New year often means new resolutions… and why not start with a sporting challenge? In Calvi, the kick-off of 2025 will take place to the rhythm of the strides of the very first City Trail in Citadellaon January 4. An original way to combine surpassing oneself and a spirit of sharing, in a festive atmosphere.
Organized by l’association Sport in Calvi – chaired by Antoine Guidicelli and supported by Jérôme Sévéon and Césaire Haller -, this city trail joins the dynamics of large island cities like Bastia, Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio and Corte.
After the second edition of the Trail in Calvi which took place last November, the linchpins of these sporting events count “take full advantage of the craze” continuing “to ride this wave” and by bringing, each time, “something innovative” for the participants.
The Ajaccio City Trail will be dedicated to the memory of Pierre-Louis Giorgi, who was to participate in it
A unique journey between sea, city and citadel
“We challenged ourselves to enter the path initiated by these cities. A city trail is a little more complex to organize, because you have to reconcile city traffic and runningbook Antoine Guidicelli. Thanks to the town hall, the municipal police, the gendarmerie and the 2nd REP, we managed to block certain roads for half an hour.“ Then, the runners will move on half of the road or on the sidewalks.
Thus, the 9 kilometers to be run at night, combining physical challenges and picturesque atmosphere, will take runners through the alleys and emblematic sites of the Calvaise city.
The start will be given from the Christmas chalets, located on the new square of the war memorial.
After a descent via Boulevard Wilson, participants will cross via Rue Clemenceau to reach the port. A 300 meter jaunt along the beach will precede a detour towards the Pietra Maggiore road and the stadium road.
Despite the crowds, the GR20 benefited from the good management of visitor flows
The competitors will then face the ups and downs of Avenue Santa Maria and Rue des Écoles, passing near the cemetery and the gendarmerie. The citadel will then offer a spectacular finale, with a loop within its ramparts, followed by a descent via the stairs.
The port will host a final loop to the start of the beach to finally go up Wilson Boulevard and cross the finish line in style.
The runners “the fastest will finish the course in 30 to 35 minutes“while those of intermediate level will complete the test “between 50 minutes to 1 hour 10”. For beginners, “the maximum estimated duration is 1 hour 30 minutes”.
This city trail is aimed at a varied audience, from 16 to 70 years oldoffering everyone a challenge to their measure. “What is important to us is the spirit of sharing. We bring together athletes, curious people, families, while promoting the festive spirit of the city,” adds the organizer.
At the time of writing, more than 350 participants have already registered. The limit set at 400 competitors will, undoubtedly, “quickly reached”.
A tribute to Thierry Ricco
The City Trail in Citadella will also host the grand final of the Corsican city trails, organized by Sportimers. To participate, runners must have taken part in at least four similar events on the island.
Disappearance of Thierry Ricco in Calvi, a shock across Balagne
This edition will be especially marked by a tribute to Thierry Riccoa local figure who died on November 28, with the number 9 and a star integrated into the city trail logo as well as on the event t-shirts. “Each year, these races will be dedicated to him, in memory of his impact and his commitment”would like to highlight the organizer, Antoine Guidicelli.
