Messenger10th Trail Costa Vicentina
Event summary
The 10th Trail Costa Vicentina is a trail running event taking place on November 8, 2026, in the region between Santiago do Cacém, Cercal do Alentejo, Sonega, and Porto Covo, Portugal. It offers multiple distances: Ultra Trail 57K+, Medium Trail 30K+, Sprint Trail 15K+, and a 15K+ walk.
The event is open to athletes aged 18+ for Ultra and Medium trails, 16+ for Sprint, and no minimum age for the walk, with a focus on all levels of preparation. It is part of the national trail running calendar and features routes along the scenic Rota Vicentina, showcasing the Alentejo coast, rural paths, and natural heritage.
Participants experience a spirit of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and environmental respect. The race includes electronic timing, medical support, and a festive atmosphere celebrating a decade of trail running in the region.
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Plan itInformation
Start/finish locations:
• Trail Ultra 57K+: Start at Castelo de Santiago do Cacém (near Igreja Matriz), finish at Praça Marquês de Pombal, Porto Covo
• Trail Médio 30K+: Start at Cercal do Alentejo, finish at Praça Marquês de Pombal, Porto Covo
• Trail Sprint 15K+ and Caminhada 15K+: Start at Sonega, finish at Praça Marquês de Pombal, Porto Covo
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail Ultra 57K+: 08:15
• Trail Médio 30K+: 09:15
• Trail Sprint 15K+ and Caminhada 15K+: 10:00
Cut-off times:
• Trail Ultra 57K+: 8 hours 15 minutes total, with a cut-off at 44 km at 6 hours (14:15)
• Trail Médio 30K+: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Trail Sprint 15K+ and Caminhada 15K+: No time limit
Age categories/divisions:
• Trail Ultra and Trail Médio: 18 years and older
• Trail Sprint: 16 years and older
• Caminhada: no minimum age
• Male and female categories from Juvenil (16/17) to 70+ years, including Sub 23, Seniors, and Masters
Participant limit: Limited entries; registration closes November 4, 2026
Registration deadline: November 4, 2026
Surface types: Trail running on natural paths including coastal trails, rural roads, and montados
Course format: Point-to-point courses finishing at Praça Marquês de Pombal, Porto Covo
Race routes:
• Trail Ultra 57K+: Santiago do Cacém to Porto Covo
• Trail Médio 30K+: Cercal do Alentejo to Porto Covo
• Trail Sprint 15K+ and Caminhada 15K+: Sonega to Porto Covo
Timing method: Electronic chip timing with mandatory chip bib worn visibly
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Multiple aid stations with water, isotonic drinks, fruit, snacks along all trail distances and at finish
Parking and shuttle details: Shuttle transport from Porto Covo to start points available for a fee; boarding at parking near Pavilhão Multiusos de Porto Covo
Prizes:
• Trophies for top 3 overall male and female in each trail distance
• Trophies for top 3 in each age category
• Trophies for top 3 teams (3 athletes per team, any gender)
• Medal and technical t-shirt for all trail participants
• No prizes for Caminhada participants
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Ultra 57 km
Trail Run 30 km
Trail Run 15 km
Walking 15 km
Optional Extras
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: technical event t-shirt (men’s and women’s sizes for trail, unisex for walk), race bib with chip
🏅 Finisher prize: medal for all participants in the three trail distances
⏱️ Electronic timing with online results for trail participants
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance and rescue at designated points
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included for all participants
🥤 Aid stations: water, isotonic drinks, fruit, snacks at multiple points and finish line
🚿 Showers available at finish inside Pavilhão Multiusos de Porto Covo
🏆 Podium awards for top finishers and teams in trail categories
