Find answers to your most common questions before you set off on your next NomaTrails Running Adventures expedition.
Do you run the same in all destinations?
No, not at all. Our goal with NomaTrails Running Adventures has always been to cater to all levels of runners, from those just lacing up their shoes for the first time to those who’ve tackled countless ultra marathons. But it’s more than just adjusting the distance or the climb; it’s about the *why* behind our running.
As I always say, we use our legs, our body, our lungs, our heart simply as a means of transportation. We’re not trying to improve your fitness level or make you slim. We’re exploring, just like our ancestors did. So, whether you’re new to this or an ultra veteran, the goal is the same: to traverse the territory, to see it in a way only runners can. We tailor the routes, the distances, the climbs, so everyone gets that feeling of genuine exploration on every NomaTrails Running Adventure. We adapt to the land, and we adapt to you.
How do I know which destination I should choose?
A lot depends on what you’re searching for, how comfortable you are, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Each place has its own soul, its own story. If you are unsure, please contact us and we will chat through your options to figure out the best destination for you. We’ll help you find *your* story.
What if I get too tired one day or injure myself and am unable to continue running?
If this occurs, there will be no inconvenience. You’ll still be able to enjoy all the meals and lodging. In this situation, a cab can transport you to the next hotel every day. We make sure you’re always comfortable and part of the experience, even if your legs need a break.
What if I am unable to maintain the running pace?
This isn’t an issue at all. On a NomaTrails Running Adventure, we provide freedom. That means everyone is free to run at their own speed without feeling rushed or stressed. It’s our responsibility to adjust to each individual’s rhythms. This isn’t a race, you know? It’s about the journey, the conversations, the quiet moments. I remember a trip in Morocco, one runner was struggling a bit on a climb. Instead of pushing, Abdu just slowed down, walked with her, shared stories about the valley we were heading into. He just *knew* what she needed. That’s how we roll. Your pace is *your* pace. We make sure you feel supported, never rushed.
Do runners have free time in the NomaTrails Running Adventures or is it all day running?
By lunchtime, we are usually at our destination. After then, it’s free time.
We believe in balance. We get our miles in, soak up the morning, and then the afternoon is yours to relax, explore the village, or just enjoy the quiet. It’s your time to process the day’s NomaTrails Running Adventure.
What’s included in the NomaTrails Running Adventure?
We cover the guides, transportation, your return to the starting point on the last day, accommodations, breakfasts and dinners. But honestly, what’s *truly* included is all the knowledge you gain about the area and culture during those 7 days. It’s more than just logistics. It’s sitting with a local family, sharing tea. It’s hearing the stories of the land from someone who lives it. We handle the practical stuff – your cozy bed, good food – yes. But what’s truly included in every NomaTrails Running Adventure is the chance to connect, deeply, with a place and its people. You won’t have to worry about anything when you arrive here because everything will be taken care of. We want you to feel like family.
What about the luggage?
We take care of your luggage and move it every day so that you have it waiting for you when you arrive at the hotel. One less thing for you to think about.
What is the average group size for NomaTrails Running Adventures?
We like to keep our groups small, usually a maximum of 12 runners. This isn’t just a number; it’s part of our philosophy. Abdu, my friend and guide in Morocco, always says that these small groups allow us to truly become a “nomadic family.” We can sit, share a meal, have a cup of tea with locals, and everyone feels comfortable. It’s about building those real connections, not just ticking off miles. It’s how we ensure every NomaTrails Running Adventure feels personal and profound.
How many running guides will be?
The number of runners determines this, but also the destination. Our guides aren’t just runners; they’re family, deeply connected to the places we run. In Costa Rica, for example, we’ll have what’s needed to ensure everyone’s safe and having a good time. But in Morocco, it’s a whole different ballgame. We need more hands, not just for the runners but for the mules too, who carry our gear through those incredible Atlas Mountains. It’s a logistical dance, but it means you get to experience places that are truly off the beaten path, with people who know every rock and every story. Every NomaTrails Running Adventure is meticulously planned to ensure authentic, supported travel.
Are you able to cater to dietary restrictions?
Absolutely, that’s never a problem on a NomaTrails Running Adventure. When we’re staying in local homes or guesthouses, we’re often eating food prepared by families. They’re incredibly welcoming and always make sure everyone is fed well, no matter their diet. We just tell them beforehand, and they take care of it with a smile. It’s part of the hospitality we cherish.
NomaTrails Running Adventures: Our Home, Our Heart, The Costa Brava
This is home for Cristina and me, and our five kids, for most of the year. Cristina is Catalan through and through, and after all these years, I feel like one too. What we share here on the Costa Brava isn’t just trails; it’s a piece of our life, built on 12 years of running these paths. We’ve taken runners from all over the world through this incredible area, and in doing so, we’ve gotten to know the people who live here – the farmers, the fishermen, the folks in the villages. When you run with us here, you’re not just seeing the coast; you’re feeling the rhythm of a place we deeply love.
We use running here, like everywhere else, as a way to explore. It’s not about being the fastest; it’s about connecting. We run by the sea, through ancient olive groves, and into small towns where we know the baker. It’s these everyday interactions, built over a decade, that make our NomaTrails Running Adventures here so special.
