4 STAGES | 3 ISLANDS | 2 DISCIPLINES | 1 INCREDIBLE CHALLENGE
The Balearic Blitz is a unique, hand-crafted 4-day coast-to-coast challenge combining world-class road cycling and epic trail running.
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Menorca – Scenic Cycling without the Crowds
Your journey begins on Menorca, riding 100km across its rolling countryside and climbing to the island’s highest point, El Toro, before descending toward the port for the first ferry crossing. From here, you sail directly into the heart of one of the world’s top cycling destinations: Mallorca.
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Mallorca – World-Class Cycling in the Tramuntana
On Mallorca, you’ll take on the legendary MA-10 coastal route through the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains, including the iconic ascent of Sa Calobra, a bucket-list climb for cyclists worldwide. Expect thrilling switchbacks, long climbs, fast descents, and unforgettable Mediterranean views.
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Ibiza – Trail Running Across the White Island
After conquering Mallorca on two wheels, you set sail for Ibiza. The final two days see you transition to foot, traversing the island by trail through rugged coastline, pine-forested peaks, ancient pathways, secluded coves and cliff-top views that define the secret side of Ibiza. A breathtaking finish to an extraordinary adventure.
DURATION:
6 DAYS /5 NIGHTS
LOCATION:
MENORCA, MALLORCA, IBIZA
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTELS
DISTANCE:
BIKE 265KM
ON FOOT 81KM
ELEVATION +6660M
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
/MEALS
5 nights quality accommodation + all meals included.
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Rat Race Expedition Leader, high quality outdoor event crew, British medic, welfare support & bike mechanic.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff and medics. Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.
TRANSFER POLICY
Transfer your entry to event credit up to 12 weeks before the departure date and protect your entry with optional Refund Protect.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium souvenir t-shirt included.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
Group transfer on Day 1 Menorca Airport 2pm Return transfer Day 6 to Ibiza Airport 9am.
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RAISE £6000 AND GET UP TO £3000 REFUNDED
RAISE AT LEAST £6000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £3000
OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HERE
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL DAY / BRIEFING / REGISTRATION​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​Touch down in Menorca and gear up for the start of an unforgettable multi-day adventure across the Balearic Islands. Please aim to arrive by 2:00pm to join our group airport transfer to Mahón (Maó), or feel free to arrive a few days earlier to relax, explore and settle into the island’s laid-back Mediterranean vibe.
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Once checked in at the hotel, you’ll have time to build your bike (or collect your hire bike) and head out for a short shake-out ride to spin the legs and get a feel for the island’s smooth roads and warm coastal air.
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At 6:00pm, we’ll come together for a group welcome briefing, run through key logistics, complete a quick registration process, and then enjoy dinner together before the challenge ahead.
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ACCOMODATION: Hotel (Twin rooms)
FOOD: Dinner at hotel or local restaurant (tbc)
DAY TWO: MENORCA 100KM​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
After breakfast, you’ll roll straight out from the hotel for Stage 1 of the adventure: a 100km coast-to-coast ride across Menorca, finishing in the historic city of Ciutadella. This spectacular east-west route takes in some of the island’s most iconic landmarks, including El Toro, Menorca's highest point, and two legendary Balearic lighthouses: Far de Favàritx, surrounded by dramatic lunar landscapes, and Far de Cavalleria, perched high above the rugged coastline and turquoise waters.
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Today is a relatively gentle warm-up ride, designed to ease the legs into the challenge ahead. You’ll have time to recover, relax on the beach, or explore Ciutadella before boarding the early-evening ferry to Alcudia, Mallorca for a scenic 1h 15m crossing.
On arrival at Alcudia, you’ll ride a short distance to the hotel and check in in time for dinner, ready to take on Mallorca’s world-class mountain roads the following morning.
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ACCOMODATION: Hotel (twin rooms)
FOOD: Breakfast, pit stop provision, dinner at hotel or local restaurant (tbc)
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DAY THREE: MALLORCA 160KM
Fuel up with a big breakfast and get ready for an early roll-out, today you take on the legendary MA-10, widely considered Mallorca’s most famous cycling route. This iconic road cuts west through the dramatic Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site known around the world for its spectacular scenery, pristine tarmac and challenging gradients.
