MessengerHeroes' Trails – Sunset Trail
Event summary
The Trilhos dos Heróis – Sunset Trail is a trail running event taking place on September 26, 2026, in Vila Franca das Naves, Guarda, Portugal. It features multiple race options including a 31 km long trail, a 19 km short trail, a 12 km walk, and a kids’ trail run.
The event welcomes participants aged 5 and above, with specific age minimums for each race, and includes classifications by age groups and overall rankings for the competitive trails. It is organized by the Volunteer Firefighters of Vila Franca das Naves and offers a unique experience combining sport, nature, and the magic of sunset in a forested area.
The races start and finish at the Volunteer Firefighters’ headquarters and traverse challenging and fun trails in the Trancoso municipality. The event also aims to engage the community and bring together different generations, with a festive atmosphere and activities for all ages.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Trail Longo (31 km): minimum age 18 years
• Trail Curto (19 km): minimum age 16 years
• Trail Kids (various distances): ages 5-15 years
• Caminhada (12 km): no age restrictions
Start/finish locations: Quartel dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Franca das Naves
Start times per category/distance:
• Corrida Pequenos Heróis (Kids race): 15:00
• Caminhada dos Heróis (Walk): 16:00
• Trail dos Super Heróis (31 km): 16:30
• Trail dos Heróis (19 km): 17:00
Cut-off times:
• Trail dos Super Heróis: 6 hours
• Trail dos Heróis: 4 hours
• Caminhada dos Heróis: 3 hours 30 minutes
Bib pick-up time and location: Secretariado at Quartel dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Vila Franca das Naves, opening on September 25, 17:00-21:00 and September 26, 13:00 until race start
Participants limit:
• Trail Longo: 300
• Trail Curto: 400
• Trail Kids: 60
• Caminhada: 300
Surface types: Mostly trails and paths with varied terrain; some sections on public roads on shoulders
Course format: Point-to-point with marked trails, directional signs, and tape; includes challenging and fun trail sections
Race routes:
• Trail dos Super Heróis: 31 km, 1000 m elevation gain
• Trail dos Heróis: 19 km, 650 m elevation gain
• Caminhada dos Heróis: 12 km, 400 m elevation gain
• Trail Kids: distances from 400 m to 1500 m depending on age category
Timing method: Electronic chip timing with intermediate control point for Trail dos Super Heróis
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with food and hydration; athletes must carry their own cups or hydration systems
Parking and shuttle details: Parking near Estádio do Picoto with shuttle transport to Quartel and back after the race
Prizes: Awards for top 3 in each age category and overall in competitive trails; finisher prizes for all; no prizes for walk; prizes for top 3 most numerous teams
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 31 km
Trail Run 19 km
Walking 12 km
Kids Race
Benefits
🏅 Finisher prize: event finisher prize for all participants
⏱️ Timing + live results by chip timing with intermediate control for long trail
🥤 Aid stations with solid and liquid refreshments
🚿 Hot showers available at Estádio do Picoto and local pools
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included in registration fee
🚌 Shuttle transport between parking and race headquarters
🏆 Prizes for top finishers by category and overall in competitive races
🎽 Registration includes race participation, insurance, refreshments, showers, finisher prize, and final light meal
