Reflections Interview: Ernest Aguilar Soriano — Why UltraEbre Feels Like Home
Interview by Ben Lane
For Ernest Aguilar Soriano, endurance sport has never been about one discipline. A lifelong swimmer, triathlete, and one of Spain’s most experienced sporting event organisers, Ernest has seen endurance from every angle as an athlete, organiser, partner, and mentor. Having completed UltraEbre twice, he speaks not just about distance and preparation, but about atmosphere, connection, and why some races stay with you long after the finish line.
Watch the whole interview in that VIDEO.
A Race That Feels Different
Ben Lane: Ernest, you’ve raced UltraEbre twice now. As someone who’s competed in Ironman events and organised major races yourself, what makes this one stand out?
Ernest Aguilar Soriano: I’ve done it twice, first in 2018 and again in 2024, and honestly, it’s one of my favourite races. I organise sports events myself: running races, triathlons, swimming competitions, even European water polo finals. So, I’ve seen a lot.
But UltraEbre is special. The atmosphere, the charm, the connection with the kayaker, it’s something different. I’ve done ironman events, but I still prefer UltraEbre. It feels closer, more human. You know everyone. You talk the day before. On race day, everyone helps each other. Lluís does that incredibly well.
Shared Effort, Shared Experience
Ben: You mentioned the relationship with the kayaker. Why is that so important to you?
Ernest: Because it becomes a shared project. You’re not alone. Your partner on the kayak is part of the race, enjoying it, suffering a little, watching the river, watching other swimmers.
My wife does a lot of sport as well. She’s done Ironman races and when we do ultra races like this, it feels like we’re doing something together. That gives it extra value. It’s not just my race anymore; it’s our experience.
A Life Built Around Sport
Ben: You clearly live and breathe sport. How did that journey start?
Ernest: I started swimming when I was eight at Sabadell Swimming Club, the biggest swimming club in Spain and one of the top clubs in the world. We’ve had athletes at every Olympic Games, European champion water polo teams, Olympic medallists — it’s a huge sporting environment. I wasn’t a great swimmer. I was average. I struggled to reach nationals. When I was 18, I moved into triathlon but stayed connected to swimming through the club’s master’s team. I’m 49 now, and I’m still swimming, still racing, still training.
At 21, after studying hotel management, I started working at the club, first in reception, then as an event manager. For the last 24 years, I’ve been responsible for organising all the sporting events: half marathons, 10Ks, national championships, European finals. Sport has always been my world.
Advice for First-Time UltraEbre Swimmers
Ben: If someone is considering UltraEbre for the first time, what would you tell them?
Ernest: First - relax. Honestly. It doesn’t feel like a 31 km race. It feels more like 21 km. That’s been my experience both times. If you approach it with that mindset, it already feels easier.
The first part of the race is fast. You’re flowing with the river. Don’t stress, don’t push, just let it happen. The difficult part comes at the end, especially after the final turn and the last bridges. You’re close, but it feels slow, and that’s where you need to be mentally strong.
Weather also matters. In 2018 it was easier. In 2024 the conditions were brutal with the wind, water pushing upriver. Some swimmers who normally finished within the cut-off missed it by just a couple of kilometres. So, you have to accept that nature plays a role.
Training for Confidence, Not Just Distance
Ben: How should people prepare for something like this?
Ernest: Confidence is everything. You have to know you can do it. About 12 weeks out, I start building long sessions every week and slowly increasing: 6 km, 7 km, 8 km. My goal was always to feel confident swimming 15 km. A few weeks before my first UltraEbre, I swam 15,000 metres in a 25 m pool. When I finished, I thought If I can survive this, I can do the river.
I also trained exactly how I planned to race. I stopped every 30 minutes. I ate and drank every 30 minutes. I repeated that rhythm again and again in training. So, on race day, everything felt familiar. That’s important because familiarity removes fear.
And remember swimming with the current is actually easier than swimming in a pool. Your arms don’t get as heavy at the start. The real work begins at the end.
Always Another Challenge
Ben: What’s coming up next for you?
Ernest: I’d love to come back to UltraEbre again — it’s my favourite race — but I still need to confirm because of family commitments. Beyond that, I’m preparing for a half-distance triathlon in Seville, an ultra-running race near Sabadell, and I have the Catalan Masters Swimming Championships next week.
I compete in whatever appears in front of me. Swimming is my favourite, it’s where I come from, but I love running and cycling too. It just depends on how I feel.
Why He Keeps Coming Back
Ben: Final question, why do you think UltraEbre stays with people?
Ernest: Because it’s not just a race. It’s people. It’s connection. It’s sharing something difficult together. That’s what makes it special and that’s why people come back.
