Run Azores is a unique running challenge located on the beautiful Portuguese island of Sao Miguel, the main island in the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic. The Challenge takes in three races on three consecutive days covering a total distance of 42K and is run over a mix of city streets, volcanic paths and forest trails. Run Azores is more than just a series of races, it's a chance to explore and experience these remarkable volcanic islands at ground level while enjoying a luxurious …
Run Azores is a unique running challenge located on the beautiful Portuguese island of Sao Miguel, the main island in the Azores archipelago in the North Atlantic.Â
The Challenge takes in three races on three consecutive days covering a total distance of 42K and is run over a mix of city streets, volcanic paths and forest trails.Â
Run Azores is more than just a series of races, it's a chance to explore and experience these remarkable volcanic islands at ground level while enjoying a luxurious island holiday.
The Azores
The Azores are a series of islands in the middle of the Atlantic, sitting midway between the continents of Europe and North America with Portugal 1360 km to the east, the nearest country and landmass.Â
Although sailors had passed the islands for years, they weren't settled by the Portuguese until the 15th century. There are nine major Azorean islands and an islet cluster, in three main groups in the archipelago stretching to over 600 km from east to west. These are Flores and Corvo to the west, Carciiosa, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial in the centre and Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and the Formigas reef to the east.  All the islands have volcanic origins although most have had no recorded activity since the islands were settled. Although it may not appear it at first sight, if measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean to their peaks, the Azores actually has some of the tallest mountains on the planet with Mount Pico on the island of Pico standing as the highest point in Portugal, at 2,351 m (7,713 ft) above sea level.
The climate of the Azores is very mild for such a northerly location, being influenced by its distance from the continents and by the passing  Gulf Stream. Due to the marine influence, temperatures remain mild year-round. Daytime temperatures normally fluctuate between 16 °C (61 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) depending on the season. Temperatures above 30 °C (86 °F) or below 3 °C (37 °F) are unknown in the major population centres and we would expect the temperature to be around 20 °C  in September for Run Azores. One caveat with the weather is the potential for rain and cloud which are quite frequent visitors to the islands.Â
A number of major European and North American cities now have direct flights into the Azores with flight times ranging from three to five hours. Tourism is one of the key industries for the islands with tourists flocking to the Azores to experience the outdoor life, hiking and trekking in the hills, surfing and sailing around the coast or fishing and whale watching further offshore.Â
Although running is still in its infancy, a few of the islands have well-established trail races aimed at the local population but Run Azores will be the first major international running event on Sao Miguel.
The Races
Run Azores Challenge is a three-race concept taking place over three days in three different on the island of Sao Miguel.
Friday October 6 - Ponta Delgada 5KÂ
This is a gentle introduction to your time in the Azores with an early evening out-and-back 5K along the harbourside of Sao Miguel's capital city. It's a fast, flat course that starts and finishes a short walk from the AZOR hotel.
Saturday October 8 -Â Serra Tronqueira 16K
It's an early start today we take a coach to the start of this point-to-point race along a secluded forest trail to the east of the island. The first five kilometres climb steadily upwards before the course flattens and tips gently down for a long fast finish in to the town of Nordeste. The majority of the route is run on hard-packed dirt trails with the final few kilometres on the road.
Sunday October 9 - Volcano 19k
The Challenge finishes with a beautiful run. You will struggle to find a more picturesque course than today's 19k run around the Sete Cidades lagoon, the huge crater in the midst of an extinct volcano on the west of the island. The up-and-down-route circles around the top rim of the volcano before descending down to the town at its centre and finishing beside the lagoon.
MS Vila Nova - Standard
Built in 2002, the MS Vila Nova is a modern 3-star hotel located in the historic area of Ponta Delgada, close to Campo de Sao Francisco and Sao Bras Fortress, a 16th century military fort. More importantly it's a few minutes walk from the shops and restaurants in the centre of Ponta Delgada and the marina.
The modern guest rooms are decorated in blue and grey tones, feature extra long beds and private bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast at the Atlantic Room, which is beside the outside swimming pool. The pool area, with its large sun terrace, is a great place to relax your runs. In the evening you can relax in the Vila Nova's bar which serves great cocktails and bar snacks. The MS Vila Nova is about 5K from Ponta Delgada International airport.