Expect a full day of world-class cycling as you climb, descend and switchback your way through Mallorca’s most dramatic landscapes. With 160km of riding and over 3,500m of elevation, including the bucket-list ascent of Sa Calobra, this stage is set to be one of the most demanding yet exhilarating rides of your life.
After conquering the final climbs and rolling down from the mountains, you’ll finish in Palma, the vibrant capital of Mallorca, where the sense of achievement will be immense.
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ACCOMODATION: Hotel (Twin rooms)
FOOD: Breakfast, pit stop provision, dinner at hotel or local restaurant (tbc)​​
DAY FOUR: IBIZA 39KM
Today begins with a ferry crossing from Palma to Ibiza, a 2h 30m voyage offering the perfect chance to rest, refuel and recharge after yesterday’s epic ride. Grab some sleep, enjoy a strong coffee on deck and soak up the sea views, because as soon as the ferry docks, the next phase of the adventure begins on foot. Stepping straight off the ferry you'll head out onto a 39km trail running / fast-hiking route, hugging the east coast of the island before crossing to the north coast. Expect rugged coastal paths, pine-covered hills, technical terrain and sweeping Mediterranean views as you push towards the stunning coastal village of Portinatx, your destination for the day.
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ACCOMODATION: Hotel (twin rooms)
FOOD: Breakfast, pit stop provision, dinner at the hotel or local restaurant (tbc) ​​
DAY FIVE: IBIZA 42.2KM
The Balearic Blitz concludes with a breathtaking marathon-length trail run and trek along Ibiza’s rugged north coast. Today, you’ll experience the quieter, untouched side of the island, winding through pine-clad hills, hidden coves, and dramatic coastal paths that few visitors ever see.
Your route takes you across spectacular terrain before reaching the cliff-top finish just outside San Antonio (Sant Antoni), a truly unforgettable location to celebrate the completion of your multi-island adventure. Here, you can soak in the iconic Ibiza sunset, reflect on the challenge, and toast your achievement with your fellow adventurers.
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ACCOMODATION: Hotel (twin rooms)
FOOD: Breakfast, pit stop provision, celebration dinner at hotel or local restaurant (tbc) ​​
DAY SIX: DEPARTURE DAY
After breakfast, a group transfer will be available to take participants either to Ibiza Town for those extending their stay, or to the airport for onward travel.
Important: For those taking the airport transfer, please do not book flights before 1:00pm to ensure a stress-free departure and ample time for the journey.
ACCOMODATION: N/A
FOOD: Breakfast​​
ACCOMMODATION
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All accommodation is offered on a shared basis. If you're joining solo, you’ll be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room, adventure is always better with new friends! If you’re traveling with someone specific, you’ll have the chance to let us know your preferred roommate when we send out our pre-event forms (around three months before departure).
Single supplements may be available, please email events@ratrace.com for pricing and availability.
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MEALS​​​
We’ve got your fuel covered. Meals provided are outlined in the itinerary, and all dietary requirements will be catered for with care.
Evening meals will include a hearty main course. Lunches will be sandwich or wrap-style, designed for convenience during your activity.
We’ll also provide a selection of trail snacks and local delicacies, but we strongly recommend bringing your favourite “scooby snacks” to keep your energy levels high throughout the day.
KIT LIST
Running/Trekking kit 
​This is our mandatory kit list for these activities. Your event specific kit list will be confirmed 3 months before the event date. Mandatory kit helps keep you and others safe in wild and rugged environments and they should be seen as a minimum.
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Ultra Running rucksack/hiking backpack or other appropriate method of carrying your kit. BUY HERE 
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Light trail Running Shoes: i.e. running shoes with some grip 
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Hydration Bladder or Bottle(s) with a minimum of 2 litre capacity. BUY HERE 
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Snacks – Min 1000kcal per day. 
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Waterproof Jacket with TAPED or WELDED SEAMS as a minimum standard. BUY HERE 
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Waterproof Trousers with TAPED or WELDED SEAMS as a minimum standard. BUY HERE (see photograph) 
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Basic First Aid Kit  containing at least: 
– A conformable roller bandage. 
