MessengerWATER TRAIL 2026
Event summary
The 7th Trilho da Água Trail is a trail running event taking place on July 11 and 12, 2026, in São Pedro do Sul, Portugal, starting and finishing at Parque Urbano das Nogueiras. The event features three races: Trail Sprint (19 km), Mini-Trail/Walk (12 km), and Kids Run (0.4 to 2.8 km).
The Trail Sprint race counts towards the Viseu District Trail Running Circuit and is open to athletes aged 18 and over, while the Mini-Trail/Walk is open to those 16 and over, and the Kids Run to children aged 5 to 15. The courses run along trails by the Vouga, Sul, Troço rivers, and Ribeira de Ribamá, offering a medium difficulty level with technical terrain and varied surfaces including dirt, stones, asphalt, and cobblestones.
The event promotes a fair-play spirit and environmental respect, with a family-friendly Kids Run and awards for individual and team performances, making it a comprehensive trail running experience in a scenic natural setting.
Add to your Events
Add to your plan and stay organized for upcoming events.
Plan itInformation
Start/finish locations: Parque Urbano das Nogueiras, São Pedro do Sul
Bib pick-up time and location:
• July 10, 17:00–21:00 at Decathlon Viseu
• July 11, 14:00–16:00 at Parque Urbano de São Pedro do Sul
• July 12, 06:00–08:00 at Parque Urbano de São Pedro do Sul
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail Sprint: July 12, 08:30
• Mini-Trail/Walk: July 12, 09:00
• Kids Run: July 11, 17:00
Cut-off times:
• Trail Sprint: 5 hours
• Mini-Trail/Walk: 4 hours
Participants limit:
• Trail Sprint: 150
• Mini-Trail: 150
• Walk: 100
• Kids Run: unlimited
Registration deadline: July 5, 2026, 23:59
Surface types: Dirt trails with tree branches and stones, some asphalt and cobblestone, and water crossings
Course format: Open-road system with marked trails and intermediate time controls for Trail Sprint and Mini-Trail
Race routes:
• Trail Sprint: approx. 19 km, 450 m positive elevation, medium difficulty (Trail Short/Grade 1)
• Mini-Trail/Walk: approx. 12 km, 300 m positive elevation, medium difficulty (Trail Short/Grade 1)
• Kids Run: 0.4 to 2.8 km depending on age category
Timing method: Electronic chip timing for Trail Sprint and Mini-Trail at start, finish, and intermediate points
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Aid stations with water, juice, fruits, nuts, and snacks at approx. 5 km, 14 km, and finish for Trail Sprint
• Aid stations at approx. 6 km and finish for Mini-Trail
• No cups provided; athletes must carry their own drinking container
Prizes: Non-monetary prizes for top 3 overall male/female and by age group in Trail Sprint, Mini-Trail, and Kids Run; trophies for best scoring team and most numerous team
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 19 km
Trail Run 12 km
Walking 12 km
Kids Race
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, personal accident insurance with €60 deductible, civil liability insurance
🏅 Finisher prize: medal for all finishers
🥤 Aid stations: water, juice, fruits, nuts, potato chips at multiple points
🚿 Showers available at Pavilhão Gimnodesportivo about 1 km from start/finish
🛟 Safety support: emergency assistance available on request throughout the race
🏆 Trophies for top 3 male and female finishers overall and by age group, plus team awards
🥪 Post-race lunch included
🎁 Participant gift included