The Luxurious Grand Hotel Across Atlantico is one of the best know hotels in Ponta Delgada. Known for its prime location, close the historic centre, facing the marina and boasting exceptional views of the Atlantic ocean. The interior design of the hotel is inspired by classic line, closely lined to the centennial history of one of the most important Portuguese shipping companies - Empress Insulana - and evokes the European style of a Grand Hotel, positioning itself at the 5-star hotel of the main Azorean city.
The hotel has a hotel of 140 generously proportioned rooms all with private bathrooms and balconies, half look out over the ocean and half have views of the city of Ponta Delgada. As well a heated indoor swimming pool and fully equipped gym, the hotel also features an excellent bar and restaurant. Its facilities include free wi-fi, 24-hour reception, room service and business centre. The Grand Hotel is ideal located for any marina-based activities as well as the shops and restaurants of central Ponta Delgada.
ItineraryÂ
Wednesday October 4:Â
Arrive in Ponta Delgada (flights not included in the price). On arrival make a taxi transfer (€10 per taxi - 10min journey) to the your choice of hotel, either the 3-star MS Vila Nova or the 5-star Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico. Your booking is on a bed and breakfast basis.
Direct low cost and charter flights are available from Portugal, Spain, USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Sweden. Connecting scheduled flights available through TAP/SATA via Lisbon and Porto.
Thursday October 5:
Breakfast, day at leisure - optional activities include Whale and Dolphin watching or water sports.
6 pm Welcome drinks and race briefing with number and T-shirt distribution at the Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico.Â
Friday October 6:
Breakfast, day at leisure. 6.30pm Ponta Delgada 5K
Saturday October 7:
Breakfast. 8am transfer by coach to the start of the Serra Tronquiera 17K. There will be snacks and drinks at the finish and time to explore the town of Nordeste before returning on the coach to Ponta Delgada.
Sunday October 8:
Breakfast. 8am Transfer by coach to Sete Cidades for the start of the final race, the Volcano Run at 9.30am. There will be snacks and drinks at the finish and time to explore the town near the Lagoon before the coach transfer back to the hotel.Â
7.30pm celebration dinner and prize giving.
Monday October 9:
Breakfast. Optional day trip to Furnas (cost in addition to the basic package) a spa town in the middle of the island. Coach leaves at 9.30am and the price includes entry into thermal park and Parque Terra Nostra spring resort and gardens followed by lunch, including the option of Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked underground by the heat of the volcano.
Tuesday October 10:
Breakfast, day at leisure to take in a hike along the coastal path or perhaps whale watching or deep sea fishing.Â
Wednesday October 11:
Breakfast and check out of the hotel for individual transfer to the airport for your return flight.Â
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Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico
| Price per person in UK£'s | Twin / Double | Single Room |
|
7-Night Luxury Hotel Package (Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico) |
 £799 |  £1299 |
|
Ocean view supplement (per person per night) |
 £20 |  £40 |
*Ocean view is only available with a Single or Double room.
MS Vila Nova
| Price per person in UK£'s | Twin / Double | Single Room |
|
7-Night Standard Hotel Package (MS Vila Nova) |
£499 | £849 |
Race Entry fee - £175
Supporter fee - £50
Day trip to Furnas (including lunch) £75 per person.
(The supporter fee covers the non-runner cost of daily coach transfers to and from the race locations as well as the race T-shirt. If you are staying in the hotel but do not wish to attend any of the races, then the supporter fee does not apply.)Â
A deposit is required at the time of booking: £300 for Runners; £150 for supporters.Â
The final balance is due ten weeks before departure.
A twin or double room booking is only available for two people booking at the same time. If you are travelling alone then the single room price applies.Â
The package price includes seven nights at the 5* Grand Hotel Azores Atlantico or the 3* MS Vila Nova on a bed and breakfast basis; welcome drinks and celebration dinner in Ponta Delgada (restaurant TBC) and services of 2:09 Events staff throughout.Â
Race entry fee includes coach transfers to and from the race locations and the hotel; entry into the three races; fully supported marked routes; medical support; drinks and refreshments during race 2 and 3 as well as at the end of each race; drinks and light refreshments at the end of the challenge in Sete Cidades; commemorative medal; race T-shirt; free digital race photos; prizes for the first three overall male and female competitors, first 40, 50 and 60+ finishers male and female.
The Challenge is organised by 2:09 Events Ltd, a UK based travel and events business.Â
Run Azores is aimed at international runners booking one of the travel packages. There is no entry-only option for international runners.Â
Not included in the package: International flights to and from the Azores, transfers between the airport and hotels; meals, drinks or activities except those mentioned in the itinerary.
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For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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