sports
February 9, 2026
Ultrarunners in secondhand trainers: the rickshaw drivers taking on the world’s toughest races
Members of an athletics club in Madagascar formed by rickshaw drivers are now beating elite athletes in international endurance events
TL;DR
- Cycle rickshaw drivers in Antsirabe, Madagascar, form the Crown Athletics Club, leveraging their physical endurance for athletic competitions.
- The club, initiated by Tsiry Rakotomalala and expanded by Yann Mayette, provides microcredit for drivers to purchase their own rickshaws, reducing daily expenses.
- Despite challenges such as insufficient equipment and reliance on donated shoes, club members have achieved significant success in local and international races.
- Haja Nirina and Mamie Andrianirina secured second and third place, respectively, at the Mascareignes race in Réunion, demonstrating their elite athletic capabilities.
- The club's future and continued support for athletes depend heavily on Mayette's personal financing and the potential for future sponsorships.
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