FAQ’s

Where is the race located?

Loja is the Al Andalus Ultimate Trail host town and the race will start and finish here. Strategically placed in the heart of Andalusia, it is an ideal base for exploring the region. Accommodation for competitors and race personnel will be at the Hotel Manzanil (www.manzanil.com). Family and friends will be accommodated if there is room or at nearby hotel. The race organizers make all Hotel Manzanil reservations. All race related business, registration, briefings, and medical checks will take place in the patio and gardens. The Gala Dinner at the close of the race, Friday the 14th, will take place in the hotel dining room.

How do I get there?

Located by the A-92 motorway, Loja has a railway station and is just 35 minutes from the airports of Granada and Malaga. It is easy to find by taking Exit 188 from the A-92 if travelling from Malaga or Exit 193 if coming from Granada. The race organizers offer a free shuttle during the most opportune blocks of time for arrivals/departures on Saturday the 7^th, Sunday the 8^th, and Saturday the 14^th.There is a Malaga airport bus that takes you to the Hotel Manzanil in Loja for €6 one-way (http://www.alsa.es/portal/site/Alsa/).

Do I get points towards UTMB from Al Andalus Ultimate Trail?

Al Andalus Ultimate Trail qualifies for 3 points towards the UTMB for all qualified finishers.

What are the categories and prizes?

Men’s ranking: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd

Women’s ranking: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd

First Place Team

First Spanish

Surprise Category

Prizes depend on each year’s sponsorship. 2011 prizes consisted of Mountain King poles, UK Gear shoes, Teko socks, gift certificates, and artisanal products from the region. There are also stage prizes of local goods.

Are competitors required to finish each stage within a set time limit?

There will be a time limit on each stage in 2013 based on a 6km/h minimum average speed requirement per stage. The checkpoint closing times will be posted on the Stage description of each day. If a particular competitor is struggling during a stage, the Race Doctor and Race Director will be called on to make the decision if the runner can stay in or get pulled out. (This is safer for the runner due to the high temperatures and exposure). If a runner does not reach a CP by the CP closing time, he/she will be picked up and driven to the stage finish. The Race Doctor and Race Director’s decision is based on the personal safety of the runner and support team and their word is final.

What happens if I can’t complete a stage?

We’d like everyone to experience some of each stage. A pulled runner may continue on a later day, with the doctor’s approval, but would no longer be classified for the overall race.

If I run in a team, and one member drops out, do I qualify as a finisher?

Yes, you will be classified as an individual runner if you cannot finish as a team. If a team member cannot finish a stage, he/she may continue to run on another day but is no longer classified to place in the overall race.

Are there facilities to recharge Garmins etc at the various campsites?

We have electricity and multi socket points at each camp. Don’t forget a 2-pin adapter.

Can we buy fresh food at the villages and camps where we are staying? At how many of the overnight stops will this be possible?

The race hotel is directly across the street from a large supermarket. Stage 1 is in walking distance of Alhama where a few bars are preparing assorted meals and tapas and you can shop. Stage 2 ends in Jatar where the two bars prepare a menu for anyone on the race to order. You can also shop here. Stage 3 camp is too far from Jayena, but the village comes to the race and prepares paella, salad etc. for pre-purchase at registration. Stage 4 is in a remote campsite and will have a pasta meal (included) prepared. Stage 5 ends back at the hotel for the Gala Dinner (included).

If you allow about €10 per eve, you should have enough for everything. The bars open about 19.30, so we ask that everyone bring dehydrated meals to eat as soon as possible after a stage finish. There will be boiling water on from arrival until 22.00. We also suggest a dehydrated breakfast although you could buy cereals, milk, jam, and cheese and have it transported along with other kit (as long as your Race Kit Bag is under 10kgs). We will also have assorted fruit and snacks available at stage finish recovery tables.

Can I arrive earlier to acclimatize?

Yes of course. Please contact the race organization at info@axarsport.com to take advantage of promotional rates and other options in the area.

I would like to bring my spouse and family with me. Is there space at the hotels and is there anything for them to do while I am at the race?

Yes, there will be additional hotel rooms available in Loja before and after the race, and a number of available hotels with promotional rates along the route. There is a wide range of wonderful activities that friends and family members can take advantage of in the region: beach, mountain hikes, cycling, and historic sites. Please contact the race organization at info@axarsport.com to take advantage of promotional rates and other options in the area.

I would like to volunteer. Do I need to have previous experience?

It is a plus, but not a requirement. Volunteers will gain experience in everything from event organization to ultra running. Please go to the Volunteers & Race Crew section of the website for information and application.

Do I need to know how to read a map, and a compass?

The Course will be well marked, but the runner must consult the Race Course Book (provided by the Event Directors during the administrative check) and other navigational devices brought by the runner (i.e. GPS) in situations where he/she might become disoriented. Compasses are required in the compulsory items list, and participants should know how to use them. It is important for every runner to depend on his/her own navigation and not simply follow runners ahead.