 80 km | D+ 5000m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~20 h of Ultra-Trail des Cirques?Worked out for the longest course (80 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Ultra-Trail des Cirques
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
What the Ultra-Trail des Cirques is
The Ultra-Trail des Cirques runs through the Cirque de Salazie, one of three volcanic cirques forming the heart of Réunion, listed as UNESCO World Heritage. It is 80 km with 5,000 m of climbing: not an altitude race but a race of verticality, mud and staircases. There is no flat ground in Salazie, everything goes up or down, and the route punishes anyone who starts fast.
Terrain like nowhere else
The vegetation is tropical: giant ferns, bamboo, lianas and humidity that soaks your shirt within minutes. Trails are cut into volcanic rock with irregular steps and roots, and when it rains they turn into slides. The climbing feels harder than in the Alps because there is no rhythm to find.
The island as a reward
Réunion is a trail destination in its own right: Piton de la Fournaise, Maïdo, Mafate and the three cirques. Coming from Europe is long and expensive, so the sensible approach is a full week: race on Sunday, tourism afterwards, and fly home having seen somewhere genuinely unique.
Building the trip
Book flights and car months ahead, validate mandatory kit and allow for jet lag. To link this race with the October Grand Raid de La Réunion, check the regional race calendar and sort flights, accommodation and fuelling with the planner.
360Complete Pack
Entry to the Ultra-Trail des Cirques
RegistrationOrganised by AC Salazie with places limited to protect National Park trails. Registration opens early in the year.
Tips
- •You need a medical certificate and, depending on distance, ITRA points
- •Places sell out fast among local and mainland runners
- •Book your flight before entering: it is the real bottleneck
- •Check the mandatory kit list: it is checked at the start
Where to sleep in Salazie
AccommodationThe cirque has limited supply: guesthouses, one hotel and campsites. It is the quietest area of the island and has the best atmosphere on race weekend.
Tips
- •Book in Salazie or Hell-Bourg: Hell-Bourg is prettier and 15 min away
- •Alternative: Saint-André or Saint-Benoît on the coast, 45 min away
- •Many runners stay in Saint-Denis and drive up on race day
- •Consider staying 2-3 extra days to explore the island
Gear for a humid, vertical island
GearOn Réunion you can go from 28 degrees in the cirque floor to 12 on the ridges, with constant rain and mud. Gear must be waterproof and light.
Tips
- •A genuinely waterproof jacket, not just windproof
- •Shoe with deep lugs: volcanic mud is slippery
- •Poles: the climbs are vertical and the staircases endless
- •Powerful head torch with mandatory spare battery
Which shoes for Ultra-Trail des Cirques?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Ultra-Trail des Cirques?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
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Hydration in humid heat
NutritionHigh humidity means brutal sweating and fast electrolyte loss. Aid stations include local fruit and isotonic drinks, but carry reserves.
Tips
- •Plan for more water than you would in mainland Europe
- •Electrolytes and potassium from the first hour
- •Test local food in training: diet changes take a toll
- •Plan gels for the long gaps between aid stations
Flights and getting around the island
TransportRéunion is reached by air at Roland Garros (Saint-Denis) or Pierrefonds (Saint-Pierre). From Europe it is 11 hours with a stop in Paris or Dubai, or via Mauritius.
Tips
- •Book 4-6 months out: flights to Réunion are not cheap
- •Rent a car at the airport: without one the island is hard work
- •Salazie is 45 minutes from Roland Garros airport
- •Allow for jet lag and arrive at least 4 days early
Car rental for Trail des Cirques
Car RentalA car makes it easier to reach the start and get around before and after the race.
Tips
- •Book in advance and check the mileage policy
- •Useful if your accommodation is far from the start
Sports insurance for Trail des Cirques
InsuranceCover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.
Tips
- •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
- •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains
Sun protection for Trail des Cirques
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Body care for Trail des Cirques
Body CareKilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
- •Blister patches in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the Ultra-Trail des Cirques held?
- In the Cirque de Salazie, in the centre of Réunion island (a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean). The start is in Salazie and the route circles the cirque with views of the pitons.
- Is it as hard as the Grand Raid de La Réunion?
- Shorter (80 km versus 165) but just as technical: 5,000 m of climbing in 80 km means relentless up and down on trails with steps, roots and mud. Many runners use it as Grand Raid preparation.
- When is the best time to travel?
- The race runs in May, at the end of the austral summer, with mild temperatures and less rain than in January. It is also the best window to stay a week and explore the island before or after.
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