Messenger12th ESTRELAÇOR ULTRA ENDURANCE
Event summary
The XII EstrelAçor Trail Ultra Endurance is a trail running event taking place on October 2 and 3, 2026, in the Serra da Estrela and Serra do Açor regions, starting from Penhas da Saúde, Covilhã, Portugal. It features four competitive races of 100 km, 48 km, 32 km, and 16 km, plus a non-competitive 16 km walking event.
Participants must be at least 20 years old for the 100 km, 48 km, and 32 km races, while the 16 km sprint allows juniors aged 18 and 19. The event is limited to 500 athletes and includes challenging courses with significant elevation gains, classified by ITRA points. The race offers a unique ultra endurance experience across two mountain ranges with marked trails and aid stations.
The atmosphere is competitive and demanding, with electronic timing and strict control points. Awards are given to top finishers by gender, age categories, and teams, with prizes for all finishers. The event emphasizes environmental respect and safety, supported by local authorities and medical teams.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Juniors (18-19 years) – only for 16 km sprint
• Sub-23 (20-22 years)
• Seniors (23-34 years)
• Veterans M35/F35 (35-39 years)
• Veterans M40/F40 (40-44 years)
• Veterans M45/F45 (45-49 years)
• Veterans M50/F50 (50-54 years)
• Veterans M55/F55 (55-59 years)
• Veterans M60/F60 (60-64 years)
• Veterans M65/F65 (65-69 years)
• Veterans M70/F70 (70+ years)
Start/finish locations: All races start at Penhas da Saúde in front of Hotel Luna Serra da Estrela
Start times per category/distance:
• 100 km: October 2, 2026, at 20:00
• 48 km: October 3, 2026, at 08:00
• 32 km: October 3, 2026, at 08:30
• 16 km (running and walking): October 3, 2026, at 09:00
Cut-off times:
• 100 km: 25.15 hours
• 48 km: 11 hours
• 32 km: 8.15 hours
Participant limit: 500 athletes total
Registration deadline: September 27, 2026, or until participant limit is reached
Surface types: Mountain trails in Serra da Estrela and Serra do Açor with marked paths
Course format: Trail running with marked routes and control points
Race routes:
• EstrelAçor 100 km: 100 km with 4162 m positive elevation
• Estrela 48 km: 48 km with 1967 m positive elevation
• Estrela 32 km: 32 km with 1328 m positive elevation
• Estrela 16 km: 16 km with 569 m positive elevation
Timing method: Electronic timing system (MyLaps) with chip integrated in bib
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with liquids and solids at predefined locations; base of life for 100 km at Teixeira village
Drop bag policy: Drop bags provided for 100 km participants at base of life
Prizes: Trophies for top 3 male and female finishers overall and by age categories; team trophies; finisher prizes for all participants
Prices changes: on May 1, June 1, and August 1
Location
get directionsRaces
Ultra Trail 100 km
Ultra Trail 48 km
Trail Run 32 km
Trail Run 16 km
Walk 16 km
Optional Extras
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: personalized bib with integrated timing chip
🏅 Finisher prize: official event memorabilia and finisher prize
⏱️ Timing + live results via electronic chip system (MyLaps)
🛟 Safety support: organization and GNR Mountain Police, multiple fire brigade units, medical support
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance provided by Victoria Seguros
🥤 Aid stations: liquid and solid supplies at several points along the course
🚿 Showers available at Hotel Luna
🧳 Drop-bag service for 100 km participants at base of life
🏆 Podium awards for top finishers by gender, age group, and teams