El Chorro Trail Running Retreat

15th to 18th January 2027 - El Chorro, Spain

Join us for an unforgettable long weekend in southern Spain, where dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lakes, and sun-soaked trails set the stage for a truly unique trail running experience.

Based in the charming Andalusian town of Álora - perfectly positioned between Málaga and El Chorro - this trip blends guided runs, iconic hikes, local culture, and time to unwind. Whether you're here for the miles, the views, or the community, this is your chance to experience trail running at its best.

Got questions? Email us!

Mountains

+ lakes

15 - 18 January 2027

£200: Single bunk beds

£325/350: Double room

£450: Twin room

What's included?

✅ All guided runs + hikes + swimming

✅ 3 nights of accommodation in Álora

✅ Transport to and from Malaga Airport* and all activities

✅ Entrance ticket to Caminito del Rey (with official guide)

✅ 3x breakfasts

✅ 3x dinners

(*particular flights on 15th and 18th Jan only - see FAQs below)

What to expect...

This is much more than just a running trip. It’s a carefully curated experience combining movement, exploration, and relaxation.

Scenic trail runs
A guided adventure through one of Spain’s most famous natural landmarks
Swim spots, mountain views, and hidden paths
Time to explore the vibrant city of Málaga
Breakfast every morning to start the day right
Delicious and healthy dinners shared together each evening
A welcoming, like-minded group of runners

Who is this trip for?

You will require a good level of fitness to be able to participate each day. All attendees must be comfortable with multi-day activities, and maintaining a consistent level of exertion throughout the trip. Please contact us if you want to check anything with regard to the level of fitness required.

If you are a faster runner, you should expect to run slower than you might normally.

TICKET PRICES:

Room #1: Double room (single occupancy)

£350

Room #2: Bunk room (bed 1)

SOLD

Room #2: Bunk room (bed 2)

SOLD

Room #3: Double room (single occupancy)

SOLD

Room #4: Twin room (double occupancy)

£450

Room #5: Bunk room (bed 1)

SOLD

Room #5: Bunk room (bed 2)

SOLD

ITINERARY:

FRIDAY 15 JANUARY - Arrival and Malaga vibes

Your experience begins the moment you land.

We’ll pick you up from Málaga Airport and head into the city for a relaxed start to the weekend.

After a social shakeout run (10km approx, flat), you’ll have time to explore Málaga at your own pace - grab a coffee, wander the old town, or dip your toes in the sea.

Later, we transfer to our accommodation in Álora, where we settle in and enjoy our first group dinner together.

Included: Airport pickup, social run, leisure time in Málaga, transfer to accommodation, dinner

SATURDAY 16 JANUARY - Caminito del Rey & El Chorro Trails

Get ready for a day you won’t forget!

After breakfast, we head to the legendary Caminito del Rey (with an official guide), walking along this spectacular cliffside pathway - an absolute highlight of the region.

In the afternoon, we swap hiking shoes for running shoes and hit the trails around El Chorro and the reservoirs, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and endless views. The run will be a hilly 6-8km, exact distance to be decided by the group.

We’ll finish the day with a refreshing swim in the Conde del Guadalhorce reservoir before heading back for dinner.

Included: Breakfast, guided Caminito del Rey tour, trail run, lake swim (optional), dinner

SUNDAY 17 JANUARY - Mountains, movement and Malaga

Our final full day blends adventure with exploration.

After breakfast, we'll start the morning with a hike up/run down, taking in the amazing escalera árabe (Arabic Staircase), soaking in the last of the wild landscapes.

Guests will then be given the option of either heading into Malaga early to explore, or an 8km trail run near Álora before refreshening up the accommodation and joining-up with the others in Malaga later on.

In Málaga you'll have free time - whether you use that by exploring, shopping, or simply relaxing. There's the opportunity for a guided walking tour of central Malaga, which is included, but completely optional.

Finally, we'll head back to the accommodation for our last dinner together.

Included: Breakfast, trail hike/run (optional), leisure time in Málaga, guided walking tour (optional), dinner

MONDAY 18 JANUARY - Departures

After breakfast, we’ll provide your transfer back to Málaga Airport, leaving you refreshed, recharged, and full of stories.

Included: Breakfast, airport drop off

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

Your flight/train/car transportation to Malaga.
Your fuel (food and hydration) for activities.
Anything else you choose to buy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Do I need to be a member of Cheltenham and Gloucester Trail Runners?

No you don't. There will probably be a mixture of members and non-members on the trip.

Is it just running, running and more running? Is it a "boot camp"?

No and no! We'll do plenty of running, but there will also be a healthy amount of downtime to rest and recover, which is built into every day of the retreat.

Are any of the runs optional? Can I 'sit out' any of the runs?

Yes you can. The aim is for everyone to have the best trip possible, and sometimes that might include extra rest. There could be a situation where some of the group attend one of the runs, and some of the group stay at the accommodation to relax.

What's the refund policy?

We understand that sometimes life circumstances change our plans. However, once you have booked your room cash refunds are not possible. You do have, however, up until 60 days before the retreat to contact us by email if you would like to cancel your booking in exchange for 'C&G credit', which can be used to pay for any future courses with us, or any merch items, retreats or one-to-one coaching. An admin fee of 10% will be applicable.

Where's the nearest airport?

Malaga is the closest airport. There are regular direct flights to Malaga airport from various airports across the UK.

Can you tell me more about the airport shuttle?

We offer a complimentary airport shuttle service from/to Malaga airport for the following flights:

15th Jan - flight from Bristol - lands in Malaga at 9:40am

15th Jan - flight from Birmingham - lands in Malaga at 11:05am

18th Jan - Malaga to Bristol - 10:50am

18th Jan - Malaga to Birmingham - 8:50pm

If you'd prefer alternative flights, please email contact@cheltenhamandgloucestertrailrunners.co.uk to discuss and confirm the transport logisitics and meet-up arrangements.

Do I need to rent a car?

No, there’s no requirement for you to rent a car - transport will be provided.

Can I buy my own food?

Yes, absolutely!