Registration Open for the Al-Andalus Ultra Trail

Edition I of Al Andalus Ultra Trail 2009, a 5 day, 5 stage race of around 250km proved to be a very tough race and many seasoned competitors said it was the toughest they had ever done. The course was a demanding test not just for the legs and body, but for character and determination. Temperatures were high (35-45C), climbs numerous and long and the trails scenic and demanding. Over 90% was off-road, mountain and desert tracks with the majority of tarmac in the final kilometers when you were approaching the stage village finishes.

Edition II will prove to be just as demanding and challenging, with some new twists and turns that will keep it fresh for those returning and a great challenge for the new participant.

The race will be semi-supported so you can race with the minimum specified and enjoy the journey. Unlike other extreme races, where you travel in remote areas and have to be self-sufficient, this race takes you on a ‘tour’ via local villages. The terrain between them is tough but each stage ends close to a village which, once you have eaten your dehydrated race meal, assorted snacks and maybe had a massage, you are free to visit to sample the local cuisine.

As the testimonials of the 2009 participants show, there is a unique atmosphere and spirit that everyone shared during Al Andalus Ultra Trail making it an event that anyone serious about ultra running should aspire to add to their list of ‘have dones’. The Challenge of a Lifetime awaits, make sure that you are a part of the second edition of this amazing event.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Paul Bateson and the members of Team Axarsport.

Written by Paul Bateson ·
Paul's short bio

I was originally a racing cyclist and rode bikes from age 13, racing in all disciplines from cyclo-cross to track. Made it onto very first GB Olympic squad but i was run down by a car which damaged spine causing severe leg pain. In the end a spine operation sorted the problem but antibiotic damaged my hearing and balance. I am now 95%deaf with a coclear implant. Bike career ended but kept fit running and trekking. Decided to leave the UK back in 1999 for the better climate of southern Spain. Set up Team Axarsport and the business has grown. We specialise in training groups of runners and road cyclists plus we organise races such as Al Andalus Ultra Trail which takes place in July. Part of the business also includes Desert Runner Training Camps and gear testing, writing articles and promoting this area of Andalucia, the Poniente Granadino, the area west of Granada and Sierra Nevada. Despite being handicapped I began racing again and since 2001 I have raced bikes again in Duathlon, winning and placing in age cat, plus mountain raced including taking silver medall in Andalucian Champs (age cat 50). I also managed to run a 1:31 half marathon at age 58 and despite preferring to race the mountain trails I do ok in road races. Cycling is used as a big part of training but I doubt I will ever be happy racing in a bunch anymore! Hope to see some of you visiting this beautiful part of the world, maybe try Al Andalus or my new event planned for 2010, the Spanish Ultra 126. Adios