Trail Running and Fitness Holidays

“Trail running is invigorating, exciting, and challenging. It is often peaceful and meditative. It is a state of mind. Some of the most serene and yet physically challenging moments can occur simultaneously while trail running. This combination creates an endorphin rush unlike any other.”


  • Guided or supported trail running for all abilities
  • High altitude fitness and well-being holidays
  • Breath taking scenery, quite literally!
  • An outdoor gym with dense pine forests, mountain streams, green meadows and snow-capped peaks
  • Get fit
  • Lose weight
  • Explore the mountains

 

Supported by Spanish Highs Mountain Guides and based in the town of Lanjaron, Ibex Trail Running offers tailored trail running and fitness holidays at high altitude to suit all levels of fitness and experience. Set in Southern Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, Ibex will provide you with both a physically and mentally challenging experience. Whether you’re a keen hill walker or road runner looking to push your boundaries and break into the increasingly popular world of trail running, or if you’re an experienced runner training for an upcoming event, Ibex will design a holiday package to suit your fitness levels. If trail running isn’t your thing but you’re looking to get fit or lose those final few pounds ready for your holiday, our fitness holidays are tailor-made to meet your training goals, whether it’s to improve your cardio-vascular fitness levels, burn fat or build/tone muscle.

 

And the setting for such a rewarding experience? Europe’s second highest mountain range after the Alps including mainland Spain’s highest mountain, Mulhacen (3,482m), which can be ascended in a single day of good running, or you can make it part of a multi-day route such as the Sierra Nevada 3 Peaks. Take a look at some of our favourite routes to get an idea of what kind of trail running holiday you may want to book. If you are on one of our fitness holidays, imagine yourself circuit training at 3,500 metres on the summit of Mulhacen with (literally) breath taking views toward Granada to the North and the Mediterranean to the South.

 

Many of our runs and fitness days will take you above the 3,000 metre mark which at more than twice the height of Ben Nevis (1,344m) is not just a new altitude for many UK fell runners, but also a great high-altitude training ground which will make your heart and lungs work harder, burning more calories and improving cardio fitness at a faster rate. However, we also have numerous lower altitude itineraries available in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada where you can enjoy well earned rests along your route in traditional, picturesque Spanish mountain villages. You don’t need to be super fit or have any previous trail running experience to enjoy one of our trail running or fitness holidays. All you need is a thirst for adventure and a willingness to put your fitness to the test. If you are a complete beginner we can provide you with all the information you need to give you the confidence to get out in the hills on your own, such as what gear to take with you, the best types of footwear for different terrain, nutrition and hydration tips and more.

 

The duration of your fitness holiday can range from one day to one week, depending on your personal goals, and are led by Spanish Highs mountain guide James Jackson. You can also opt for “Dynamic Rest” days between training days and climb some mountains at a more leisurely pace with a Spanish Highs walking guide to target different muscle groups and stretch your legs to help avoid injury and/or seizing of leg muscles.

 

So whether you want to ascend Spain’s highest mountain in a single push, conquer the ‘Sierra Nevada 3 Peaks’, or simply take in some stunning scenery and culture whilst getting fit and burning fat please contact us for a tailored fitness holiday with a difference.

 

Please Note:

  • The mountains are an inherently dangerous place whatever activity you are taking part in. Trail running can significantly increase the possibility of ankle injury. We always carry a first aid kit, cooling packs and ankle straps but we also insist that you purchase appropriate travel and rescue insurance BEFORE your arrival. We recommend the Austrian Alpine Club mountaineering insurance.
  • This is the South of Spain and the temperature in summer months can be extreme. It is vital that you carry plenty of water and electrolyte supplements and ALWAYS wear a sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses.
  • Some routes in the Sierra Nevada start at high altitude. In order to reduce the adverse effect of exercising at an altitude that you are not accustomed to we perform extensive warm-up regimes and start the day off walking rather than running in order for your lungs to adapt to the lower oxygen levels.
  • Please make sure that you inform us ahead of time of any pre-existing injury, illness or condition such as ankle injuries, asthma or diabetes. Any disclosed information will be held in the strictest confidence.