Ultra X launches their latest race in Europe’s most exotic island

March 3, 2023

Introducing Ultra X Madeira

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Global ultra-marathon events series, Ultra X launch their latest race, a 2 day, 110km race around in Madeira, adding to their collection of bucketlist races.

• Ultra X 110 Madeira is a multi-stage ultra-marathon taking place over two days. There is also an option for competitors to run the second (50km) stage only on the Sunday.
• Ultra X Madeira will be Ultra X’s hardest races to date; with an elevation gain of 6,143m over the length of the 110km route. There will be steep ascents and descents on different areas of the course, with terrain varied from uneven, rocky trail and steps to good, smooth hard packed mud.
• Ultra X 110 Madeira and Ultra X 50 Madeira are UTMB® World Series Indexed Races in the 100K and 50K categories respectively.
• The race takes place on the 18^th and 19^th November 2023 and prices start from €375.

“Having recently spent a week on the island we are thrilled to launch this event that offers runners the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of our island while taking on a unique and challenging course. e are confident that the event will attract runners from all over the world, and we look forward to welcoming them to Madeira for this unforgettable experience.”

Sam Heward, Ultra X Co-Founder

About this Race

Madeira is set to host a new and exciting event on its beautiful island, as the inaugural Ultra X 110 and 50 Madeira is launched. The race is set to take place on the 18th and 19^th of November 2023 and will offer participants the chance to experience the stunning natural beauty of the island, while also pushing themselves to their limits in a gruelling race.

Ultra X Madeira is a unique challenge that will test the endurance and perseverance of runners as they tackle the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes of Madeira. The full race will cover a distance of 110km over two stages, starting and finishing in the picturesque town of Machico.

The route will take participants on a journey through Madeira’s breathtaking mountains, valleys, and coastal trails, offering views of the island’s stunning natural beauty along the way. With a total elevation gain of just over 6,000 meters, the course promises to be a true test of fitness and stamina.

Participants can expect a well-organized event with aid stations, medical support, and a team of dedicated volunteers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all runners. The race will be limited to a maximum of 250 participants, ensuring that the event maintains a friendly and intimate atmosphere.

Registration for the event opened on the 2^nd of March 2023. More information about the race, including registration details and course maps, can be found on the event website.

Day one is a point-to-point route and starts at the famous waterfront in Machico near the Forum Madeira building and the palm tree strip. It begins by heading north east and hugging the coastline and immediately passing by the incredible viewpoint at Pico do Facho with the aim of linking up with the north coast trail through Larano.

The route then heads south west then due west, towards the imposing high points of Madeira; Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, the true ex-libris of the mountains of Madeira, where some tunneled sections of the route will require a headtorch. After crossing through these mountains, runners will enter the the Laurissilva Forest, a unique forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After passing their last checkpoint after Pico da Encumeada, runners head north east towards Soa Vicente where they reach their campsite at the the Estadio dos Juncos.

Day 2 is a is a point-to-point route again that starts outside Sao Vicente, at the Estadio dos Juncos. Departing from the centre north of the island, the route heads immediately east, hugging the famous northern coastline. Runners will head along the old royal road through the most traditional and well preserved parishes of Madeira. You will run through the municipalities of Sao Vicente, Santana and among much of the beautiful Caminho Real trail.

Further information: 110KM, 50KM

Images available here. Credit Benedict Tufnell.

About Ultra X

Ultra X organise a series of multi-stage ultra marathons in some of the most exotic and exciting places on the planet. Their mission is to put on life-changing, transformative experiences and provide best in class support to participants to allow anyone to take on one of their events. Ultra X believe that the experience of a multi-stage race is one of the best experiences that anyone can have and their aim is to get more people participating.

“These events will totally change life as you know it. From the people you meet, to the miles you cover, there’s something about the days in the Ultra X bubble that make you feel more alive than ever, even when you’re at your most exhausted.”

James Cooke, Ultra X Competitor

Sam@ultra-x.co

07585707521