Formentera to Run: the stage race across the whole island
Run between beaches, dirt tracks, pine woods and clifftops. Here’s everything you need to know about Formentera to Run: when it takes place, what the stages are like, who it’s for and how to enter.
What is Formentera to Run?
Formentera to Run is a week-long trail stage race that combines sport, nature and camaraderie. It is organised by the Italian agency Zitoway Sport & Adventure, and in 2026 it held its 17th edition. Runners tackle five stages, about 60 km in total, mostly on dirt tracks and quiet back roads, discovering the island in a different way: between the sea, the dust of the tracks and the wind.
On the way to La Mola lighthouse. Photo: Ben30, CC BY-SA 2.0
When does it take place?
It is held in late May and early June, before the real heat sets in, when the island is at its best. The 2026 edition ran from 31 May to 7 June, and the 18th edition is scheduled for 30 May to 6 June 2027. Always check the dates on the official website.
What are the stages like?
Each stage has a different distance and landscape, with a rest day in between. According to the organiser, the route is as follows:
- Stage 1: starts from the organisers’ hotel on Migjorn beach and runs largely along the seafront, over sand and wooden boardwalks.
- Stage 2: around Cap de Barbaria, the wildest part of the island.
- Stage 3: from Cala Saona to the cliffs of Punta Negra, with a stretch over very uneven rock.
- Stage 4: from la Savina to ses Illetes, alongside ses Salines Natural Park and over the sand of Llevant and Ponent beaches.
- Stage 5, the Formentera Trail: around La Mola, passing the lighthouse, descending via s’Estufador and climbing the Camí de sa Pujada, the old path linking es Caló with El Pilar de la Mola. It is also open to runners who don’t take part in the other stages.
Who is Formentera to Run for?
You don’t need to be a professional athlete. There are two categories:
- Runners: timed, with an overall ranking. Places are limited (150 at most).
- Walkers: untimed and unranked, starting half an hour earlier. They cover the same distances, except on the final stage, which is shorter for them. Places are even more limited.
If you enjoy running or walking, travelling and meeting other runners, this event is for you.
What’s included in the entry
The organisers offer a package that includes a week’s accommodation in a hotel on Migjorn beach, race bib and T-shirt, technical and medical support, refreshment stations, a finisher’s medal and insurance. Flights from Italy, transfers and the ferry can also be added. Check the exact terms for each edition on the official website.
What makes this race unique
- Different landscapes every day: beaches, lighthouses, salt pans and cliffs.
- A friendly atmosphere, with both competitive and non-competitive categories.
- An organisation designed around the runner.
- Free time to explore the island after each stage.
And if you want to make the most of that free time, nothing beats boat hire in Formentera. A boat trip is a great way to rest your legs, swim in calm water and recharge for the next stage.
How to enter
Places are limited, so it’s best to book early. Entries are made through the organiser’s official website, zitoway.com, where you’ll find the dates, prices and programme for each edition.
Formentera at your own pace
It’s not just about running: it’s about discovering. Every stride brings you closer to a new corner, a different landscape. By the end of the week you’ll have taken away more than kilometres: a real connection with the island.
