We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised ads or content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking 'Allow All', you consent to our use of cookies. For further details, please see our cookies policy.
Combining trail running, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking, this epic endurance journey crosses the entire island through dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush mountains and spectacular Atlantic coastline. Highlights include the iconic summit of Pico Ruivo via Madeira’s world-famous peak-to-peak trail, before an exhilarating mountain bike descent to the opposite coast on one of Europe’s most unique adventure challenges.
6 - 10 May 2027
4 - 8 May 2028
5 Days / 4 Nights
34 miles bike (55km)
53 miles foot (85km)
6 miles kayak (10km)
Bucket List Adventures
Trek the famous Pico to Pico traverse as part of the route
This iconic and extremely dramatic mountain section is quite rightly regarded as a world-famous hiking trail.
Rest and recover in the Porto Moniz pools
Rest and recover in the natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, soaking tired muscles in one of Madeira’s most iconic and spectacular coastal settings.
Trails through Levadas and ancient forests unique to Madeira
Traverse Madeira’s iconic levada trails and ancient laurel forests as part of our route, exploring landscapes found nowhere else on earth.
Dolphin spotting on the sunrise kayak
Start at sunrise on Madeira’s dramatic eastern tip, launching into the Atlantic by kayak with the chance to spot dolphins as the island wakes around you.
Welcome to Madeira.
On arrival into Funchal, you’ll make your way to our event hotel where the Rat Race team will be ready to welcome you. This is your opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers, get checked in, build your bike if required, and soak up the anticipation for the journey ahead.
Later, we’ll gather for a full event briefing where we’ll talk through the route, logistics, safety procedures and what lies ahead over the coming days. Madeira may be a small island, but don’t be fooled, this is a rugged, dramatic and physically demanding crossing packed with adventure from coast to coast.
After a very early breakfast, we kick things off with a sunrise run/hike across the dramatic São Lourenço Peninsula, heading to Madeira’s most easterly point accessible by foot. With sweeping Atlantic views ahead and the island’s mountainous spine laid out behind you, the scale of the challenge quickly becomes clear.
From here, we descend to meet the kayaks and begin a spectacular 10km westward paddle along Madeira’s coastline, spending around 2–2.5 hours on the water with support boat cover throughout.
Back on dry land, it’s straight onto the trails for a stunning coastal run/hike, finishing high in Madeira’s rugged interior before a short transfer back to the hotel for a well-earned meal and rest.
There’s no easy way to say this: this could be one of the best days you’ll ever have on the trails… but it’s going to hurt.
After a short transfer back to yesterday’s finish point, we continue our ascent into Madeira’s spectacular interior, following ancient forest trails, iconic levadas and dramatic mountain paths as we climb towards the island’s high points, Pico Ruivo (1862m) and Pico do Arieiro (1818m). This world-famous ridgeline is one of Madeira’s true highlights, with route specifics shaped by weather and trail conditions, but whichever way we go, expect unforgettable views and exceptional terrain.
With serious elevation gain on the cards, this is a big day in the mountains before a well-earned transfer to our accommodation for dinner, recovery and some much-needed sleep.
Today we switch to two wheels for the final stage, taking to the mountain bikes for an exhilarating mix of road and trail as we make our way west. Nothing should be overly technical, and if there’s ever a section you’d rather walk, that’s absolutely fine, today is all about enjoying the ride.
From the high plateau, it’s a spectacular descent towards Madeira’s wild west coast and the finish line in Porto Moniz. Here, you’ll have the chance to soothe tired legs in the famous natural volcanic sea pools (or the hotel’s heated pool if that’s more your style) before we gather for a well-earned celebration meal, and perhaps a glass of Madeira to toast an extraordinary crossing.
Breakfast will be available at the hotel and we will then do a morning group transfer to take you back either to Funchal town (for those perhaps staying longer on the island) or the airport. We will depart the hotel at approx 0900. It is a journey time of 1h30m back to the airport so expect to arrive at around 1030.
Our multi-lingual running machine, James brings extensive sports event experience, having delivered events of all shapes and sizes across the industry. A UK Athletics qualified running coach, he combines expert endurance expertise with a sharp eye for route design, logistics and participant experience. James has a knack for crafting running routes you’ll genuinely love, always seeking out the very best trails, roads and hidden gems in every destination to create unforgettable adventure experiences.
Raise £4000 and get up to £1750 refunded
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?
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)
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)
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
Sun Hat
Wicking Top – long or short sleeved
Sunglasses
Quick Drying leggings
Water shoes/sandals
Swimming Shirts / Bikini
Kayaking gloves - optional
Waterproof top and bottoms
Wetsuit – Completely optional
Kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid will be provided.
One set of clothes for kayaking as suggested above. Swimming shorts/costume/bikini, leggings and a long-sleeved T-shirt/rash vest would be adequate.
Our advice at this stage is to paddle in comfortable wicking garments. You will be completing 1 x SUP and 1 x kayak leg and a run/ trek leg between these, so clothing that is comfortable in the boat and on land is suggested for event day 3.
A drybag will be useful to collate your bits n’ bobs into on the kayak day.
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
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.
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.
Protect your booking with Refund Protect
Pay in Instalments
Sign up today
£118.18
Interest Free!
/ Month
Pay in Full
2027
£2295
2028
£2295
/ Total Payment
Find your next adventure
