MessengerAtlantic Ultra Marathon 2026
Event summary
The Ultra Maratona Atlântica Melides – Tróia is an adventure race held on July 19, 2026, along the Atlantic coast of Grândola, Portugal. This unique ultra marathon covers approximately 45 km entirely on beach sand, starting at Praia de Melides and finishing at Praia de Tróia-Mar in Tróia.
Open to individuals aged 18 and over from any nationality, the race can be contested individually or in teams representing clubs or institutions. The event demands high physical and psychological endurance due to the long distance, sandy terrain, and continuous sun exposure. It features official team classifications and monetary prizes for top finishers.
The race offers a challenging and scenic coastal route with strict environmental respect rules, creating a competitive yet responsible atmosphere for all participants.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Sénior Feminino 18–34 years
• Veterano I Feminino 35–39 years
• Veterano II Feminino 40–44 years
• Veterano III Feminino 45–49 years
• Veterano IV Feminino 50–54 years
• Veterano V Feminino 55–59 years
• Veterano VI Feminino 60–64 years
• Veterano VII Feminino 65+ years
• Sénior Masculino 18–34 years
• Veterano I Masculino 35–39 years
• Veterano II Masculino 40–44 years
• Veterano III Masculino 45–49 years
• Veterano IV Masculino 50–54 years
• Veterano V Masculino 55–59 years
• Veterano VI Masculino 60–64 years
• Veterano VII Masculino 65+ years
Start/finish locations: Start at Praia de Melides, finish at Praia de Tróia-Mar, Tróia
Start times per category/distance: Start time: 09:00 on July 19, 2026
Cut-off times: Must pass km 28.5 checkpoint at Praia da Comporta by 14:45; race closes at 17:30
Bib pick-up time and location: July 18, 15:00–19:00 at Complexo Desportivo Municipal José Afonso, Grândola; July 19, 7:30–8:30 at Praia de Melides
Race routes: From Praia de Melides to Praia de Tróia-Mar along the Atlantic coast
Timing method: Manual and electronic passage registration at checkpoints
Toilets and aid station placement: Two official water refill stations at km 18.5 (Praia do Pego) and km 28.5 (Praia da Comporta); no bottled water provided, athletes refill their own containers
Parking and shuttle details: Catamaran transport from Setúbal Cais do Catamaran at 6:20 (round trip ticket €6.50); bus transport from Tróia to Melides at 6:50 and return at 18:00 (€3 each way), must be requested at registration
Prizes: Monetary prizes for top 10 male and female overall finishers; trophies for top 3 overall and top 3 per age category; trophies for top 5 teams; free entry to next edition for overall male and female winners; finisher technical shirt and medal
Location
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Ultra Trail 45 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: individual kit with banana, gel, and energy bar at bib pick-up
🏅 Finisher prize: technical shirt and medal
⏱️ Timing with manual and electronic checkpoints along the course
🛟 Safety support: medical team along the course and at finish, ambulances at accessible points
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included
🥤 Aid stations: two official water refill points at km 18.5 and km 28.5; no bottled water provided
🧳 Athletes carry their own solid and liquid supplies; additional food and drinks provided at finish line
🚌 Optional paid transport by catamaran and bus available upon registration
🏆 Monetary prizes and trophies for top finishers and teams