Ask the Experts

Hi Adwin, I recommend short running gaiters as they keep out the grit, small stones, sand and thorns that you will find on most stages. As for Hydration, Eletewater is one of the race sponsors and majority like using it as it has no taste. If you have a preference then bring it and experiment. Salt tablets are not a good idea especially now Eletewater is available and effective. Even though they may now be coated tablets which dissolve easily they appear to be a major cause of stomach upsets. I know they are issued at the MdS like sweets but I think many folk avoid using them especially as eletewater gives you very accurate control, basically a cap per litre. Some like to have the odd flavoured drink and NUUN tablets are popular but beware as they are 'explosive' and when you flip your bottle cap you are liable to get a strong fluid burstt in the face. As for socks, if you like double layer then ok, personally I don't as you can't separate for washing and adjusting shoe fit. I think Injinji are the best as a liner with separate sock over top. My preference is for marino wool socks but up to you. Adios   ( From Paul Team Axarsport )

Hi Mark, Tents are supplied. Although it isn't a full self sufficiency race villages in the area the race passes through or stops in don't have hotels. Also it wouldn't be fair for some competitors to stay in hotels and in July you may even find you prefer to sleep under the stars and use the tent for kit. There will be snack type recovery food at finishes and hot water so you can make the required eve meal (you have to have dehydrated meal at finish as soon as possible to aid recovery process) Meals, probably Trek'n eat can be pre ordered for collection at Hotel HQ. Once all the competitors are finished they are free to visit host village and sample local tapas and where this isn't possible we have 'special evenings' planned. Adios.   ( From Paul Team Axarsport )

Hi Bill, A bum bag with two bottles may be a little heavy with 1.5litres plus minimal kit/food for stage. The RaidLight OLMO5 sac is probably your best bet as the water can be in bottles on the shoulder straps and other kit and snacks in the main sack. (I wouldn't recommend the bottles with straw things that come with it, I think the Camelbak Podium bottles are better). This set up seemed popular last year and is one I prefer myself. The RaidLight Top Mountain shirt with mesh back is also one worth considering.   ( From Paul Team Axarsport )

Hi Hans, You won't need Navi/Garmin etc or even compass. The route is well marked plus you have marked up map for each stage.   ( From Paul Team Axarsport )

Hi Hwee, 3 members of a team count but a team can be 3, 4 or more. The team don't need to run together as it is total time of first 3 members added together that gives final overall position. If only 2 complete every stage then they still count in the overall standings. Basically, you could win overall without other members completing every stage.   ( From Team Axarsport )

Glad you like the new site. I wanted it to be a general source of information for runners, even ones not doing the race this year, as well as an interesting tourism site for anyone thinking of visiting this part of inland Spain. I look forward to working with you and the Trailblazers team again this year. The motorcycle race support is a vital part of the events success and smooth running.   ( From Team Axarsport )

Each check point will supply a 1.5litre bottle of water to which competitors should add their electrolyte of choice, (we highly recommend Eletewater). It is up to competitors to manage their water use between check points. 1.5litre should be more than adequate as generally the biggest problem is over drinking in the heat. Drink to much and the surplus sloshes around in your stomach and then builds up in the cells of your feet and fingers, they swell and the softer, 'waterlogged' skin then becomes more prone to blisters.   ( From Team Axarsport )

There isn't a time limit on any stage. As the race develops it is inevitable that the field will be split over a few hours. Probably after the second stage we will be able to implement the setting off of the slower competitors up to an hour earlier. Any selection of this type will be added to the stage village noticeboard each evening. As all competitors are using Sportident timing chips this will still mean overall times are accurate. If during a stage a particular competitor is struggling then the doctor will be called on to make the decision as to if the runner can stay in or gets pulled out. (This is safer for the runner and also fair on the check point teams who would otherwise have to spend many more hours on duty). A pulled runner may continue on a later day, with the doctors ok, but would no longer be classified for the overall race.   ( From Team Axarsport )

Hi Rob, Thanks for your question. Al Andalus is a tough race and you do need to be fit enough to enjoy it. It isn't limited to top-class athletes and the race gives competitors the chance to mix and compete with athletes of all abilities so you learn and increase your knowledge. We run training camps throughout the year to enable people to experience running in high temperatures (Desert Runner Training Camps) but not everyone can spare the time to visit so we can also help with training and kit advice via email. In your case you have nearly 8 months in which to build up your fitness level so if you email me with some information about yourself, eg, age, weight, resting heart rate, training time available etc., then we can go from there. Adios, Paul   ( From Paul B Axarsport )

You are issued with 1.5litre bottle but the majority of runners then transfer contents to their own bottles. Some use a bladder but we don't recommend them as they take time to fill, you have to remove your pack and it is harder to judge your fluid intake as you can't see how much, or little, you have used. Adios   ( From Team Axarsport )

Sock choice is a personal thing but I recommend Injinji toe socks, used as a liner, with normal sock over top. This would depend on your shoe and how tight it was but if you can only wear one sock then go for the Injinji toe socks. Adios   ( From Team Axarsport )