– Assorted adhesive dressings. 
– Separate sterile absorbent material 
(e.g. gauze or gauze bandage) suitable for compressing bleeding wounds 
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Whistle: Effective for getting attention in an emergency. BUY ONE HERE 
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Fully charged mobile phone. 
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Hand Sanitiser 
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Reusable cup suitable for hot drinks. BUY ONE HERE 
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Cycling kit
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Padded bike shorts
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Cycling top
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Helmet  100% essential, no exceptions. Even if you are hiring a bike we recommend bringing your own helmet as you know its history.
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Multi tool
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Puncture repair kit
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If you’re hiring a bike, feel free to bring your bike shoes with cleats and pedals to fit to the bike. However, it is highly recommended that you also please bring a decent pair of shoes/ trainers for wearing with flats in case you encounter a compatibility issue here.
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Ultra vest, small daypack  - method to carry kit on your bike
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2L (min size) Bladder or bottles to the same capacity 
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High SPF factor sun cream – min 30SPF recommended.
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Cycling gloves
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Sunglasses with CAT 3 protection suitable for riding
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First Aid kit (small personal kit with a triangular bandage, steri strips and an adhesive dressing as a minimum) 
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
SIGN UP TODAY FROM
/ MONTH
£130.84
INTEREST FREE!
TOTAL ENTRY COST
All entries will are in GBP A booking fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments.
PAY MONTHLY INTEREST FREE!
ENTER NOW AND SPREAD THE COST INTEREST FREE WITH OUR INSTALMENT PLAN
We’ve created a flexible, interest-free* instalment plan so you can choose how many months to spread the cost of your adventure. Choose to pay in full or in equal monthly instalments up to 3 months before your event date.
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*Once you sign up, Rat Race will set up a recurring monthly payment via Stripe. If a payment fails, you’ll receive reminders from Stripe and our team. After three failed contact attempts and no payment, your entry will be cancelled with no refund or transfer eligibility.
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Please see here for full terms and conditions and our cancellation policy.
PROTECT YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING WITH REFUND PROTECT
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
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To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
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To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
At Rat Race, we create extraordinary adventures for everyone people. We know we’re a premium brand and that those adventures are premium experiences. In our 20th year, we have decided that our commitment to investment in our standards, safety and quality of experience should be matched in our commitment to the transparency in showing how we spend your hard-earned cash in bringing these adventures to life.
So here it is. A pie chart of how we spend your money in bringing our events and trips to life.
RAISE AT LEAST £6000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £3000 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED!
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Our longstanding partnership with Children with Cancer UK gives #ratracers the opportunity to raise much needed funds for this great cause in exchange for a refund of their entry fee. So far our #ratracers have raised over £2million for Children with Cancer UK and we would love for you to join the team to help us chase down that £3million target!
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The funds you raise will be invested into vital specialist research to improve survival rates in children and young people and help more of them ring the end of treatment bell.
All you need to do is set up a Just Giving page and start your fundraising! You will have until 1 month after the event date to hit your target and then send us the link to your page which will allow us to process your refund. Refunds will be made 2 – 3 months after the event completion date.
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Refunds are not mandatory you are welcome to opt-out of receiving a refund. Should participants opt-out their refund will instead be used by Children with Cancer UK to help fund their research.
If you choose to support Children with Cancer UK and raise £6000, you will also receive:
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A Children with Cancer UK fundraising and training pack
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Regular Children with Cancer UK updates
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A dedicated point of contact at the charity
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A technical Children with Cancer UK t-shirt to wear with pride
For more information on Children with Cancer UK please visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
Alternatively please contact the Sports Team on 020 7430 7788 or email sports@childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
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Children with Cancer UK is a registered national charity (no. 298405)
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Adventure, by its very nature, involves uncertainty—and that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. While we always aim to deliver ‘Plan A,’ there may be times when unforeseen circumstances require us to move to Plan B, C, or even D.
We prepare for many eventualities with well-thought-out contingencies. However, it's important to understand that routes or plans may change at short notice, whether due to safety concerns, weather conditions, or other operational reasons. In such cases, we reserve the right to make changes as necessary.
