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Balearic Blitz

Take on a unique island hopping challenge.

The Balearic Blitz is a spectacular 4-day coast-to-coast endurance adventure combining world-class road cycling and epic trail running through some of the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking landscapes. Ride Menorca’s rolling countryside, conquer Mallorca’s legendary Serra de Tramuntana and iconic Sa Calobra climb, then finish with an unforgettable trail running traverse across Ibiza’s rugged coastline, pine forests and hidden coves. 

A winding road snakes through rugged, rocky terrain dotted with patches of greenery beneath a bright blue sky
Enter

Dates

29 April - 4 May 2027

27 April - 2 May 2028

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Distance

165 miles bike (265km)
50 miles foot (81km)
Elevation +6660m

Event Type

Bucket List Adventures

Highlights

A winding road snakes through rugged, rocky terrain dotted with patches of greenery beneath a bright blue sky

Cycling the legendary Serra de 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.

Silhouette of a lone cyclist, who has stopped by the water to admire the orange sky behind them

Ferry hop with your bike between islands

A unique way to link together this 4 brilliant days, cycle or run straight off the ferry!

Road through rocky terrain with sea either side

Visit the lighthouses of Menorca

Cycle to 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.

An event participant runs along the edge of a cliff beside a deep blue sea, with orange-red rock, patches of greenery, and a sunny sky above

Discover the secret side of Ibiza

Far from the clubs and crowds, Ibiza’s hidden trails reveal the island’s secret side, wild coastal paths, dramatic scenery, and a completely different kind of adventure. We can’t wait for you to explore them.

Itinerary

A blonde woman stands in front of a white wall, drinking from a mug, with three bicycles leaning against the wall behind her

Day One: Thursday

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. 

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. 

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. 

A cyclist riding along a path towards a lighthouse and a clear blue sky above

Day Two: Friday

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. 

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.

A lone cyclist rides along a winding road, with mountainous terrain, the sea, and a bright blue sky visible in the distance

Day Three: Saturday

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. 

A single event participant stands on a copper, jagged rock and looks out to the blue sea and bright sky as a bird flies over

Day Four: Sunday

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.
An event participant runs along the edge of a cliff beside a deep blue sea, with orange-red rock, patches of greenery, and a sunny sky above

day five: Monday

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. 

Two silhouettes look out onto a dark sea, with an orange and red sky above

Day Six: Tuesday

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. 

A lone cyclist leans into a bend in the road, with sunlight shining down and colourful trees lining the route
Man climbing up snowy slope

Your Adventure Leader

Tom

Tom thrives in remote, extreme and challenging environments, from dense jungle and scorching deserts to sub-zero wilderness and high-altitude terrain. With experience designing and leading expeditions in over 30 countries across 6 continents, he brings serious adventure expertise to every project. Tom is qualified as a Mountain Leader, Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician and HEAT-trained expedition professional, with additional certifications across climbing, mountain biking, paddle sports and off-road driving.

A blonde female cyclist looks to her right, with sunlit water and mountains stretching across the backgroundChildren-with-Cancer-UK-logo-white

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FAQs

Is the route likely to change?

The very nature of adventure means that the unexpected can sometimes become part of the journey and that is all part of the experience. While we will always strive to deliver “Plan A”, there may be occasions where operational, safety, weather or environmental factors require us to adapt plans and implement contingency routes or alternative arrangements.

As with all Rat Race adventures, participant safety and overall event delivery remain our highest priorities. We therefore reserve the right to amend routes, itineraries or logistics where necessary, using the experience and judgement of our expedition team to make the best decisions on your behalf in changing conditions. Wherever possible, we will communicate any changes in advance. More often than not, these unexpected moments become part of the adventure itself adding to the stories, memories and unique character of the experience.

How do I enter?

Click 'Enter' and sign into your Rat Race account and follow the sign up procedure. If you need any assistance please drop the customer service team an email on events@ratrace.com

How old do I need to be?

Rat Race require you to be over 18 on the day of Registration for this adventure.

Can I transfer my entry?

If you find yourself unable to join us on the start line of this event, you are able to transfer your entry into an event credit voucher once for use on a new entry into an event of your choice. Transfers must be requested within the qualifying transfer window to be accepted and processed. Credit vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Credit vouchers are exempt from the transfer process. To find out more information and how to submit a request, view of full transfer policy HERE 

Can I fundraise for charity?

You are very welcome to fundraise for any charity close to your heart while taking part in the event. Please note, however, that our Charity Refund Offer applies exclusively to participants fundraising for Children with Cancer UK.

Can I volunteer?

You can view our current volunteer positions here. 

Can I go at my own pace?

