Trail Run Azores | The Whalers' Great Route

Sat 17th September 2022 - Fri 23rd September 2022

A shadow of a mountain forms a triangular shape on a vast landscape as seen from the mountain's summit during sunrise or sunset. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and the shadow stretches far into the horizon, creating a dramatic and serene scene.

Trail Run Azores | The Whalers' Great Route

From Pure Trails Adventure

  • Date Sat 17th September 2022 - Fri 23rd September 2022
  • Location Faial Island, Azores
  • Races 1 race

Event summary

Pure Trails Adventure is thrilled to present the Trail Run Azores | The Whalers' Great Route event, taking place from Saturday 17th September to Friday 23rd September 2022. This incredible 7-day trail running adventure will see participants exploring the stunning Azores, running between two picturesque islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. From lush forests to volcanic beaches, runners will be treated to majestic scenery at every turn. Based on the beautiful island of Faial, participants will tackle a variety of trails, including a crossing of the island following the ancient Whalers Great Route and the 10 Volcanoes trails. One of the highlights of the event includes a day running/hiking a 10k trail to the summit of Mount Pico on the neighboring island of Pico. Additionally, participants will enjoy whale watching and mountain biking to round out this unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this epic trail running adventure in the Azores!

Organiser's Description

Join us on this amazing trail running adventure as we journey to the Azores, and spend 7 days running between two idyllic islands located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, heading through lush forests, volcanic beaches and majestic scenery every step of the way.

We’ll be based on the pretty island of Faial, where we’ll run a range of wonderful trails including a crossing of the island as we follow the ancient Whalers Great Route and the 10 Volcanoes trails.

On the adventure we also spend a day running/hiking a 10k trail which takes us to the summit of Mount Pico on the neighbouring island of Pico. We’ll also spend an afternoon whale watching, with our final day mountain biking to balance our trail running days, and to ensure we make the most of discovering the island.

Races

  • Deposit for One Person

    £697.50 - 1st Payment Due 17 March; £697.50 - Final Payment Due 17 June

    £300.00

    CLOSED
What's Included

4 days fully guided trail running on the idyllic volcanic islands of Faial and Pico

6 nights accommodation at a 4-star wellness hotel

All local transportation and transfers

Cultural sightseeing

Most meals (excludes 2-evening meals and some lunches)

Ferry boat rides between islands

Whale watching

Mountain bike tour

Max 12 runners


NOT INCLUDED:

International flights

Beverages and snacks

Personal equipment

Personal bills

Travel Insurance - REQUIRED before the trips departure for cancellation, accidents, health and emergency evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal effects.

Tips

Faqs

FLIGHTS

We specialise in arranging excellent trail running holidays, but do not book International flights. There a great variety of flights departing from all over the world to Horta International Airport (HOR) which transit via Lisbon.

We will discuss with you about our trusted and recommended ways to book international flights through excellent ATOL protected partners who offer great value, ease of service and flight protection.

VISAS

British citizens do not need a visa to visit Portugal.

GROUP MANAGEMENT

Being a group of max. 12 runners with a mixture of ages and running abilities we may decide to split into flexible groups, all of which will be supported by our running guides who will travel with us on the trip.

By splitting the group will allow us all to move more fluidly, allowing all team members to run at their own comfortable pace, without feeling pressured.

TRAIL RUNNING

You can expect everything from hilly - forested trails, inclusive of our longest day where we will run 35km+ as we follow the 10 Volcanoes trail and cross the island of Faial.

The Azores are a wild and remote archipelago located in the North Atlantic that is characterised by wonderful landscapes, fishing villages, mountain trails, lagoons, and luscious green pastures. Typically the trails are hard packed that gets rockier on our summit day when we head to Mount Pico.

The terrain is undulating and includes some steep up hill sections which we walk, as well as some steeper down hill sections at times.

We have some back to back days where we trail run relatively longer distances which you will need to prepare for.

TEMPERATURES

In September we expect long, warm days with blue skies and temperatures to sit comfortably around 20 degrees C. It’s a mild climate year round, but being in the North Atlantic unpredictable weather can come it at anytime of year and there is always a chance of rain and wind.

Course Details

TRIP ADVENTURE GRADE: B3 (MODERATE)

Moderate graded trail runs normally follow on well established trails and route at lower altitudes which are generally lower than 1,500m. Some of the trails will involve some short, steep ascents. Previous experience is not essential.


Approximate details:

Total Distance: approx. 76 km

Total Running Days: 4 Days

Lowest Elevation: 4m

Highest Elevation: 2,276m

Elevation Gain: + 4,330m

The daily distances and itinerary may change according to local weather conditions and the groups condition.


Highlights:

Amazing trail running in the remote islands of Faial and Pico as we follow the ancient Great Whalers Route and the 10 Volcanoes Trail

Spend the day climbing to the summit of Mount Pico & experience amazing Whale Watching

Relax at a beautiful 4* wellness hotel surrounded by the blue of the North Atlantic. (Single supplement avaIlable.)

Accommodation
Azoris Faial Garden Hotel

AZORIS FAIAL GARDEN

A beautiful 4-star hotel overlooking the harbour with stunning views of Mount Pico and the Atlantic ocean.

It’s a relaxed hotel, surrounded by gardens and within a 5-minute walk from the centre of the tour. Combining comfy rooms and wellness facilities (complete with sauna, spa and Jacuzzi) it makes it a perfect base for us on our trail running journey.

Single supplement available

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Location

Faial Island, Portugal

Who's In

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Josh Gavigan