El-Classico Trail Half Marathon (Scroll Down for 10k Details)
Course Records
Male – Chris Mullin – 1:32.44 (2019)
Female – Polly Arthur – 1:47.08 (2020)
1/2 Marathon General Information
Welcome to the 8th edition of the ever-popular Trail Monkey El Classico Trail Half Marathon!
Let’s dive into the course details: The starting point is Les Quennevais Sports Centre (New for 2024!), from where you’ll descend the railway walk into St Aubins, head up ghost hill, before traversing along the stunning southwest coastal paths, including the serene Portelet and Beauport beaches. The route then leads you to Corbiere before you head back along the remainder of the railway walk to teh finish at Les Quennevais. Almost entirely off-road (95% to be precise), this half marathon combines coastal and trail paths, adding an elevation of a challenging 1,100ft, making it a picturesque and inclusive race for runners with varied skill levels.
Do note, the participant limit is capped at 100 – so, hurry and secure your spot!
Your entry fee covers a whole host of provisions: a race number, finishers T-shirt, a medal, water stops, race organization, race results, and of course, drinks and snacks at the end.
We take great pride and joy in hosting these races. All runners are heartily welcome, and we’re committed to doing our best to ensure you cross the finish line with a triumphant smile.
A few important points to keep in mind:
Trail shoes are a necessity for this race, owing to the slippery nature of the trails. Other mandatory race equipment will be announced in the coming days. Be aware that the race distance won’t be exactly 13.1 miles, so mentally prepare for a bit of variance. The course is well-marked at decision points to guide your way. As a rule of thumb, keep the sea on your left, follow the footpaths unless directed otherwise, and pay attention to the course signage.
A water station is placed at the 6.5 (approx) mile location on the course. You’ll be required to bring your own water receptacles to keep hydrated between these stations. While we ensure adequate water supply at each checkpoint, carrying enough water is ultimately your responsibility, especially on hot days. From 2019, the race has been cupless, so if you wish to enjoy coke or squash at water checkpoints, you must bring your own reusable cup. With the race taking place in August, anticipate hot weather and train accordingly to ensure your comfort.
Finally, if you have any medical conditions, please mark a Red Cross on your race number prior to the race day, and note down your medical conditions on the back of the race number along with an I.C.E. contact.
Mandatory Kit Requirements:
Every runner is expected to carry the following items. If you appear to be missing any of these, you will be checked and won’t be allowed to start the race until you have all the necessary items:
- Trail Shoes
- A warm top layer for possible bad weather
- A foil blanket
- Rain jacket (if it’s raining)
- A water container(s) capable of holding at least 1 litre of water
- A cup for drinking coke at checkpoints (we aim to minimize plastic use)
- Sufficient food for sustenance between each checkpoint
- A charged phone with the race organizer’s number (07797827383)
- Please download the What3words app on your charged phone. This is a precautionary measure in case you face any difficulties and we or the emergency services need to locate you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is it necessary to have trail shoes?
Absolutely. The north coast can be quite technical and rocky in areas, and the rocks can become very slippery if it rains. Trail shoes are the only suitable footwear for this type of race. Please purchase them well in advance to break them in before the race.
2. Are all items on the mandatory kit list required?
Yes, they are. Given the duration of the race and the possible changes in weather, we must ensure all runners are adequately equipped. If you appear to lack any of the mandatory items, you won’t be allowed to start the race.
3. Is the course marked?
Yes, the course is clearly marked with arrows and barrier tape at each decision point. Whilst there are markings, it wont be as well marked or navigable as a road marathon, therefore we recommend using the GPX file provided on this page if you’re unfamiliar with the course or visiting Jersey for the race.
4. What refreshments are available at checkpoints?
Water, coke, and sweets are available at the water points. Please bring your own cups as we aim to minimize plastic use.
5. Is there a time limit for this race?
While we welcome runners of all abilities, those who don’t reach the halfway point within 1.5 hours may be asked to retire from the race. However, anyone who runs at least part of the way should easily meet this cutoff, and we’ll support you in your success.
Travel Arrangements:
Bus timetables are available for those needing public transportation. A list of Taxi firms in Jersey can also be provided. Additionally, we recommend joining the Trail Monkey Jersey Facebook group to connect with other runners and possibly arrange car sharing. Please note that the starting areas may not have sufficient parking for all participants due to their small size and use by others.
For more FAQs, please refer to our website7
El-Classico Trail 10km Race
10km Race General Information
Welcome to a new addition to the of the ever-popular Trail Monkey El Classico Trail Half Marathon – the new 10km Race!
