10 Races to Run in Portugal in October 2026
If September marks the return to routine, October is when the race calendar really starts to become dangerous for anyone who loves signing up for “just one more”.
There are half marathons, 10Ks, short trails, ultras, night races and even the chance to run across the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
We selected 10 races across different regions of Portugal for anyone still looking for a goal for October 2026.
1. XII EstrelAçor Ultra Endurance
📅 2 and 3 October
📍 Covilhã, Castelo Branco
🏃 16K | 32K | 48K | 100K
We are not easing into the month.
The EstrelAçor Ultra Endurance crosses the Serra da Estrela and Serra do Açor regions, starting from Penhas da Saúde. There are four competitive distances, from 16K to 100K, as well as a 16K walk.
It is a race for anyone looking for mountains, endurance and the kind of challenge that makes October stop looking like a quiet month very quickly.
2. Ribas Challenge – Javali Night Trail
📅 3 October
📍 Ribas de Cima, Fanhões, Loures
🏃 15K
Trail running, but after the sun goes down.
The first edition of the Ribas Challenge – Javali Night Trail features a single 15K distance through the trails and rural paths of Serra de Ribas, in the Loures area.
As a night race held in semi-self-sufficient conditions, it adds a different kind of difficulty to the kilometres and requires mandatory safety equipment.
A good choice for anyone who has already done plenty of daytime trails and wants to try something different.
3. Meia-Maratona Cidade de Ovar
📅 4 October
📍 Ovar, Aveiro
🏃 21.1K | 10K | Walk | Mini Marathon
One of the most established races on this list.
The Meia-Maratona Cidade de Ovar reaches its 36th edition in 2026 and is part of Portugal’s official national road racing calendar and the World Athletics Global Calendar.
Alongside the classic 21.0975K distance, there is a competitive 10K, a walk and a free mini marathon for children. The competitive courses are certified and include electronic timing.
If you are looking for a major goal right at the beginning of October, Ovar is one of the most complete options.
4. 10.º Grande Prémio do Vale Grande
📅 5 October
📍 Odivelas, Lisbon
🏃 10K | 5K | Walk | Kids Races
Not every race calendar needs to revolve around long distances.
The Grande Prémio do Vale Grande, in Odivelas, has the 10K as its main distance, alongside a 5K race, a walk and races for younger runners.
The event has a limit of 1,000 participants and also includes a post-race gathering, keeping a strong community feel.
An especially interesting option for anyone who wants a 5K or 10K on the calendar without turning the whole of October into a long-distance training block.
5. Douro Ultra Trail
📅 9 and 10 October
📍 Peso da Régua, Vila Real
🏃 15K | 28K | 50K | 100K
Two days of racing and four very different ways to experience the Douro on foot.
The Douro Ultra Trail ranges from the 15K Short Trail to the approximately 100K Ultra Trail Endurance. In between, there are 28K and 50K options, including team participation in the longer distances.
The courses combine natural trails, forest roads and some asphalt sections in a region where the scenery will probably compete quite successfully with your watch for attention.
6. EDP 8K
📅 11 October
📍 Lisbon
🏃 8K
It is not every Sunday that you get to start a race on the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
That is exactly where the EDP 8K begins, before finishing on Alameda dos Oceanos, near the Pavilhão de Portugal. The race is part of the Lisbon Marathon weekend programme and has capacity for up to 7,000 participants.
At just 8K, it is also a great option for anyone who wants to experience the atmosphere of a major running event without committing to a half marathon or marathon.
7. Trail do Aqueduto
📅 11 October
📍 Paredes, Porto
🏃 13K | 23K | 33K | 9K Walk
The same Sunday, but a completely different setting.
The Trail do Aqueduto starts and finishes at Campo de Golfe do Aqueduto, in Paredes, with three competitive distances of 13K, 23K and 33K, plus a 9K walk.
The race is certified by ATRP, is part of national circuits and the Porto Trail Series, and contributes towards the UTMB Index.
In other words, the goal here is no longer crossing a bridge. It is starting to climb.
8. Meia Maratona de Leiria
📅 18 October
📍 Leiria
🏃 21K | 10K | 5K Walk | Kids
21K or 10K? In Leiria, you do not have to decide on the distance before choosing the event.
The Meia Maratona de Leiria brings both competitive distances together in the same programme, alongside a 5K walk and a Kids Parents & Children race.
It is a great option for groups where everyone has a different goal but still wants to share the same race weekend.
9. Grande Corrida A Previdência Portuguesa
📅 18 October
📍 Coimbra
🏃 10K
If October is about running faster rather than farther, Coimbra offers another option.
The Grande Corrida A Previdência Portuguesa takes place at Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra and features a main 10K course certified by World Athletics and the Portuguese Athletics Federation.
The event also includes several distances for younger age groups, making the morning about much more than just the main 10K race.
10. 13.º Trail de Fátima
📅 24 and 25 October
📍 Fátima and Ourém, Santarém
🏃 12K | 17K | 30K | 45K | Walk | Kids | Dog Walk
We finish with probably the most varied menu on the list.
The Trail de Fátima offers four competitive distances, from 12K to 45K, alongside a walk, Trail Kids and even a dog walk.
The main races follow natural trails, agricultural paths and forest areas around the municipality of Ourém. The Ultra, Long, Short and Mini distances are certified by the Portuguese Athletics Federation and the Santarém Athletics Association.
It is a great way to finish October, whether you are looking for 12K, an ultra or simply another excuse to spend your Sunday on the trails.
So, What Are You Running in October?
One of the best things about this month is the variety.
You can run 8K across a bridge in Lisbon. Take on your first 10K. Chase a new time in a half marathon. Race at night. Head to the Douro. Or decide that running 100K through the mountains sounds like an excellent way to spend the weekend.
You do not need to choose the hardest race.
You just need to find the one that makes you want to add another date to the calendar.
On RaceFinder, you can discover races across Portugal, compare distances and locations, and find your next start line.
October already has the races. Now you just need to choose your bib.
