Formentera Half Marathon 2026

Two races in one week?

Formentera, May 23, 2025

On May 14, the 16th edition of the Mitja Marató Illa de Formentera took place, alongside the 8K Sant Ferran-La Savina race, bringing together more than 3,500 runners between the two events. The Mitja Marató began at the iconic La Mola Lighthouse, while the 8K started in Sant Ferran. Both races shared the same finish line, traditionally located on La Savina’s Marina Promenade.

Once again, this sporting event gave participants the chance to cross Formentera from one end to the other, covering the 21,100 meters that make up a half marathon. More than just a sporting competition, it becomes an unforgettable experience for those who complete it.

Due to the event, traffic was cut off along the main road connecting La Savina with La Mola Lighthouse, passing through S’Estany Pudent and Sant Ferran, thus ensuring the safety of runners during the race.

The race also mobilizes a large number of volunteers who, coordinated by Formentera’s Civil Protection group, make it possible for the event to remain safe for runners by preventing vehicle access to the main road from the many paths crisscrossing the island.

Two editions of the race in 20266

Several days before the race, the current president of the Consell, along with the director of the organizing company, informed the media that in 2026 two races would be held within seven days, with the intention of allowing more runners to enjoy the experience of participating.

Specifically, the races would take place on May 9 and 16 and would be identical events, with the same course and setup, held just one week apart. The total number of race entries offered would be 7,000, doubling the number of participants in this year’s edition.

Surprise among local athletess

Many athletes expressed surprise and disagreement on social media, arguing that the proposal had not been discussed with any local sports organizations and that the race should preserve its identity, which has proven successful year after year in both participation and organization.

They pointed out that entry limits are common in popular races worldwide, and that such limitations should not be used as justification for a plan like the one proposed by the current Consell Insular administration.

Public radio debate in Formentera

Amid growing tensions in some sectors of the island, Formentera’s public radio station, Radioilla, hosted a live debate on May 22 featuring the vice president and head of sports of the current government, representatives of the two opposition political groups, and non-affiliated councillor Llorenç Cordoba.

The government representative explained that, due to the increasing demand from athletes—double the number of available spots—it seemed appropriate to add a second race date in 2026, satisfying more runners and also generating economic benefits for local Formentera businesses.

Proposal had already been made

Opposition members who took part in the debate, and who were part of the previous governing teams of the Consell Insular, stated that the event’s organizing company, Unisport Consulting, had already made this same proposal in the past, which was rejected every time.

Joining the rejection of the 2026 dual-race plan was former Consell president until December 2024 and now independent councillor, Llorenç Cordoba, who said, “I don’t know of any sporting event in the world where, simply due to high demand, two identical races are held consecutively.”

Cordoba was, along with Dani Serra, the originator and promoter of the very first Mitja Marató Formentera back in 2007, when only 100 runners took part. His opinion in this case reflected both his political experience and his perspective as an athlete who has participated in most editions of the event.

Willing to assess whether to move forward or not

The current vice president and sports councillor from the ruling team indicated during the debate that a meeting would be held next week with various social, business, and sports groups from Formentera to evaluate the acceptance or rejection of the proposed plan. He affirmed that the government would never impose a decision like this if the majority of consulted groups were against it.