On 26th October 2024, the island of Ibiza will once again play host to the much-anticipated Ibiza Trail Marathon. Now in its 16th edition, the event promises to be an exhilarating test of endurance and athletic prowess, with three different race categories designed to cater to runners of varying abilities. Organised by the Club Deportivo Es Puig Ibiza, the marathon will be staged along the scenic Paseo Marítimo in Sant Antoni de Portmany, providing a breathtaking backdrop for athletes as they compete against the clock and the island’s challenging terrain.
The Ibiza Trail Marathon has established itself as one of the premier trail running events in the Balearic Islands, attracting participants from across the globe. This year’s event is expected to draw hundreds of competitors, eager to test their limits in the marathon’s unique combination of natural beauty and technical difficulty.
The race distances: something for everyone
The Ibiza Trail Marathon features three race distances to accommodate runners of different skill levels. The longest and most gruelling challenge is the full marathon, which spans 48 kilometres of rugged trails, steep ascents, and dramatic coastal paths. Starting at 7:30 a.m. from the Paseo Marítimo, marathon participants will have up to 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete the course, with strict cut-off points at kilometre 20 (Santa Agnès) and kilometre 38 (Cap Nonó) to ensure only the fittest make it to the finish line by 3:00 p.m.
For those looking for a less demanding challenge, the half marathon (28 km) race begins at 8:30 a.m. from the same starting point. Competitors will have 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete the course, with a crucial time check at kilometre 17.5 (Cap Nonó). The final category, the Starter (11 km) race, is designed for beginners and those who want to experience the thrill of trail running without the intense endurance required for the longer distances. This race begins at 10:00 a.m., and while there is no cut-off point for the Starter, participants must still cross the finish line by 3:00 p.m. to be considered official finishers.
Mandatory equipment and safety precautions
Safety is of paramount importance in the Ibiza Trail Marathon, and participants must adhere to strict guidelines regarding mandatory equipment. For both the marathon and half distances, runners are required to carry a fully charged mobile phone, a waterproof jacket or windbreaker, a whistle, a collapsible cup for hydration stops, and a thermal blanket. Marathon participants must also bring a headlamp or other suitable light source, as the race begins early in the morning when it is still dark. The starter distance, being the shortest, does not have any mandatory equipment, except for a cup if participants wish to use the hydration stations along the route.
Race officials will check all mandatory gear prior to the race, with inspections taking place 30 minutes before each start time. Any runner found without the required equipment risks disqualification. Organisers have also reserved the right to carry out further checks at any point during the race, including at the finish line. These measures are intended to protect the safety of all participants, especially in the event of sudden weather changes or emergencies along the course.
Scenic yet challenging routes
What makes the Ibiza Trail Marathon truly special is the stunning beauty of its routes. The courses wind through some of Ibiza’s most picturesque landscapes, from dense pine forests to rocky coastal cliffs, offering runners unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea. However, these breathtaking views come at a price; the challenging terrain includes steep climbs, narrow paths, and technical sections that require careful navigation. Marathon runners, in particular, will face significant elevation changes as they traverse the island’s rugged interior and coastal hills.
Despite the tough conditions, the Ibiza Trail Marathon is known for its supportive atmosphere, with volunteers and spectators cheering on participants at various points along the route. Well-stocked aid stations at key locations such as Santa Inés and Cap Nonó provide runners with hydration and snacks to keep them energised for the challenges ahead.
Time limits and cut-off points at Ibiza Trail Marathon
One of the defining features of the Ibiza Trail Marathon is its strict adherence to time limits. Participants in the marathon and media races must reach specific cut-off points within set timeframes or risk being disqualified. These cut-offs are implemented to ensure the safety of runners, as well as to allow the organisers to dismantle the course’s safety equipment in a timely manner.
For the marathon, runners must pass the 20 km mark by 11:00 a.m. and the 38 km mark by 1:45 p.m. Anyone failing to reach these points on time will be removed from the race and transported back to the finish line. Half runners must similarly reach the 17.5 km mark by 12:00 p.m. Failure to do so will result in disqualification and removal from the course. All participants must cross the finish line before 3:00 p.m., as the race officially concludes at this time.
A celebration of endurance and community
The Ibiza Trail Marathon is a celebration of athletic achievement and community spirit. Each year, it brings together runners of all abilities, from seasoned trail veterans to first-time participants, united by their love of the sport and the desire to push themselves to new limits. For many, crossing the finish line on the scenic Paseo Marítimo is a personal triumph, the culmination of months of hard work, training, and dedication.
As the sun sets on another successful edition of the Ibiza Trail Marathon, participants can look back on a day of adventure, challenge, and camaraderie, with the stunning landscapes of Ibiza serving as the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable experience.
