Spain, Al Andalus Ultra Trail, Andalucia, 2009

250km | 5 stages | fully supported

This event takes us to the beautiful mountainous region of Andalucia in Southern Spain. The Al Andalus Ultra Trail is a tough 250km race run over 5 days in 5 stages, passing through hostile, mountainous terrain and finishing each day in a small town or village.

This course will place demands not only on your legs but also your character and determination.  Temperatures can soar as high as 45oC, climbs will be long and plentiful and the trails are scenic but challenging. Over 90% of the race is off-road mountain and desert tracks, with the route meeting tarmac roads only on the final kilometres of each stage on the approach to the finish line for each stage.

The race will be a tough challenge, but it will also offer you the opportunity to visit and enjoy the local culture, villages and atmosphere of the Poniente Granadino region of Granada Province.

During each stage of the race, you will be expected to be self-sufficient – carrying obligatory items, including enough food and water (minimum 1 litre) to sustain yourself.  The route will be well marked, with checkpoints and water stations positioned at regular intervals.  Marshalls will be patrolling the trail on motorbikes.
 
The extreme nature of the route, along with the unique atmosphere and spirit created during Al Andalus Ultra Trail makes it an event that anyone serious about ultra running should add to their list of “have dones”.

To register your interested email Jenn.

• THE EXTREME CHALLENGE
• ROUTE DESCRIPTION
• CHARITY
• PRICES
• FLIGHT SCHEDULE
• BOOKING/PAYMENT FORM
• INSURANCE
• VISA
• TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• FAQ’s
• KIT LIST
• ITINERARY
• HOTEL
• COMPETITOR PAGE
• FORUM
• MEDICAL FORM

Marathon starts in:

...
Are you ready?

Places remaining:unlimited

This challenge is of an extreme nature, covering 250kms in searing temperatures over mountainous terrain in just five days.  Most of the trail is off-road, so you will need to be prepared to run over unstable ground, covering long distances with very little shade available to shelter you from the heat which is expected to be in the region of 35 oC to 45oC.

For each stage of the race competitors must be self reliant carrying food and equipment on their backs. Water stations will be positioned along the route.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

The following provides an outline of the five stages of the race.  Upon registration you will receive a race manual which provides more detail of the route, and a “Road Book” will be issued on race registration day with a marked up map of each stage and brief description with grid references. The route will also be marked and patrolled by motor cycle marshals.
Note: Stage distances are approximate and may alter before the Road Book is finalised.

Stage 1 : Loja to Alhama de Granada, 55km.

The first stage of the race is characterised by its hot, dusty and rocky trails, steep ascents and descents and lack of shade for relief from the beating sun.   With over 1594 metres to climb and a total drop of 1202 metres, this trail is an intense beginning to a very challenging 5 days.

Stage 2 : Alhama de Granada to Jatar, 42km.

This tough but scenic stage takes us up to Hell’s Path - the highest point in the race at 1,650m.  As with Stage 1, there is very little shade, with the route following dusty mountainous tracks.  A punishing final climb to our finishing line will test the toughest of runners today.

Stage 3 : Jatar to Jayena, 45km.

Our trail once again provides a feast for the eyes as we run along dusty tracks and through forest paths.  The route today is undulating, with another gruelling final stretch along a tarmac road with no shade to protect you from the relentless heat of scorching sun.

Stage 4 : Jayena to Santa Cruz del Comercio, 50km.

Our penultimate day is littered with steep ascents and descents, though the challenging route does provide some welcome shade as it runs through poplar, olive and almond groves.  The terrain continues on dirt tracks, though there are a number of short sections on tarmac for some relief from the rocks and stones.

Stage 5: Santa Cruz del Comercio to Loja, 36km.

Our final stage begins gently as we follow the banks of Rio Alhama.  After just three kilometres the climb begins, and a number of steep ascents and descents test our strength and determination as we battle the elements on this unrelenting course. The final few kilometres pass through forested areas beneath the Sierra Loja, before finally descending though the narrow streets of Loja to our finish line.

Note : Route and distances are subject to alteration but final route will be confirmed in the Road Book.

As you are taking on an extreme challenge, why not run this event for charity? Many charities will agree to cover a percentage of the costs if you agree to and meet a fundraising target. Click here to view the charities currently supporting the extreme series, or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.

Costs for the event are £700.00 per person, based on twin room accommodation (not including flights).

Costs outlined:

£150.00 Registration Fee

£550.00 Ground costs

Sponsorship Options:

Alternatively you can commit to raising a minimum level of sponsorship for your charity, and in return, the charity will pay the full tour cost to Across the Divide.

You are expected to make your own flight arrangements to Granada (recommended) or Malaga.  Once your flights have been booked, please let us know the details and we will arrange for someone to meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.  All transfers during your stay will be made by our local agent. You may wish to arrive a day early to acclimatise to the heat before commencing the race.

To book your place click here.

Our policy is £38.00 for up to 10, or part thereof, days travel. For each additional week a charge of £9.00 per week is payable. Click here to purchase our travel insurance.

Click here for our policy overview.

Visas are not required by EU citizens, though since 19 June 2007, passengers flying to Spain have needed to supply to their airline with details of their date of birth, nationality, and passport number before flying.  This is part of EU-wide measures to improve security.  Details of a valid passport are required for entry to the race. British nationals can enter Spain. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry to spain.

All non British Nationals are required to check with the Spanish Embassy in London:

Spanish Embassy in London:

39 Chesham Place
London
SW1X 8SB


Telephone: (020) 7235 5555
Facsimile: (020) 7259 5392
Website: http://spain.embassyhomepage.com/

Please click here for our full terms and conditions.

