About

“Cowards shrink from challenges, weaklings flee from them, but warriors wink at them.”

Matshona Dhliwayo

What is Hard Warrior?

Prove yourself as the ultimate Hard Warrior as you and your team navigate our obstacle full of challenges to test your strength, resolve and teamwork.

Practical Information

Date: Saturday 25th October 2025
Location: Sept Cascade Lodges, Mauritius. See Deployment for more information.
Time: See the Schedule

Why we created Hard Warrior

For over two decades, we’ve been designing private, high-adventure events – from tactical team missions to endurance challenges in wild terrain – for select international clients. Since 2003, we’ve also contributed to the creation and success of some of Mauritius’ most iconic races: the Dodo Trail, the Beachcomber Trail, and the UTMB. We’ve always been behind the scenes – building, guiding, rescuing, solving problems. But the idea of launching our own race 0 one that embodies our identity – has lived with us all these years.

Now, the time feels right.
It’s time to take the leap, open it to the public, and bring our Vertical World DNA to life.

Hard Warrior is more than just a race.
It’s a military-inspired team challenge – built from the spirit of expedition, rescue, and tactical movement – designed to push the limits of the body and the mind. It is a test of endurance, decision-making, and true teamwork.

Our Vision

• A race that evolves every year – with new challenges, deeper strategy, and stronger teams.
• A community of teams that come back, year after year, to test themselves against the terrain and their own limits.
• A tribute to those who’ve worked with us for 20 years – as guides, builders, rescuers, supporters – and who now have the chance to race, help, or cheer us on.

Race Design & Philosophy

The race begins at one of our favorite places, Tamarin Falls Lodges, and unfolds through the wild beauty of the region. Wherever possible, we use natural terrain, integrating rivers, slopes, forest paths, and open ridges. But we also are building carefully engineered obstacles inspired by rescue challenges, military training, and problem-solving missions.

We’ve even added a water obstacle course, inspired by the French Marines.

Race Formats

Hard Warrior (Epic Challenge)

Teams of three carry a standard team load (plus any gear they choose) and attempt the full course in time, navigating all obstacles, with no aid stations except a water top-up at the start. This is a self-sufficient race – built for grit and operational readiness.

Fun Warrior (Exploratory Format)

Team-based with as few or many as you want, but with no time pressure. Teams can skip obstacles they choose to and enjoy the adventure as a shared experience.

Ti Warrior (Bring your Family)

A shorter race with challenges for all of the family to complete together, from 12 years and up!

Warrior Dash

For those who want to participate without obstacles. A scenic trail run with natural terrain, open to all fitness levels.

Are you Ready?

This race is our tribute to the outdoors, to team spirit, to boldness and preparation, and to the belief that challenge creates growth.

We start small – but we build with intention.

We hope you’ll join us – as a participant, a sponsor, a supporter, or part of the tribe that makes Hard Warrior a movement.