MessengerCHALLENGE PICOS DO AÇOR 2026
- Sat, Dec 12 - Sun, Dec 13, 2026
- Free — 36 €
- 6 races
-
Registration closes in 74 days 01 hours 01 min
Registered directly with the organizer
Event summary
Desafio Picos do Açor 2026 is a trail running event taking place on December 12-13, 2026, in Arganil, Portugal. The event features four competitive races with distances of 32 km (2000m elevation gain), 18 km (1000m elevation gain), 13 km (600m elevation gain), and a 13 km walk (400m elevation gain), plus a kids’ trail race.
The races are open to participants aged 16 and above depending on the distance, with parental authorization required for minors. The event is organized by Evolução Vertical and includes an ExpoTrail Açor showcasing sports equipment and regional products. The courses traverse the Serra do Açor and several villages in the Arganil municipality, offering challenging mountainous terrain and significant elevation.
The atmosphere combines competitive trail running with community engagement, including a kids’ race and a walking event, making it suitable for a wide range of participants.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• Açor Trail Kids: 6-15 years with parental authorization
• Desafio Picos do Açor 13km: 16+ years (parental authorization for minors)
• Desafio Picos do Açor 18km: 18+ years (parental authorization for minors)
• Desafio Picos do Açor 32km: 20+ years
Start/finish locations: Cerâmica Arganilense, Arganil, Portugal
Start times per category/distance:
• 32km 2000D+: 08:00
• Caminhada do Açor 13km 400D+: 08:30
• 18km 1000D+: 09:30
• 13km 600D+: 10:00
• Açor Trail Kids: 16:00 (day before)
Cut-off times:
• 32km 2000D+: 8 hours
• 18km 1000D+: 6 hours
• 13km 600D+: 6 hours
• Caminhada do Açor 13km 400D+: 6 hours
Bib pick-up time and location:
• December 11, 19:00–21:00
• December 12, 14:00–21:00
• December 13, 06:00–10:00
• Location: Cerâmica Arganilense
Participants limit:
• 32km 2000D+: 600
• 18km 1000D+: 600
• 13km 600D+: 400
• Caminhada do Açor 13km 400D+: 100
Registration deadline: December 1, 2026 (with possible late entries if slots remain)
Surface types: Mountain trails with significant elevation gain
Course format: Point-to-point or looped trail running courses with marked routes and control points
Race routes:
• 32km route with 4 aid stations providing solids and liquids
• 18km route with 2 aid stations
• 13km route with 1 aid station
Timing method: Electronic chip timing integrated into bib
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations at specified coordinates with solids and liquids; no disposable cups provided, athletes must carry their own hydration containers
Prizes:
• Monetary prizes for top 3 overall male/female in 32km, 18km, and 13km races
• Prizes for top 3 in age categories (except Juvenile and Junior in some races) and top 3 teams male/female
• Prize money requires invoice presentation
Cancellation & refund policy: Refunds of 50% are available until November 30, 2026. No refunds after December 1, 2026. Cancellation requests must be supported by medical or official documentation and sent to the organizer by email.
Location
get directionsRaces
Kids Trail
Trail Run 32 km Non-members
Trail Run 32 km ADAC members
Trail Run 18 km
Trail Run 13 km
Walking 13 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib, t-shirt, event wristband
🏅 Finisher prize: finisher medal and prize
⏱️ Timing + live results by electronic chip timing
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance at aid stations, medical team and search and rescue in remote areas
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included in registration fee
🥤 Aid stations: solids and liquids at multiple points along the courses
🚿 Showers available at finish line
🧳 Transport to finish line in case of withdrawal
📸 Photographic coverage included
🏆 Monetary prizes and trophies for top finishers and teams
