MessengerUltra Paths of the Tagus 2026
Event summary
Ultra Maratona Caminhos do Tejo is an ultra marathon trail running event scheduled for June 5-6, 2026, in Portugal. The race offers two distances: a challenging 144 km race starting from Lisbon and a shorter 58 km race starting from Santarém, both finishing at the Sanctuary of Fátima.
The event is open to all runners aged 20 and above, whether federated or not, and includes male and female categories. It is part of prominent series, awarding UTMB points for finishers: 5 points for the full 144 km and 2 points for the 58 km, aligning it with international ultra endurance competitions.
Participants will traverse historic pilgrimage routes along the Tagus River, experiencing varied landscapes from urban Lisbon through rural and natural trails, culminating in the spiritual atmosphere of Fátima. The race fosters a competitive yet supportive environment with no team or relay events, focusing on individual endurance and achievement.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• Sub-23 M/F – 20 to 22 years
• Seniors M/F – 23 to 34 years
• Veterans M35/F35 – 35 to 39 years
• Veterans M40/F40 – 40 to 44 years
• Veterans M45/F45 – 45 to 49 years
• Veterans M50/F50 – 50 to 54 years
• Veterans M55/F55 – 55 to 59 years
• Veterans M60/F60 – 60 to 64 years
• Veterans M65/F65 – 65 to 69 years
• Veterans M70/F70 – over 70 years
Start/finish locations:
144 km race starts at Parque das Nações (next to Pavilhão de Portugal) in Lisbon and finishes at the Sanctuary of Fátima. 58 km race starts at Santarém (old Cavalry Practical School) and finishes at Fátima.
Start times per category/distance:
• 144 km: June 5, 2026, at 20:00
• 58 km: June 6, 2026, at 09:00
Cut-off times:
• 144 km: 25 hours total, with 3 electronic intermediate time controls at 65 km (9h30m), 118 km (20h), and 127 km (22h)
• 58 km: 10 hours total
Bib pick-up time and location:
• 144 km: June 5, from 18:30 at the start location in Parque das Nações
• 58 km: Before start on June 6 at Santarém
Participants limit: 200 athletes combined for both races
Registration deadline: May 31, 2026
Surface types: Trail running paths following pilgrimage routes
Course format: Point-to-point ultra marathon along historic pilgrimage trails from Lisbon or Santarém to Fátima
Race routes:
• 144 km: Parque das Nações – Praia dos Pescadores – Vila Franca de Xira – Azambuja – Valada – Santarém – Santos – Olhos de Água – Covão do Feto – Minde – Fátima
• 58 km: Santarém – Fátima following the same final segment as 144 km
Timing method: Electronic timing using MyLaps chips on bibs
Toilets and aid station placement: Multiple aid stations with food and hydration at key checkpoints along the route, including Valada, Santarém, Olhos de Água, and others
Drop bag policy: Transport of three bags with dry clothes for 144 km participants to Valada, Santos, and Fátima
Prizes: Trophies for top 5 male and female finishers in both distances, finisher t-shirts for all, and presence prizes
Location
get directionsRaces
Road Running 144 km
Road Running 58 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, GPS geo-locator (144 km), stickers, and event wristband
🏅 Finisher prize: commemorative t-shirt and presence prize for all finishers
⏱️ Timing + live results by category using MyLaps electronic chip system
🛟 Safety support: medical teams, massage stations at Santarém and Fátima, and transport for dropouts
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident coverage included
🥤 Aid stations: food, hydration, and supplies at multiple checkpoints along the course
🧳 Drop-bag/gear transport for 144 km participants to three key points on the route
🏆 Trophies awarded to top 5 male and female finishers in both races