You’ve entrusted us with organising this experience, and part of that trust is allowing us to exercise our professional judgement when conditions demand it. If a route change becomes necessary, we will do our best to inform you in advance—where possible.
More often than not, these unexpected turns only add to the richness of the adventure and make for the best stories at the end of the day!
Rat Race require you to be over 18 on the day of Registration for this adventure.
Getting to the start line is important and we are there to help you as best we can. However, if you feel on reflection that it is just not your time yet, we do have a transfer system that you can use to transfer out, receive Rat Race credit and come back again next year or do something else. Credit is typically valid for 12 months and there is a fee to be paid for transferring out in this way. We want to be really clear that this option is there for you if you need it, but it does have a deadline. View our full terms and conditions here.
We have designed this challenge so that you may travel at your own pace and in general you will have at least 12 hours to complete each day allowing all foot stages to be fast hiked if you prefer. On Day Four you will have 9 hours to complete the entire route and you should aim to maintain a minimum pace of 5kmp/h to achieve this, we will be able to boost people throughout the day if needed to be able to keep on trekking to the end. There will also be some cut-offs within each day and a specific cut off on the Mallorca day to tackle the Sa Calobra, but in the true Rat Race tradition these will be generous and we will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing this challenge, vs having to pull out."
We’ve created a fantastic instalment plan that gives you complete flexibility over how you pay for your adventure. Whether you prefer to pay in full or spread the cost across multiple months, the choice is entirely yours and it's completely interest free.
There are no credit checks required to use this facility.
When you sign up for the instalment plan, Rat Race will set up a recurring payment. Your card will be automatically debited on the same date each month for the duration you’ve chosen.
If there’s an issue with your payment, you’ll receive reminders from both Stripe (our payment provider) and the Rat Race customer service team. After three unsuccessful attempts to contact you regarding an outstanding balance, we’ll assume you no longer wish to take part in the event. At that point, your entry will be withdrawn, you will not be eligible for our transfer process, and no refund will be issued.
GPX route files will be provided one week before the event, giving you time to load them onto your own device if you wish. Alternatively, you can hire one of our GPX devices with the routes pre-loaded for the duration of the challenge.
Don’t worry, getting lost is unlikely. But if you do stray off course, support is never far away. We've got your back
Rat Race have been audited and accredited to the prestigious BS8848 expedition safety standard. We have firm emergency protocols and response systems in place whilst out on our adventures. Our main priority above all else is to keep you and our staff safe. Before we leave for each trip a comprehensive in-country risk and threat assessment has been conducted by the Head of Expeditions. All protocols are put in place relating to those assessments. We make sure that the staff involved have the highest level of first aid training; a higher level of medical cover is also put in place if needed; all instructors have qualifications and/ or competencies to match the adventure we will undertake. In the event of an emergency, Rat Race staff and appointed contractors have comprehensive knowledge of procedures which will rapidly be put in place. If needed, our staff will provide first aid and then further medical assistance and evacuation if needed in line with a published Medical Procedures Plan. We have medical back-up and Clinical Directorship provided by a specialist events medical company and we have further emergency response support services provided by competent contracted partner. All our cover is available 24/7 while operations are underway. We use our knowledge and emergency procedures to provide the best possible care in our often remote and austere environments. Before leaving on a trip, we will advise on the insurance cover you are required to have in place for the trip; we will ask for a copy of these insurance details before the departure date. 
Throughout the challenge, you'll be supported by a combination of guides, stewards, pit stops, and support vehicles. Our mobile ‘pit stop’ team will meet you at various intervals with snacks, drinks, and encouragement to keep you moving.
Across the event, we’ll have multiple vehicles and experienced staff at your disposal to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
Yes. You need a decent travel policy covering you for general travel and which covers participation in outdoor sports. You will also need what is called an Evacuation Insurance Policy, which is for if we need to send you back to the closest city for urgent medical attention via a helicopter or similar. We also recommend you have this in place as soon as you enter this event and that if you book flights, we highly recommend booking a flexible option for any last-minute changes you might need to make or to ensure you have maximum flexibility if you cannot attend for any reason.
