Over 400 registered to run in Formentera All Round Trail on 29 February

img 32512Paula Ferrer, chief of Formentera’s Department of Sport, unveiled details today about the ninth Formentera All Round Trail. The run, which is set to take place 29 February, marks the start of Formentera’s 2020 sports calendar, which Ferrer called “one of the key draws for tourism in the off-season”. Pere Serra, representing the Elite Chip firm on Formentera, and Daniel de la Dueña, a Department of Sport staffer—both were on hand at the morning presentation. Some 400 runners will participate according to the most recent tally, which, as Councillor Ferrer pointed out, “comes in just short of our 500-person limit, but gives us a pretty good indication of the recognition the trail run has earned both domestically and abroad”.

The Elite Chip spokesperson described “Fart” as a 72.5K coastal jaunt that starts and ends in La Savina harbour and this year offers runners a new modality, group relay. Participants in the 40.5K Half Round Formentera set out in Es Arenals but wind up in La Savina, and athletes in the 21K “Part Fart” (Tros de Fart) start their run in Es Caló before making their way to La Savina. Runners have 13, 9.5 and 4 hours to complete the respective trials.

Earth-smart run
Councillor Ferrer held up Fart’s “enormous environmental focus—one of the issues that’s closest to our heart”. In kind, gels and bottles carry their holder’s entry number and will be used to identify runners who toss them carelessly along the trail. Free transport is provided to the starting lines of the Half and Part Fart, and an array of discounts on transport and accommodations exist for individuals who patronise participating businesses.

Ferrer also applauded the fixture’s supporting organisations, like the Balearic Port Authority (APB), the regional ministry of environment, the Guardia Civil, Civil Protection and Formentera Local Police forces, and volunteers, all of whom are crucial to Fart’s success.

12 February 2020
Department of Communication
Consell de Formentera