October Running Races in Portugal: 12 Events Worth Planning For
October is one of the best months to run in Portugal.
After the heat of summer, the temperatures become milder, the race calendar gets busier again, and runners start looking for new goals to close the year strong. Whether you prefer road running, trail running, night races or scenic autumn routes, October offers plenty of opportunities to get back on the start line.
It is also a great month for athletes who like to plan ahead. Many races begin filling up before the final weeks, especially events with limited entries, multiple distances or strong local communities. If you are building your autumn race calendar, here are 12 running events in Portugal worth considering this October.
1. XII Estrelaçor Ultra Endurance
Date: 2–3 October
Location: Covilhã, Castelo Branco
Type: Trail running
The XII Estrelaçor Ultra Endurance is a demanding trail event in the Covilhã region, offering distances for runners looking for a mountain challenge. With ultra and shorter trail options, it is a strong choice for athletes who want to start October with a serious endurance goal.
2. Grande Trail Serra d’Arga
Date: 2–4 October
Location: Viana do Castelo
Type: Trail running
The Grande Trail Serra d’Arga is one of the standout trail events at the beginning of October. Taking place in the north of Portugal, it offers several distances and attracts runners looking for technical terrain, nature and a true mountain race atmosphere.
3. Pisão Extreme
Date: 3–4 October
Location: São Pedro do Sul
Type: Trail running / skyrunning
Pisão Extreme is ideal for athletes who enjoy steep climbs, mountain landscapes and demanding terrain. With trail and skyrunning distances, it is a good option for those looking for something more technical than a standard trail race.
4. Azores Bravos Trail 2026
Date: 3 October
Location: Terceira Island, Azores
Type: Trail running
For runners looking to combine sport and travel, Azores Bravos Trail is a unique opportunity. The event takes place on Terceira Island and offers a spectacular setting for trail runners who want a race experience beyond mainland Portugal.
5. VI Trail e Caminhada Rota da Maçã de Montanha
Date: 3 October
Location: Armamar, Viseu
Type: Trail running / walking
The VI Trail e Caminhada Rota da Maçã de Montanha is a great option for runners who enjoy local events with regional identity. Taking place in Armamar, it combines trail running with a walking option, making it suitable for both competitive athletes and those looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience.
6. Trail do Paimouro
Date: 3 October
Location: Canas de Senhorim, Viseu
Type: Trail running / walking
Trail do Paimouro offers trail distances and walking options in the Viseu district. It is a good choice for runners looking for a community-focused event with accessible distances and a friendly race-day atmosphere.
7. 1º Ribas Challenge – Javali Night Trail
Date: 3 October
Location: Loures, Lisbon
Type: Night trail
If you are looking for a different race experience, the 1º Ribas Challenge – Javali Night Trail brings the excitement of trail running into the evening. Night races offer a completely different atmosphere and are a great way to experience familiar landscapes in a new way.
8. 2º Trail das Vindimas
Date: 4 October
Location: Mafra, Lisbon
Type: Trail running / walking
The 2º Trail das Vindimas takes place in Mafra and connects trail running with the autumn atmosphere of the wine harvest season. With trail and walking distances, it is a strong option for runners looking for a scenic local event close to Lisbon.
9. Trilho Medieval 2026
Date: 4 October
Location: Vouzela, Viseu
Type: Trail running / walking
Trilho Medieval is part of the Vouzela Epic Trails series and offers trail distances in a historic setting. It is ideal for runners who enjoy events with cultural identity, scenic routes and a mix of sport and local atmosphere.
10. Corrida Clube Millennium BCP
Date: 4 October
Location: Belém, Lisbon
Type: Road running
For road runners, Corrida Clube Millennium BCP is a great October option in Lisbon. With 10K and 5K race options, as well as walking and youth categories, it is suitable for different levels of experience and a good choice for those looking for a fast urban race.
11. Meia-Maratona de Ovar
Date: 4 October
Location: Ovar, Aveiro
Type: Road running
The Meia-Maratona de Ovar is one of the road running highlights of early October. With a half marathon distance, it is a great target for runners who have been building their endurance through late summer and want to test themselves in autumn conditions.
12. Meia Maratona de Leiria
Date: 18 October
Location: Leiria
Type: Road running
Later in the month, the Meia Maratona de Leiria offers another excellent road running challenge. It is a strong option for athletes looking for a mid-October half marathon and a clear goal to structure their autumn race calendar.
Why October is a great month to race
October brings together many of the best conditions for running in Portugal. The weather is usually more comfortable than in summer, the calendar becomes more active again, and runners have enough time to plan their goals before the end of the year.
It is also a month with variety. You can choose between mountain trails, night races, local community events, urban road races and half marathons. That makes October especially interesting for athletes who want to try something different or build a balanced calendar with more than one event.
Start planning your October race calendar
Whether you are looking for your next trail challenge, a fast road race or a scenic autumn event, October has plenty to offer.
Explore upcoming running races on RaceFinder, compare dates, distances and locations, and start planning your next finish line.