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Travel insurance is compulsory for our events, so please make sure your insurance policy covers the activities you will be participating in. There are a number of specialist providers available including Mann Broadbent.
We’ve created a fantastic instalment plan that gives you complete flexibility over how you pay for your adventure. Whether you prefer to pay in full or spread the cost across multiple months, the choice is entirely yours—and it's completely interest free.
There are no credit checks required to use this facility.
When you sign up for the instalment plan, Rat Race will set up a recurring payment. Your card will be automatically debited on the same date each month for the duration you’ve chosen.
If there’s an issue with your payment, you’ll receive reminders from both Stripe (our payment provider) and the Rat Race customer service team. After three unsuccessful attempts to contact you regarding an outstanding balance, we’ll assume you no longer wish to take part in the event. At that point, your entry will be withdrawn, you will not be eligible for our transfer process, and no refund will be issued.
Yes we have a Cytech level 3 bike mechanic on the crew who will assist you with any issues you have before the event or during it. They will assist you at no cost as part of our supported service, any spare parts that are needed to fix your bike will be charged to you post-event.
The Menorca cycle stage is overall easy with just one short but steep climb to the highest point on the island, El Toro. The climb is 3km at 9% average gradient (13% max) and a total elevation gain of 320m. This is suitable for most people with a good base level of fitness.
The Mallorca cycle stage is very challenging with several significant climbs including Sa Calobra, a category 1 climb over 9.5km from sea level to 682m at 7% average gradient (11.4% max). We will impose a cut off at the turn off for the Sa Calobra out-and-back. If you arrive after this time you will not be permitted to ride the Sa Calobra but may continue on the rest of the course. In typical Rat Race style we will offer boosts to those who need them/want them throughout the day and you can do as much of this course as you are capable of.
We’ve created a fantastic instalment plan that gives you complete flexibility over how you pay for your adventure. Whether you prefer to pay in full or spread the cost across multiple months, the choice is entirely yours and it's completely interest free.
There are no credit checks required to use this facility.
When you sign up for the instalment plan, Rat Race will set up a recurring payment. Your card will be automatically debited on the same date each month for the duration you’ve chosen.
If there’s an issue with your payment, you’ll receive reminders from both Stripe (our payment provider) and the Rat Race customer service team. After three unsuccessful attempts to contact you regarding an outstanding balance, we’ll assume you no longer wish to take part in the event. At that point, your entry will be withdrawn, you will not be eligible for our transfer process, and no refund will be issued.
We organise all logistics for you so you can turn up and enjoy this unique adventure. All you need to do is meet us at the airport on the first day or at the hotel if you prefer. We will transport your luggage for you throughout the event, your bike box if you are bringing your own bike and we will then transport your bike in it for you when you switch to foot on Ibiza to the final hotel. This is a fully supported adventure, with slick logistics wrapped into the price as the Rat Race standard.
Yes we offer a locally provided bike hire service. This is a mid-range carbon frame road bike suitable for the challenge ahead. This service is a door to door offer, we bring your hire bike to Registration in Menorca where you can get fitted to it by our bike mechanic and swap for your own pedals/seat if you prefer. We then take it to Mallorca on the ferry and take it off you at the end of the bike stage and return it to the provider. It is hassle free and perfect for people planning to holiday after the event without having to worry about their own bike box. You can add a hire bike to your event entry from your Rat Race account, this all inc service is £350 per person. Alternatively you are welcome to bring your own trusted steed and we will transport your bike box for you throughout the event.
In short, no. The event price covers everything outlined on our website, and it’s not possible for us to split out individual elements. Our accommodation is based on group rates and shared occupancy, and all event logistics have been carefully planned with all participants staying in the same locations. This allows us to run transfers, briefings, and support smoothly and helps you connect with your fellow #ratracers!
You're welcome to arrange your own accommodation if you prefer, but please note:
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This will not reduce your event fee.
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You will be responsible for getting yourself to all meeting points on time.
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We will not be able to transport you to or from your own accommodation.
Thanks for your understanding, it’s all part of keeping the adventure seamless for everyone involved!