Costa Rica: Running Through My Childhood
Costa Rica, for me, is more than just a destination for NomaTrails Running Adventures; it’s my homeland. Since 2015, Cristina, the kids, and I spend three months out of every year there. It’s where I grew up, where I have deep roots. When we run there, we’re running through places that hold my own memories – maybe it’s a path near where my grandmother lived, or the school my kids went to. It’s this intimate connection that makes the experience so real.
I’ve seen how these trips can truly transform people. I remember one couple, they were married, but not to each other, when they joined us. By the time they signed up for their next NomaTrails Running Adventures, they were married to *each other*! We’ve even had people tell us, “This baby wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for you guys!” It sounds wild, but it’s true. These aren’t just runs; they are journeys that can profoundly change your life.
Morocco: A NomaTrails Running Adventure into the Soul of the Atlas
Morocco isn’t just a place we visit; it’s a place where we’ve truly invested our lives. Cristina speaks Arabic, I’ve spent years learning Tamazight, the language of the Atlas people, and one of our children is from there. This isn’t just a running trip; it’s a homecoming for us, and we invite you into that deep connection.
Abdu, one of our incredible guides, often talks about the magic of the desert. Imagine this: waking up at 3 AM, the air cool and crisp, and running for two hours in the deep sand, just behind Abdu. We stop, and he points out the stars, every single one feeling closer, more real than you’ve ever seen. Then, after that silent, powerful run, you’re there, ready to watch the most beautiful sunrise paint the desert. That’s the kind of moment we live for on a NomaTrails Running Adventure.
I remember one day, it was one of the most extraordinary in my life. We were running deep in the Atlas Mountains, truly in the middle of nowhere. This wasn’t a place on any tourist map. To get there, you drive five and a half hours in the *opposite* direction from where the tourist buses go from Marrakech. We just kept going, running through valleys I didn’t even know existed. It felt like time travel, like stepping back 500 years.
Then, in this remote valley, we found them: the most beautiful human beings. I’ve been trying to learn Berber for nine years, and I still struggle, but their hospitality needed no translation. We came across a family, a young girl working by an irrigation channel in a deep canyon. We were days into our run, backpacks on, not knowing exactly what was next. And then, this little girl, maybe 12 years old, with a face that just glowed – she ran off immediately to gather wood. She built a fire for us right there! And then, the family invited us to have tea with them. Of course, we said yes. It’s these unexpected, raw connections, sharing a moment with people who live so far from our modern world, that truly make a NomaTrails Running Adventure unforgettable. It changes you, I promise.
Running the High Atlas: Toubkal and Beyond on a NomaTrails Running Adventure
We’ve run the Atlas, including peaks like Toubkal, the second highest mountain in North Africa. These are epic runs, sometimes in places so far removed from everything you know, it feels like a different century. It’s about more than just the miles; it’s about experiencing life as it was, and in many ways, still is, in these ancient lands. Learn more about Toubkal here.
Sicily: From Sea to Summit on a NomaTrails Running Adventure
Sicily, for us, is an adopted home. After years of organizing a massive running event there with 200 runners from all over Italy – a project that took three years of our lives – the island simply *became* the answer to the question: “How do you explain Italy?” I speak Italian fluently, and the connection we built there is immense. It’s a place of incredible contrasts and deep history.
Our guide, Pasquale Mangione, describes the route perfectly. We start at the sea, feeling that fresh Mediterranean breeze. Then, we push inland, moving through the heart of rural Sicily, past ancient farmlands and quiet villages. From these mountain towns, we climb. But we don’t just go straight up; we trace the valleys, finding the natural pathways, the “weak points” of the mountains, as Pasquale calls them. It’s a true traverse.
From the high country, we descend back towards the coast, often sleeping in charming villages like Isnello, where you can practically see the sea from your window. The next day, we might run a section that takes us high above Cefalù, offering breathtaking views. Sometimes, the coastline gets so dramatic, where the mountains plunge directly into the sea, we might need a short transfer – just a quick hop – to get us to a perfect spot for a well-deserved swim in the turquoise waters of Cefalù. Every step of a NomaTrails Running Adventure in Sicily is steeped in history and natural beauty.
This island has a soul, and running its trails is like reading its ancient story, one footstep at a time. It’s a journey not just through miles, but through centuries. Read more about Sicily’s rich history.
The Pyrenees: Running the Canigó, Our Catalan Legacy
When we talk about running in the South of France, we’re really talking about Northern Catalonia, about the Pyrenees. This isn’t just a geographical border; it’s a cultural one. Our entire Pyrenees run is actually based on an epic medieval poem, “The Canigó.” I’ve dedicated years to studying it, understanding the stories woven into these mountains. It’s more than just a trail; it’s a pilgrimage through a shared Catalan legacy.
Running here means connecting with that deep history, with the spirit of the land and the people who have called it home for centuries. It’s a NomaTrails Running Adventure that’s as much about culture and poetry as it is about putting one foot in front of the other.