Yes, there are cut-offs on the event, but these are based purely around the available daylight hours each day. Our aim is to help everyone complete the adventure, so if you fall behind the required pace and are unlikely to reach the end before nightfall, our crew will transport you forward by car. You are then welcome to restart again the following day. This is not an event where missing a cut-off means your adventure is over.

What is 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.

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. 

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for this event and must cover both general travel and participation in the outdoor endurance activities included within the itinerary. You will also require Evacuation Insurance, which covers emergency extraction and onward medical transport by helicopter or similar should urgent assistance be required in this remote environment.

We strongly recommend arranging your insurance as soon as you enter the event and booking flexible flight options where possible to allow for any unexpected changes. Please ensure your chosen policy specifically covers the activities you will be undertaking during the expedition. There are a number of specialist adventure travel insurers available, including Mann Broadbent.

What kit do I need?

MANDATORY KIT LIST
GENERAL KIT
  • Casual clothing for use in evenings at hotels and transit stages 

  • One set of clothes for the celebration meal, these can be as casual or smart as you like.

  • General ‘overnight’ bag (holdall, duffel) for spare kit – pls don’t bring a hard suitcase – ensure all bags are soft (much easier for managing in vehicles) 

  • Towel – travel micro towel or full-size 

  • Underwear and socks for each day

  • Power bank for mobile phone and/ or GPS unit 

  • International plug adaptor 

  • Personal toiletries and medication 

  • Either a GPS handheld device or Smartphone capable of following a GPX file (phone with Outdoor Active App is recommended – see section on ‘route finding’ below) OR a GPS watch for following the route 

  • In all cases, participants must carry a Smartphone (so if using a watch for following the route, you must also have a Smartphone in your kit) 

FOOT STAGE KIT
  • ​Trail running footwear 

  • Shorts/leggings

  • T-shirts 

  • Ultra vest or small daypack 

  • CAT 3 sunglasses 

  • Bladder or bottles/ soft flasks (aim to be able to carry a MINIMUM of 1.5l) 

  • Hat – cap or wide brimmed are fine 

  • Socks 

  • Buff or similar neck gaiter 

  • Blister care kit 

  • Scooby snacks of choice* 

  • Power pack and cable for recharging phone, in waterproof bag (ziplock or dry bag) 

  • Headtorch 

  • Salt tablets and dissolvable electrolytes for water. Please bring salt tablets and some electrolyte mix for drinks. You will 100% need these on this trip and they are MANDATORY 

  • First Aid kit (small personal kit with a triangular bandage, steri strips and an adhesive dressing as a minimum). Also include any personal medication

  • Trekking poles – totally optional 

  • Dry bag or small zip lock bags: Very useful for general gear storage/ organisation/ protection – especially on the kayak but also in general for your day pack (zip locks are also good for doing your business and disposing of the toilet paper if caught short) 

BIKING KIT
  • A bike (your own or rented) 

  • Helmet

  • Biking Gloves 

  • Bike jersey 

  • Paddled shorts/bib 

  • Gilet or extra layer 

  • Biking shoes or trainers 

  • You can bring your own peddles to add the bike if you would like 

  • Water carrying capacity for a minimum of 1.5l. This can be in a backpack or on bottles in bottle cages. The rental bikes have bottle cages attached.  

  • BIKE SPARES: Our minimum spec for mandatory spare bike kit is outlined below. Items with an * need to be carried whilst riding: 2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre *  /  Tyre levers* / 1 x puncture repair kit* /  Bike multitool* / Small pump

 
PERSONAL MED KIT

Our minimum spec for mandatory medical kit (to be carried at all times) is as follows:  

  • 1 x crepe roll bandage 

  • Gauze or similar absorbent dressing  

  • Small set of scissors 

  • Pain Killers (paracetamol) 

  • Steri-Strips  

  • Antiseptic (spray or cream)  

  • Assorted plasters  

  • Rubber gloves  

  • Prescribed medication (if applicable) 

  • K tape  

  • Compeed – various sizes  

  • Lube stick/vaseline  

  • Sudacrem   

Is there a bike mechanic?

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. 

How tough is the cycling?

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.  

Do I need to organise any ferries?

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.  

Can I hire a bike?

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. Alternatively you are welcome to bring your own trusted steed and we will transport your bike box for you throughout the event. 

Bike Hire will be available to book via your RR account in Autumn 2026.

How can I stay connected on my adventure?

You can stay connected throughout your adventure with Holafly eSIM. It's a quick and hassle-free way to get reliable mobile data as soon as you land, so you can navigate, keep up to date with the event WhatsApp group (link shared in 1 week to go email) and share your photos during the trip!

You can bag 5% off your Holafly eSIM by purchasing your e-sim HERE. Your Rat Race discount is applied automatically when using this link.

Pricing

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.

​* 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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