A Friday Evening Trail Race. A Weekend Away.
El Classico Trail • Friday 03 July 2026 • Jersey
Half Marathon & 10k on one of the island’s most scenic stretches of coastline.
El Classico Trail Half Marathon
A proper coastal half with a bit of everything. Fast runnable sections, sharp climbs, sea views throughout, and a finish that feels earned.
Route
From Ouaisne Bay, runners head west along the rear trails before making their way towards Corbière and onto the Railway Walk, passing Les Quennevais. The route then drops into St Aubin, climbs Ghost Hill, and returns along the southwest coastal paths via Portelet and Noirmont before finishing back at Ouaisne. Around 95% is trail or coastal path.
Marking & Navigation
The course will be marked with yellow arrows and red/white barrier tape at decision points. GPX is provided as a backup, but the route will be clearly marked on race day.
Aid & Finish
This is a cup-free event. Please carry your own bottles, soft flasks or collapsible cup. Water and cola will be available on course, with drinks and snacks waiting at the finish.
Cut-off
Halfway cut-off: 19:45. It’s there for safety, but most runners won’t need to worry about it if they keep moving.
If the map doesn’t display properly on your device, open the Half Marathon route directly on MapMyRun.
El Classico Trail 10k
Shorter, punchier, and a great way into Trail Monkey racing if you want the atmosphere and scenery without the full half marathon distance.
If the map doesn’t display properly on your device, open the 10k route directly on MapMyRun.
Route
A shorter coastal route starting and finishing at Ouaisne Bay. Expect scenic trails, runnable sections, a few proper lumps, and a finish that still feels like you’ve had a day out rather than a jog round the block.
Marking & Navigation
The 10k is marked in the same way as the Half Marathon, with arrows and tape at key points. Carrying the GPX is sensible, but the course will be marked.
Aid & Finish
One water point is planned at around 5k. This is also a cup-free event, so please bring your own bottle, soft flask or collapsible cup. Finish line drinks and snacks included.
Cut-off
No formal cut-off. If you keep moving steadily, you’ll be fine.
Mandatory Kit
Applicable to both the Half Marathon and 10k. This is kit to be carried during the race, not left in the car and hoped for the best.
Required for both distances
- Trail shoes
- Foil blanket
- Charged mobile phone
- Reusable cup
- Food to cover the gaps between checkpoints
- What3Words installed on your phone
- ICE details completed on your bib
Additional notes
- Warm top layer if conditions require it
- Rain jacket if weather demands it
- Half Marathon: minimum 1L fluid capacity
- 10k: minimum 500ml fluid capacity
- Mark a red cross on your bib if you have a medical condition
- Race Director number to be saved before the start
FAQs
Do I need trail shoes?
Yes. This is a trail race, not a road race with a bit of grass. Sections can be rocky, uneven and slippery when wet. Trail shoes are the right choice.
Is the course marked?
Yes. Yellow arrows and red/white barrier tape will be used at key decision points. GPX is there as a backup, not as the main plan.
Are all kit items required?
Yes. The kit list is there for safety. If you turn up missing key items, you may not be allowed to start.
What’s at the checkpoints?
Water will be available, and cola on the Half Marathon. Please bring your own cup or drink from your own bottles. Finish area has drinks and snacks.
Is there a time limit?
Half Marathon: halfway cut-off at 19:45.
10k: no formal cut-off.
Will I be OK if I’m not quick?
Yes, provided you come prepared and keep moving. Trail Monkey events are welcoming, but you still need to respect the course and the kit requirements.
Travel & Parking
Please plan your journey in advance. Ouaisne is a beautiful race location, but parking is limited and public transport or lift-sharing is strongly encouraged.
Venue
Start and finish for both distances is at Ouaisne Bay.
Parking
Parking is limited at Ouaisne, so please car-share where possible and allow extra time when arriving.
Lift sharing
You can use the Trail Monkey Jersey Facebook group to arrange lifts with other runners before race day.
Getting to the start by bus
If you’re travelling from St Helier, there is a convenient option using the LibertyBus service.
You can take the 12A bus from Liberation Station at 17:20, arriving at Ouaisne at approximately 17:45.
You can check the full timetable and plan your journey here.
We will briefly hold the start to accommodate this bus arrival, so you can travel with confidence.
Taxis
Taxis are available in Jersey, but Friday evening can be busy, especially in summer.
If you plan to use a taxi, please pre-book in advance for both getting to the race and returning afterwards. You can find local taxi options here.
It is also worth arranging your return journey before race day, as Ouaisne is not always an easy place to pick up a taxi at short notice.
You can also use the Trail Monkey Facebook group to arrange lift sharing with other runners.
Event Sponsors
Thanks to the businesses supporting El Classico.
True Food are supporting El Classico. Kit Chamier and Paul Garrod specialise in sports nutrition and work with a wide range of athletes, including endurance runners. They provide practical, trustworthy advice to support training and race performance. Visit truefood.je or find them at Bond Street Health.
Active aim to ensure islanders have access to sports and leisure facilities that support healthier, more active lives. They deliver fitness programmes and work closely with partner organisations across Jersey’s sporting community. Visit active.je to find out more.
Travelling to Jersey for the Race
Thinking of making a weekend of it? Jersey is quick and easy to get to from the UK and France, and the race is set up perfectly for a short trip.
✈️ Flights
Regular flights run from the South of England, including London, Southampton, Exeter and Bristol. Flight time is typically around 45–60 minutes.
You can arrive Friday morning or afternoon, race in the evening, and head back Saturday or Sunday.
⛴️ Ferry
Ferries run from Poole and St Malo. Ideal if you want to bring your car and explore more of the island.
Journey time is typically 1–4 hours depending on route.
📍 Race Location
The race starts and finishes at Ouaisne Bay, on the south coast of Jersey.
Around 10–15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from St Helier.
🏡 Where to stay
Plenty of options across the island:
- St Helier – most choice, restaurants and nightlife
- St Brelade – closer to the race, quieter and coastal
- Self-catering apartments and Airbnbs also widely available
You don’t need to overthink it. Jersey is small and everything is within 20 minutes.
🌍 Why Jersey?
This isn’t just another race.
- Proper coastal trails with big sea views
- A friendly, welcoming race atmosphere
- Easy to get to without long travel days
- Perfect excuse for a short break
Turn it into a race weekend, not just a race day.
Ready?
Entries are limited. Get your place sorted.