Ibiza is a very sporty island.  There are Running Races in Ibiza almost every weekend outside of the peak summer months – many of them are Road Races but the Trail Races on this green & hilly island are really special.  Here’s my tips for entering, participating and supporting a Running Race in Ibiza.

1. You can enter almost all races through either elitechip or SportManiacs.  You can navigate the sites in English but you’ll find the event information is all in Spanish, so have Google Translate ready if needed!
2. Some races are free of charge!  For example the Pujada a la Catedral on the last Sunday of the year.
3. If you enter a race in Formentera, you get a discount on the ferry from Ibiza.
4. Entries close for most events a few days in advance of the race, you cannot turn up on the day and expect to run if you haven’t entered.
5. You will be able to collect your number (“dorsal”) in advance at the relevant pick up point, although most races also allow you to pick it up on the morning of the race.
6. If you have anyone coming to cheer you on, the standard Spanish encouragement is “ánimo!”  (it literally means “I encourage”).  You pronounce it with a stress on the “á”, a short “i” and a long “o”: á-ni-mo.
7. If you enter one of the longer trail races, expect A LOT of elevation and even some rope climbing!
8. Most races have 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for overall male and female winners, and also for every age category.
9. You’ll get a medal but they don’t tend to give out t-shirts etc, unless you have entered one of the more expensive, ‘corporate’ races.
10. The food post-race is amazing!  Far better than the UK……