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Madeira Coast to Coast

The ultimate Madeira adventure on this world-first coast-to-coast multisport traverse.

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.

Rocky mountains covered in trees
Enter

Dates

6 - 10 May 2027

4 - 8 May 2028

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Distance

34 miles bike (55km)
53 miles foot (85km)
6 miles kayak (10km)

Discipline

Event Discipline - Multisport

Event Type

Bucket List Adventures

Highlights

Rocky mountains covered in trees

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.

Aerial view of waves crashing against rocks

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.

Participant holding a torch and walking through dark tunnel with shallow water

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.

Rocky cliff surrounded by bright, clear water

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.

Itinerary

Participants running over round rocks and sea crashing against them

Day One: Thursday

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.

Madeira Coast to Coast_31

Day Two: Friday

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.

Madeira Coast to Coast_7

Day Three: Saturday

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.

Madeira Coast to Coast_4

Day Four: Sunday

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.

Participant holding a Madeira medal

Day Five: Monday

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.  

Madeira Coast to Coast_14
Woman sat against wall, next to bike and drinking from bottle

Your Adventure Leader

Kate

Kate thrives on creating unforgettable adventure experiences that make every participant feel supported, welcomed and capable of achieving something extraordinary. Known for her warmth, positivity and caring nature, she brings people together through inspirational events designed to build confidence, spark connection and help participants achieve more than they ever thought possible.

What's Included

Where you will sleep

Accommodation

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 are available, please email events@ratrace.com for pricing and availability.

What you'll eat

Meals

Fuel for adventure is all part of the experience. Breakfast is included each day and dinners are included once our event activity begins, lunches will be a convenient wrap or sandwich-style trail food, perfect for eating on the move as the adventure unfolds. 

We’ll also keep you topped up with a selection of trail snacks and energy boosters, but we always recommend packing your own favourite “Scooby snacks” for those all-important morale boosts when the legs start talking.

All dietary requirements can be catered for, please indicate this in your pre-event information form sent out 3 months prior.

How we will support you

Guides and Support

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. 

On the water, our local safety team will be with you every step of the way. 

Across the event, we’ll have multiple vehicles and experienced staff at your disposal to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment. 

If you can't make it

Flexible Transfer Policy

Entries may be transferred up to 12 weeks prior to departure in accordance with the Rat Race transfer policy. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances. Participants also have the option to add Refund Protect to their booking, facilitated by a trusted third-party provider, which may allow you to claim a refund should you be unable to attend for a range of qualifying reasons.

Adventure mementos

Mementos

All participants will receive a selection of exclusive event memorabilia to mark their Madeira Coast to Coast adventure, including a commemorative event T-shirt, Rat Rag and an epic finisher’s medal at the end of this unforgettable multisport island crossing. These special keepsakes celebrate your achievement and serve as lasting reminders of an extraordinary coast-to-coast journey across Madeira, from the dramatic eastern tip to the wild Atlantic shores of Porto Moniz.

Event medics

Medical Support

Our events are supported by Trail Med, who provide oversight, planning and participant screening across all of our international adventures, ensuring every expedition is backed by robust medical expertise. On the ground, you’ll be supported by a highly qualified UK medical team of paramedics and/or doctors, carefully selected for their experience in remote and challenging environments.

Rat Race also operates in line with the rigorous BS8848 standard for expedition management, independently audited to ensure the highest standards of safety, risk management and participant care. In short, every aspect of our medical and safety planning is designed with your wellbeing firmly at its heart.

Add these to your booking

Bookable Extras

You can hire a bike through us to give you a hassle free way of travelling to this event. Simply login to your Rat Race account and add this to your booking.

Epic does not even come close to describing the route of this adventure. Madeira made sure to throw everything it had at us, constantly changing weather, steep inclines/steeper declines and rocky under-footing all lead to one of my most enjoyable weekend adventures. When you could look up there were stunning views all along the route. The crew were phenomenal at providing both encouragement at each stop along the route. A word to the wise, pack for all seasons on this trip! You will be glad of the layers. Book it now...

Bo

Madeira Coast to Coast is a wild adventure. You cover every type of trail, groomed paths, steep steep inclines and declines, overgrown foot paths, lavadas, and long cliff side tunnels. All offering wonderful views of the coast and interior. You will not be dissatisfied with the views, after you earn them on the grueling climbs and trails! Be prepared for anything, as the weather will certainly throw a curve ball into the race at some point, but this only adds to the story and experience. Train hard, and really be prepared to gain significant elevation every day, your mind will be tested just as much as your legs!

Logan

Rat Race Madeira challenge me physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Rugged nature, self propulsion, sheer determination and surrounded support was needed to get me through.

I learned a lot about myself, and about the world on this trip .

Forever grateful and forever changed.

Michelle

Group of participants smiling and stood infront of waterChildren-with-Cancer-UK-logo-white

Raise £4000 and get up to £1750 refunded

Find out more

Madeira Adventure Gallery

Madeira Coast to Coast_12Madeira Coast to Coast_2Madeira Coast to Coast_19Participants running over round rocks and sea crashing against themMadeira Coast to Coast_32Madeira Coast to Coast_24Madeira Coast to Coast_30Man running up hill with sea and islands behindRocky mountains covered in treesMadeira Coast to Coast_4Madeira Coast to Coast_27Coastal track and mountainous terrain next to seaGroup of participants smiling and stood infront of waterMadeira Coast to Coast_23Rocky cliff surrounded by bright, clear waterMadeira Coast to Coast_16Madeira Coast to Coast_20Madeira Coast to Coast_34Participant cycling through forestMadeira Coast to Coast_18Madeira Coast to Coast_21Green mountains next to bright, clear seaMadeira Coast to Coast_3Madeira Coast to Coast_6Madeira Coast to Coast_10Madeira Coast to Coast_33Madeira Coast to Coast_31Participant crossing bridge next to waterfall and surrounded by greeneryTwo participants looking out onto rocky islands and seaMadeira Coast to CoastMadeira Coast to Coast_25Rocky cliff surrounded by bright, clear waterAerial view of waves crashing against rocksMadeira Coast to Coast_22Madeira Coast to Coast_5Madeira Coast to Coast_13Madeira Coast to Coast_26Madeira Coast to Coast_8Participant holding a torch and walking through dark tunnel with shallow waterMadeira Coast to Coast_14Madeira Coast to Coast_7Madeira Coast to Coast_11Green, rocky mountains and mistParticipant sat on rocks, looking out to sunset over seaMadeira Coast to Coast_15Rocky islands poking through the sea and a colourful sky aboveParticipants stood, looking out to clouds and colourful sunParticipant walking over rocky, sunlit terrainMadeira Coast to Coast_28Madeira Coast to Coast_35Participant cycling on narrow track with forest behindParticipant running through dense forestParticipant holding a Madeira medalMadeira Coast to Coast_29Madeira Coast to Coast_17Rocky terrain and trees below with a grey sky aboveMadeira Coast to Coast_36Madeira Coast to Coast_9

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

SUP AND KAYAK STAGES KIT

  • 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.  

 

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   

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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£118.18

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2027

£2295

2028

£2295

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Participants stood, looking out to clouds and colourful sun

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