What is one of our trail running tours like?

On a Traiectus tour all your personal stuff, as well as group equipment, is carried while you are out enjoying your run. Thus, when the group gets to the lodging (the hut, lodge, rural cottage or hotel), everything will be ready and waiting for you. What will you have to do? Well, enjoy while running along amazing trails with just a small backpack and then relax and get ready for a delicious meal and a well deserved good night’s sleep. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

What is the maximum size of each group?

There are two reasons why our tours are not overcrowded: firstly, because in a large group there’s no room for a customized, quality, unforgettable experience. And secondly, and more importantly, because the natural environment can only withstand that much human activity. If we exceed that limit we would be ruining what makes us most proud of our homeland. This is why our groups of runners never have more than 12 participants (plus a guide).

And the minimum?

So that a tour is profitable (we too like buying new shoes ;) the minimum number of runners a tour must have is 5. That is why, if that number is not reached, a tour can’t be organized.

What type of terrains can I expect on a tour?

Each tour has its own especial features, its own terrain and unique characteristics. Running through cliffs or sandy beaches on a coastal tour has nothing to do with dodging the rocks of some mountain trails. Mainly, the following will be the types of terrain on our tours: grass and meadows, gravel, mud, sand, rocky single-track trails, etc.

What is included in a tour?

We want you to have an unforgettable experience and enjoy it as much as possible. That is why, when you book with us, you will have the certainty that everything is included so you can enjoy a few perfect days without having to worry about adding expenses to your account. With your reservation you will have:

• Transport from the meeting point to the start of the tour
• A trail running guide for the full tour
• Personal insurance
• Daily hauling of your baggage in our service vehicle
• Booking of the lodging (and restaurants if needed)
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner on each full day of tour
• Transport back to the meeting point

* This conditions might vary slightly on some of the tours, so if in doubt, what is stated on the tour page will prevail over the above.

Is trail running experience needed in order to book a tour?

Having some experience in running trails is useful, but by no means essential. Some of the trails are technical and complicated but many others are dirt roads that can be handled by any road runner or hiker. So if you usually run on trails, great, but if not, this is your opportunity to give it a try!

Are tours difficult?

Our tours will make you sweat, that’s for sure. It’s not a stroll in the woods (though not a race either) but if you are an active runner, you won’t have any problems. Keep in mind that, sometimes, the best spots are those which require a highest level of fitness. So, the fitter you are, the more likely its is that you will enjoy the tour.

Moreover, each course can be adapted to suit the group’s needs and levels. They can be shortened o lengthened, we can choose tougher single track trails or run most of the time on easier dirt roads. Flexibility is fundamental to ensure the group enjoys the experience. We just have to agree… and off we go!

But, can I walk?

Of course you can! Tours are not competitions and there’s no medal for the first to get to the lodge. We can agree on walking and enjoy the beautiful scenery. That’s part of the charm as well. But, on the other side, it’s not a hiking trip either: terrain and stamina permitting, we will try to move forward at a fair pace.

What if there’s a sudden change in the weather?

We make many sacrifices before each tour to ensure gods are on our side. But they do not always listen to us and sometimes the weather is not as we would like. However, what’s a bit of rain, snow or wind for a runner like you? The main issue in deciding whether a tour won’t start (or is cancelled once on the road) is safety. If common sense (and the guide) recommends not going out because the group’s safety is at risk, we won’t. We will then find an appropriate alternative. But the most important thing is always the safety of all those who are on our tours.

What will I have to carry while running?

You will have to carry a backpack with water, lunch, some warm clothing, and about it. The guide will carry some extra stuff for emergency situations. For everything else… we have a service vehicle ;)

How far will I have to run each day?

The distance of each tour differs. Some, due to the nature of the environment, will require shorter and tougher distances. Others will be longer but less technical. On our 4-day tours we try to include an easier day to recover and get ready for the final stretch. Also, keep always in mind this is no race; if you’d like so, we’ll take our time to enjoy the amazing scenery, to go for a swim at the beach or to give our feet a break at a refreshing creek.

Do I have to run every day?

Nope. If you have an injury, you don’t feel like running or you just want a relaxed day, you can skip that day’s run. Our SUV will take you to the next lodging so you can “take the day off” and do tourist stuff or just grab a book and take it easy.

Can I park my car at the meeting point?

Sure, no problem. Even so, we always recommend you use public transport. Traveling by train or bus will reduce the impact on the environment and you will be contributing to a more sustainable holiday. Moreover, we will pick you up where the public transport drops you off and bring you to the meeting point.

Will I see wildlife?

Yep, it’s highly likely. It will depend on the type of tour, the route and, as usual in this type of things, luck. But if you consider yourself a lucky runner, get ready to see wild boars, foxes, deers and all kinds of birds of prey, reptiles and all the wildlife of our country.

What about the accommodation?

Accommodation will also depend on the type of tour. Tours along the Costa Brava will have two or three star hotels as daily destinations. However, on mountain tours you will be staying in rural cottages, mountain hotels or mountain huts.

Depending on the features the lodging you will stay on half board or just bed and breakfast basis. In the latter case, dinner (and/or breakfast) will be at local restaurants.

Accommodation will be based in double occupancy rooms. If you’d like to stay in a single room, you can do so be adding a small surcharge to the tour price.

Can I come by myself?

Yes, 100% yes, people come both alone and in groups. At the end of the tour you will have made new friends! Sharing nature and its trails is one of the reasons we decided to start Traiectus. Also, if you don’t mind sharing your room, you won’t have any extra fees.

What do I need to bring?

Mainly your running apparel and shoes, a backpack and the personal belongings your need after each run. You can check out each tour page for a list of what we recommend you bring.

What about meals?

Every night we all have dinner together either at the hotel or at a local restaurant nearby. Breakfast works the same way, while for lunch we’ll have a daily prepared picnic that we’ll carry in our backpacks and we’ll have on-the-go.

If you have any special dietary requirement (if you are vegetarian, for example) or have any allergies, let us know beforehand so we can adapt your meals according to your needs.

How do I make a reservation?

You can book a place on a tour through this page. After completing the form with your info you can make a down-payment for 30% of the total amount either by Paypal or wire transfer. Once this is done… you have your place on the tour!

You will have to make the payment for the remaining amount up to 3 weeks before the start of the tour. In case you make a reservation less than 3 weeks before the start, you will have to pay for the full tour price right after you complete your reservation.

How do I pay my reservation?

You can make your payment using one of the following two methods:

1. Through Paypal. On step 2 of the reservation process you will be redirected to the website of the online payment service. You can either pay using your Paypal account (if you have one) or your debit or credit card. If you already have an account just sign in to complete your payment. If not, just click on the “Continue” link on Paypal’s page to pay with your usual credit card.This is what you should see on Paypal’s website:
   
   
   
   
2. By wire-transfer. In this case, just ignore step 2 of the reservation process. Once you have sent the reservation form, you can make your payment on this “laCaixa” account: 2100 0750 83 0200170337

   Remember to include your name so we can match your payment with the reservation data.

When you are required to pay the remaining amount, you will also pay using the above two options.

What if Traiectus cancels the tour?

Once we confirm your reservation, we’ll do everything you can to ensure the tour goes ahead. Even so, we’ll give you a 100% refund for your payment if we end up cancelling your tour.