New Caledonia, a destination for sporting events

Sailing, windsurfing, water sports, marathons, trails… New Caledonia welcomes numerous sporting events allowing athletes to run, swim or even sail alongside guests from all over the world.

The richness of Caledonian nature attracts many international athletes. Sailing between reefs, among turtles and whales, or racing in breath-taking landscapes, the territory seduces the world of sport.

The challenge of the sea

New Caledonia hosts several world-famous sporting events. The Groupama Race, a famous sailing competition, has been occurring on the island since 2008. This 654-mile (approximately 1200 km) tour of Caledonia takes place in a wild and unspoiled environment, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a dream and a challenge for sailors which are subject to both a coastal and an offshore regatta, under the unpredictability of sea winds.

The atmosphere is particularly sporty in November, when the last event of the PWA circuit of the Windsurfing World Cup takes place, it brings together the best windsurfers in the world. The month is also marked by the Bluescope Race, an event for water sports lovers. Catamarans, dinghies, kitesurfs, windsurfs, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards come together for a race between the Amédée lighthouse and Nouméa.

Races with a view

New Caledonia also organizes many events for runners and hikers: The New Caledonia International Marathon, the Nouméa-BNC International Triathlon and the New Caledonian Ultra-Trail.

These competitions allow local champions to compete with international rivals. Moreover, the New Caledonia Marathon has been financed for twenty years with Japanese sponsors, for whom this dream event "under the coconut trees" was organized. Since then, the event has welcomed the arrival of Japanese, Ethiopians, Russians, Kenyans and other international runners. 

Japanese athletes do not hesitate to join the Nouméa-BNC Triathlon, consisting of 1.5 km of swimming, 40 km of cycling and 10 km of running, which attracts both Australians and New Zealanders. This event takes place along the bays of Anse Vata, Sainte-Marie and Baie des Citrons.

The majority of these events have been put on standby due to the current health situation and will return as soon as the pandemic is under control. The Bluescope Race and the marathon in the form of a half-marathon have been maintained for Caledonian athletes.