3 days of Trail Ibiza: An event in Ibiza for avid runners

The Ibiza Trail has become a favorite sporting event among both locals and visitors to Ibiza. The hilly and coastal island is well suited to running events because there are all sorts of difficulty levels available to participants. You can jog through the mountains while you admire the sea, or take a city-tour on foot past the multiple historical heritage sites on the island. What could be better for athletes on holiday?

If you love running along trails, one of the sporting events that you cannot miss this fall on the white island is the Trail Ibiza 2021, which will be held in November from Friday 26 to Sunday 28.

Here, you’ll find all the details you need from our local, expert runners about this event, so you can prepare for your trip:

Trail Ibiza: everything you need to know 

In the three days of the Trail Ibiza 2021 you can enjoy this route and so many different facets, from a night tour to an 82-kilometer run in the Autumn sun. The trail is a unique experience held in an exceptional environment. The race welcomes expert and amateur participants alike, giving all trail lovers the opportunity to explore different areas of the island.

The event schedule 

First things first: you need to get to the starting line. A bus service runs on Saturdays from Es Cubells to San Josep, which is where the race begins.

After registration, you will receive specific instructions regarding the event program, but we can share the most relevant information with you now to help you prepare. For example, you can collect your participant number in the week preceding the race, from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00pm at the Trideporte local, right next to the Ibiza Country Club.

The race is divided into three stages. On the first day, on Friday, November 26, participants can run a 10-kilometer race after dark, throughout which runners will explore some of the mountainous areas of central Ibiza. On Saturday 27, you will have the opportunity to choose between four different races, the routes of which are different lengths: 82, 42, 21, and 10 kilometers. To finish, on the morning of Sunday the 28th, a 10-kilometer daytime route will take you along the seafront.

It is worth planning to bring someone with you, or arrive with only belongings you can carry on the day, as there will be no storage or closet service available at any point during the competition.
 

Trail Ibiza: A race for solidarity 

One of the best parts of participating in the Ibiza trail, and a definite motivation to join in, is its purpose. The organization of the Trideporte Club, which is in charge of preparing the Ibiza Trail each year, donates all profits to charity. To date, the final recipient of the 2021 funds has yet to be announced, but pre-pandemic, 2019’s profits went to a non-profit called Respiralia that works with people with cystic fibrosis.

             Ibiza trail registrations 

To register for the Trail Ibiza 2021 race, racers need to go to the Elitechip website. Get your name down soon because only 300 athletes can participate on Friday and Sunday, while the event on Saturday is limited to 150 attendees. In addition, participants need to register as athletes in the Sub23 category or higher, and show a route or trail running license. It is also acceptable to present a national license or a day permit.

One novelty of 2021 is that there will be the option to run in pairs of more than one gender. The intention is to encourage the participation of more women. The three days trail Ibiza launched this new category, with its own classification and prizes, wherein running pairs simply need to cross control points at the same time to qualify, but they will be evaluated as independent participants.

The 3 stages of the Ibiza Trail 

It is not obligatory to participate in all the three days that Trial Ibiza lasts, the three stages are very different from each other, so it’s hard to choose just one to run! This leads many people to take on all three days of cross country. To help you decide, or at least whittle the decision down to two, here’s what you’ll see on each stint of the race.

            Friday 26: 10-kilometer race after dark 

The weekend begins with a 10-kilometer race from the town of Sant Jordi after nightfall. Runners will explore the area of the Castle of Ibiza and its surrounding hills. In total, participants will jog up 175 meters of incline on a running trail that enamours everyone who comes along this pathway.

The starting line is specifically at Avenida de Los Andenes, the same location as the finishing line so your supporters can wait for you here. On Friday, November 26 at 8:00 pm, the race will start and most runners will cross the finishing line between 9:20 and 9:30 pm. Along the route, runners will see some of the most important attractions of Ibiza, such as the Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves and the viewpoint at Punta del Calvari, looking out to the sea in central Ibiza.

            Saturday 27: Choose from 4 options at Trail Ibiza 

On Saturday November 27, Trail Ibiza participants can choose from 4 different types of trail. This means the decision can be based on demand, preference, or personal objectives. Let’s dive into the details of each option.

The bravest runners might participate in the Ultra Trail Ibiza, stretching across 84 kilometers. On this route, in addition to reaching 3,022 meters above sea level, runners will pass through villages that are not normally open to the public and even private farms, so it will be a wholly unique experience. Starting and ending in Sant Josep, this race sets off bright and early at 7:00 am. It will cover the most renowned peaks of the island including Sa Capelleta, Puig d'en Serra and the beautiful Serra Grossa.

Without a doubt, the 84-kilometer trail is the most complete to discover the beaches of Ibiza, along the sand of secluded coves of the white island, as well as past dreamlike landscapes like views of the islet Es Vedra and the 360º view of Ibiza from Sa Talaia.

If you are looking for a less demanding activity, or simply don’t fancy running from dawn to dusk non-stop, there are three other options: a marathon of 42 kilometers, a half marathon 21 kilometers, and a 10 kilometer-run. You can trim the Ultra Trail Ibiza route to suit your chosen distance, but know that only the full length run and the marathon go along the coastal area of the island.

Sunday 28: 10 kilometer day race 

On Sunday at 11 am, the long-awaited three day Ibiza Trail weekend reaches a climax. The third day is completed with a final 10-kilometer race during the daytime. The Cap Martinet shooting range marks the starting line and finishing line, after passing through the coves of Cala Estanyol and Cala Espart. This trail is pleasant and refreshing as you have a sea view for the entire race.

Now you know the details and can plan to match your activity level to your running goals, the Trail Ibiza 2021 awaits you. You can easily organise a trip with several people, thanks to the flexibility and variations available to choose from; every person can take part without over exerting themselves. 

Cheerleaders and supports are also welcome to watch from the start and finish lines, or catch you along the way. Why not bring the whole family?