Formentera Half Marathon: everything you need to know
Here’s everything you need to know about the Formentera half marathon: when it takes place, where it goes, how to enter and what to do after the race.
What is the Formentera Half Marathon?
The Mitja Marató Illa de Formentera is the island’s big popular race: 21 kilometres that cross it from end to end, from la Mola lighthouse to the port of la Savina. It’s organised by the Consell de Formentera and Unisport Consulting, and in 2026 it held its 17th edition, with around 3,500 runners across the half marathon and the 8 km race.
It’s no ordinary race: it’s run in the late afternoon and crosses the whole island, from the la Mola plateau to the port where the ferries come in.
When is the Formentera Half Marathon held?
It’s held on a Saturday afternoon in May. In 2025 it was on 17 May and in 2026 on 16 May, starting at 18:00. The dates of each edition are announced by the Consell de Formentera and the organisers, so keep an eye on their official channels.
As it takes place before high season, it’s a good chance to get to know a quieter Formentera.
Church of El Pilar de la Mola. Photo: Fabian Hurst, CC BY-SA 4.0
The course: from la Mola lighthouse to la Savina
The half marathon starts at la Mola lighthouse, at the island’s eastern tip, and finishes on the Passeig de la Marina in la Savina, by the port, after crossing Formentera from east to west. The 8K Sant Ferran – la Savina is run on the same day, starting in Sant Ferran and sharing the same finish line.
A detail that says a lot about the island: the entertainment marquee at the start is set up about 500 metres from the actual start line to protect the virot (Balearic shearwater), an endangered seabird.
How to enter
Demand is huge: in 2025 there were more than 8,000 pre-registrations for around 3,000 places. That’s why it’s worth keeping an eye on the organisers’ announcements from the start of the year.
- Formentera residents: in 2026 they had their own window, from 1 February to 30 April, to request a personal code to complete their entry. There are no entries on race day.
- All other runners: entries are handled through the organisers’ official channels (Unisport Consulting).
Practical tips
- Book your accommodation and ferry in advance. It’s a very busy weekend.
- Arrive at least a day early to rest and pick up your race number without rushing.
- Plan how you’ll get to the start. The start is at the far end of la Mola and the finish in la Savina. There are road closures on the day, so find out beforehand.
- Wear sun cream. Even though the race is in the late afternoon, the May sun can be strong.
And after the Formentera Half Marathon?
Many runners use the next day to rest or to see the island from the sea. Boat hire in Formentera is the perfect way to loosen up your legs and discover hidden coves without lifting a finger, setting off from the same port of la Savina where the finish line is.
If you have no boating qualification, you can go out with a skipper. To hire a boat without a skipper, since 1 October 2026 you need at least the navigation licence, including for the small boats that used to be hired out without a qualification.
Much more than a race
The Formentera Half Marathon is a way of becoming part of the island. Over those 21 kilometres you share the road with thousands of runners, but also with the scenery and Formentera’s laid-back atmosphere. If you enjoy off-road running, have a look at our guide to trail running in Formentera too.