Who are Across the Divide?

Across the Divide was established in 1996 by Mark and Karen Hannaford, using their many years of experience in organising expeditions and managing large events. Across the Divide has ten years of working closely with our charity clients to deliver exceptional worldwide challenges. Please visit Across the Divide for further information.

Will the ultra marathon be safe?

Yes. Across the Divide’s main focus is on participant safety.
The local agents logistic and safety provisions have been fully checked and approved. There will be a minimum of 1 UK trained Across the Divide doctor.  Full risk assessments and casualty evacuation plans are in place.

Is there a recommended kit list?

Yes. Please click here to take you to the kit list.

Are Across the Divide Atol bonded?

Yes. Our Atol number is 6475.

What standard is the accommodation?

Your first two and final nights will be spent at the 2* Manzanil Hotel in Loja.  The hotel is situated in the historic city of Loja, close to central Loja and to the local Sports Centre and swimming pool.  Facilities at the hotel will be basic but clean (for further details see below).
During the race, tents will be provided by our local agent.  Camps are generally situated on school grounds, where toilets and showers are available.

Do I have to share a tent and room?

Yes. In order to accommodate everyone tents and rooms must be shared. You can prearrange to share a room with a friend.

What is the route like?

The route is a demanding off road course with difficult terrain.  There are lots of steep inclines and descents, usually on ground with loose rocks and stones under foot.  The route will be well marked, with marshals patrolling the area at all times.

Can I raise money for charity?

Yes and we would encourage you to do so. Click here to view the charities currently supporting the extreme series, or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.

I have my own insurance policy so do I need to take out your insurance?

No, but you must send us a copy of your policy either by fax to 01460 30444 or to

Across the Divide Insurance
Spanish Ultra Race
Across the Divide
Jubilee House
Fore Street
Thorncombe
Nr Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PP

Main luggage bag weighing no more than 20kg

Sleeping gear

• Good 2 season sleeping bag + liner if you feel the cold
• Therma-rest or sleeping mat

Running gear

• 2 pairs of running shoes (trail shoes recommended)
• Running cap
• 5 x running shorts or tights
• 5 x long sleeved running shirts
• 5 x running socks
• Cooling neck wrap

Running pack in which to carry (kit marked in blue is compulsory, runners not carrying compulsory kit will be disqualified)

• Camelbak or bottles to carry min 1 litre of water
• Electrolyte drink ready mixed 500ml
• Space Blanket
• Windproof / waterproof jacket
• First aid kit (see below)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Al Andalus road book (provided on registration)
• Mobile phone
• Pen knife (not in hand luggage on flight)
• All food and snacks to cover the race – recommended at least 2000 calories each day
• Evening meal – Decathlon foods recommended - containing a minimum of 20000 calories
• Head torch with spare batteries
• Head cover (hat or buff)
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream minimum factor 30
• Lip salve with sunblock
• Mess tin
• Knife/fork/spoon for evening meal
• Lightweight fleece
• Alcohol hand gel
• GPS– (highly recommended)

Note: Eletewater and NUUN drinks will be on sale each evening at the race village, so you needn’t bring your full weeks’ supply of energy drinks with you. 

Personal Items

• Change of clothing to wear at camp and on non-race days
• Change of footwear for evenings
• Spare socks and underwear
• Toiletries and towel
• Camera, lots of film/memory cards and a spare battery
• Padlock or means of securing/locking luggage
• Money belt
• Insect repellent
• Swimming costume (optional)
• Walking pole, for confidence on gravel slopes (optional)

First Aid kit - ALL compulsory

• Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory (not for asthmatics)
• Imodium for diarrhoea
• Antihistamine tablets and cream
• Antiseptic wipes
• Plasters
• Zinc oxide tape (or Leucotape which is much better)
• Moleskin and/or 'Compeed' for blister treatment
• Dehydration mix such as Dioralyte
• Small tub of Vaseline
• Tweezers (not in hand luggage on flight)
• Scissors (not in hand luggage on flight)

Note: Though you must carry the compulsory kit bag during the race, your main kit bag and sleeping gear will be transferred each day and will await you at camp.

11TH JULY– FLIGHT TO MALAGA / GRANADA
Flight to Spain where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

12TH JULY– RACE REGISTRATION & ACCLIMATISATION DAY
Race registration will be conducted in the morning, including a route and medical briefing.  The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

13TH JULY – RACE DAY – STAGE 1: LOJA TO ALHAMA DE GRANADA, 55KM

14TH JULY – RACE DAY – STAGE 2: ALHAMA DE GRANADA TO JATAR, 42KM

15TH JULY – RACE DAY – STAGE 3: JATAR TO JAYENA, 45KM

16TH JULY – RACE DAY – STAGE 4: JAYENA TO SANTA CRUZ DEL COMERCIO, 50KM

17TH JULY – RACE DAY – STAGE 5: SANTA CRUZ DEL COMERCIO TO LOJA, 36KM
Upon completion of the race today, we will hold a celebratory meal and awards ceremony.

18th JULY – TRANSFER TO MALAGA / GRANADA FOR FLIGHT HOME
Return to the UK.

Your first two and final nights will be spent at the Manzanil Hotel in Loja.  The hotel is situated in the historic city of Loja, close to central Loja and to the local Sports Centre and swimming pool.
The hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom, telephone and television. There is also a café, restaurant and summer terrace available for your relaxation. 

Further details can be found on their website: Manzanil Hotel** Loja www.manzanil.com

Register your interest here

Adventure Racing blog.