Africa-Press – Seychelles. The Police have announced that the Anse Major Trail will be closed for the entire day this coming Saturday, May 13, for the first Seychelles Nature Trail competition.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday morning at the Seychelles Police headquarters in Victoria, Assistant Superintendent Marcus Jean said that in addition, the road starting from Ephelia to Cap Ternay will also close gradually for the safety of the participants. The roads will reopen when the runners reach Cap Ternay.
The Seychelles Nature Trail competition consists of a 22km run or hike, starting at the Port Glaud playing field, and leading runners and hikers round Anse Major, Mare Aux Cochons, Casse Dent and Sans Soucis area, finishing at the Grand Anse playing field.
ASP Jean explained that there will be many police officers, military and medical personnel stationed at various parts of the trail and the roads. He has advised members of the public to refrain from going on the trail on Saturday to prevent collisions between them and the runners and hikers. Tourism establishments have also been asked to warn visitors to avoid using the trail.
“We will put our officers in the deep parts of the trail to deter members of the public,” he stated.
The trail will remain closed for the entire day to allow slower participants to be able to complete the race.
“Gradually throughout the day, there will still be people who walk and run, so there is a guarantee that there will still be people on the trail in the late and early afternoons,” he explained. There will be a time limit to finish the event completely.
In regards to the roads, there will be traffic police to control traffic. “We would like the motorists to watch out for the officers to understand the indications of incoming runners.”
The competition, hosted by the Tourism department, the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), along with various associates and sponsors, is aimed at giving tourists another activity to enjoy during their stay in Seychelles, and is also in line with the department’s mandate to increase the destination’s visibility. It also showcases Seychelles’ green tourism approach and hopes to attract foreign sports enthusiasts to Seychelles.
Director general for Destination Marketing Tourism, Bernadette Willemin, explained that the department has pledged to keep the trail clean and in order, which is another reason why it will remain closed for the entire day.
“Our team will make sure that we leave the trail exactly as we saw it before we started the event,” she said.
Through the event, it is showing visitors another aspect of tourism that Seychelles has. ASP Jean explained that the event will also help the image of the Police Force internationally and it should be widely celebrated.
“The event is being spearheaded by the tourism department, but we are not alone, we will see the roles that the police will play, that SPGA will play and other partners,” Ms Willemin explained.
The Seychelles Naturel Trail will kick off at 7am and will include both locals and foreign trekkers.
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