MessengerMTB MARATHON – ON THE TRAILS OF CEIREIRO 2026
Event summary
The XX Maratona de BTT – Nos Trilhos do Ceireiro 2026 is a mountain bike marathon event taking place on November 8, 2026, in Beselga, Penedono, Portugal. The event offers multiple race distances including a marathon of approximately 55 km, a half-marathon of approximately 45 km, a minimarathon of approximately 25 km, a BTT ride, and a 10 km walk.
The competition is open to all participants without physical limitations, with age categories starting from 10 years old for the BTT ride and walk, and 14 years old for the minimarathon. Junior male and female athletes can only register for the half-marathon and minimarathon. The event is competitive with official timing and classifications for the marathon, half-marathon, and minimarathon, while the BTT ride and walk are non-competitive.
The race routes are marked and include aid stations with water. The event features a festive atmosphere with a communal lunch and prize ceremonies for overall and category winners. Safety and support are provided by the organization, GNR, and firefighters along the course.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• Marathon: >18 years
• Half-Marathon: >16 years
• Minimaratona: >14 years
• BTT Ride: >10 years
• Walk: >10 years
Start/finish locations: Beselga, Penedono
Start times per category/distance:
• Marathon: 09:00
• Half-Marathon: 09:10
• Minimaratona: 09:20
• BTT Ride and Walk: 09:25
Bib pick-up time and location:
• November 7, 15:00–23:00
• November 8, 07:00–09:30
• Location: Secretariat Beselga
Participants limit: 1000
Registration deadline: November 2, 2026
Surface types: Marked trails and roads open to other vehicles
Course format: Three main race routes of approximately 55 km, 45 km, and 25 km plus BTT ride and walk of about 10 km
Race routes:
• Marathon: Beselga – Castelo de Penedono – Rio Torto (Antas) – Beselga
• Half-Marathon: Beselga – Castelo de Penedono – Rio Torto (Antas) – Beselga
• Minimaratona: Beselga – Salvada (Beselga) – Beselga
• BTT Ride and Walk: Beselga – Barragem (Beselga) – Beselga
Timing method: Electronic chip timing on bib
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations and water points along the course (locations subject to change)
Prizes: Podium awards for overall and category winners in Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Minimaratona
Cancellation & refund policy: No refunds are given for cancellations less than 15 days before the event or during the race. If the event is postponed or canceled, registrations are transferred to the following year without refund.
Location
get directionsRaces
BTT 55 km
E-bike 55 km
BTT 45 km
E-bike 45 km
BTT 25 km
E-bike 25 km
BTT 10 km
BTT 55 km
BTT 55 km Federated
E-bike 55 km
E-bike 55 km Federated
BTT 45 km
BTT 45 km Federated
E-bike 45 km
E-bike 45 km Federated
BTT 25 km
BTT 25 km Federated
E-bike 25 km
E-bike 25 km Federated
BTT 10 km
BTT 10 km Federated
10 km Walking
10 km Federated Walking
BTT 55 km Federated
E-bike 55 km Federated
BTT 45 km Federated
E-bike 45 km Federated
BTT 25 km Federated
E-bike 25 km Federated
BTT 10 km Federated
10 km Walking
10 km Federated Walking
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: identification bib, wristband, and bike frontal number with emergency contact numbers
🏅 Finisher prize: medal
⏱️ Timing + live results by category using electronic chip timing
🛟 Safety support: organization staff, GNR, and firefighters along the course
🛡️ Insurance: mandatory insurance included in registration fee
🥤 Aid stations: water and refreshments at designated points
🚿 Showers available at AHCR Beselguense, Ring da Beselga, and Penedono Municipal Pool after the race
🧳 Transport for participants who abandon the race and their bicycles back to the start area
🏆 Podium awards for general and category classifications in Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Minimaratona