Let’s dive into the course details: The starting point is Les Quennevais Sports Centre (The same as the 1/2 Marathon!), from where you’ll descend the railway walk towards Corbiere, before crossing at La Route D’Orange and then joining the stunning southwest coastal paths at Les Creux, and taking in the serene Beauport beach. The route then leads you to Corbiere before you head back along the remainder of the railway walk to the finish at Les Quennevais. Almost entirely off-road (95% to be precise), this 10km race combines coastal and trail paths, adding an elevation of a challenging 700ft, making it a picturesque and inclusive race for runners with varied skill levels.
Do note, the participant limit is capped at 40 – so, hurry and secure your spot!
Your entry fee covers a whole host of provisions: a race number, finishers T-shirt, a medal, water stops, race organization, race results, and of course, drinks and snacks at the end.
We take great pride and joy in hosting these races. All runners are heartily welcome, and we’re committed to doing our best to ensure you cross the finish line with a triumphant smile.
A few important points to keep in mind:
Trail shoes are a necessity for this race, owing to the slippery nature of the trails. Other mandatory race equipment will be announced in the coming days. Be aware that the race distance won’t be exactly 13.1 miles, so mentally prepare for a bit of variance. The course is well-marked at decision points to guide your way. As a rule of thumb, keep the sea on your left, follow the footpaths unless directed otherwise, and pay attention to the course signage.
You’ll be required to bring your own water receptacles to keep hydrated on the course, carrying enough water is ultimately your responsibility, especially on hot days. From 2019, the race has been cupless, so if you wish to enjoy coke or squash at the end of the race, you must bring your own reusable cup. With the race taking place in September, anticipate hot weather and train accordingly to ensure your comfort.
Finally, if you have any medical conditions, please mark a Red Cross on your race number prior to the race day, and note down your medical conditions on the back of the race number along with an I.C.E. contact.
Mandatory Kit Requirements:
Every runner is expected to carry the following items. If you appear to be missing any of these, you will be checked and won’t be allowed to start the race until you have all the necessary items:
- Trail Shoes
- A warm top layer for possible bad weather
- A foil blanket
- Rain jacket (if it’s raining)
- A water container(s) capable of holding at least 1 litre of water
- A cup for drinking coke at checkpoints (we aim to minimize plastic use)
- Sufficient food for sustenance between each checkpoint
- A charged phone with the race organizer’s number (07797827383)
- Please download the What3words app on your charged phone. This is a precautionary measure in case you face any difficulties and we or the emergency services need to locate you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is it necessary to have trail shoes?
Absolutely. The north coast can be quite technical and rocky in areas, and the rocks can become very slippery if it rains. Trail shoes are the only suitable footwear for this type of race. Please purchase them well in advance to break them in before the race.
2. Are all items on the mandatory kit list required?
Yes, they are. Given the duration of the race and the possible changes in weather, we must ensure all runners are adequately equipped. If you appear to lack any of the mandatory items, you won’t be allowed to start the race.
3. Is the course marked?
Yes, the course is clearly marked with arrows and barrier tape at each decision point. Whilst there are markings, it wont be as well marked or navigable as a road marathon, therefore we recommend using the GPX file provided on this page if you’re unfamiliar with the course or visiting Jersey for the race.
4. Is there a time limit for this race?
While we welcome runners of all abilities, those who don’t reach the halfway point within 1.5 hours may be asked to retire from the race. However, anyone who runs at least part of the way should easily meet this cutoff, and we’ll support you in your success.
Travel Arrangements:
Bus timetables are available for those needing public transportation. A list of Taxi firms in Jersey can also be provided. Additionally, we recommend joining the Trail Monkey Jersey Facebook group to connect with other runners and possibly arrange car sharing. Please note that the starting areas may not have sufficient parking for all participants due to their small size and use by others.
For more FAQs, please refer to our website7
Event Sponsors
Trail Monkey & True Food Sports Nutrition
We are so pleased to announce a new collaboration between the guys at True Food Sport Nutrition and Trail Monkey. They are sponsoring the upcoming El-Diablo Trail Half and the El-Classico Half in August.
Kit Chamier and Paul Garrod are specialists in Sports Nutrition and can provide you with personalized training and race nutrition advice to help you excel with running. They work with a wide range of athletes including endurance runners. They aim to provide trustworthy nutrition advice to help support and maintain quality training and race performances. You can visit truefood.je to find out more, or pop into Bond Street Health to meet them. They work with you as an individual to make sure your needs are tailored, effective and realistic.
If you want to contact them directly just email them here