Still Time for One More Race: Events to Finish 2026 Strong
September is coming to an end, but the racing calendar is far from over. Between autumn trail races, road events and the first São Silvestres, the final months of 2026 still offer plenty of opportunities to put on another race bib.
Whether you are looking for one last big challenge, want to try a new distance, or simply want to finish the year with a fun race atmosphere, here are a few events worth considering.
November Starts Strong on the Trails
The beginning of November is a great time for runners who prefer trails over tarmac. Cooler temperatures can make longer efforts more comfortable, and the calendar offers options for different experience levels.
Trail do Marco — November 8
In Marco de Canaveses, Trail do Marco 2026 offers several distances: a 50 km Ultra Trail, a 31 km Long Trail, a 17 km Sprint Trail and a 12 km walk.
It is a good option both for runners looking to finish the season with a longer challenge and for those who prefer a shorter trail race.
View Trail do Marco on RaceFinder
3.º Trail Aldeia da Granja — November 8
Also taking place on November 8, in Vialonga, Trail Aldeia da Granja includes a 24 km Long Trail, a 12 km Short Trail and an 8 km walk.
For runners who are still building trail experience, the 12 km option can be a good way to enter a competitive trail event without immediately committing to a much longer distance.
Registrations are available directly through RaceFinder.
View Trail Aldeia da Granja on RaceFinder
Looking for a Bigger End-of-Season Challenge?
If you have spent the year building endurance and want a more demanding race before winter, mid-November brings a few interesting options.
Trail do Zêzere — November 14–15
Ferreira do Zêzere hosts another edition of Trail do Zêzere, with several distances available: 49 km, 33 km, 22 km and 13 km, as well as activities for younger participants.
The variety of distances makes it especially interesting for groups of friends with different goals, since everyone can take part in the same event while choosing a very different challenge.
Trail São Macário — November 14–15
If you are looking for mountain terrain and serious elevation, Trail São Macário, in São Pedro do Sul, is worth considering.
The main distance covers 51 km with more than 4,000 metres of positive elevation gain, while the programme also includes 31 km, 21 km and 11 km options.
View Trail São Macário on RaceFinder
One Last Trail Before December?
6 Cascatas Trail Running — November 29
At the end of the month, Cheleiros, in Mafra, hosts 6 Cascatas Trail Running.
There are three options available: a 24 km Long Trail, a 13 km Short Trail and an 11 km walk. The competitive distances include electronic timing, and registrations can be completed directly through RaceFinder.
Register for 6 Cascatas Trail Running
December Means São Silvestre Season
If November belongs to the trails, December brings a different tradition. São Silvestre races are one of the most popular ways to finish the year running, usually combining a 10K distance with a festive city atmosphere.
And you do not have to wait until December 31.
São Silvestre da Batalha — December 12
The São Silvestre da Batalha kicks off this part of the calendar on December 12, with an approximately 10 km race, a 5 km walk and races for younger age groups.
Registrations are available through RaceFinder.
São Silvestre El Corte Inglés — December 13
The following day, Lisbon hosts the São Silvestre El Corte Inglés, starting and finishing in Saldanha.
Alongside the 10 km race, the programme includes a 5 km walk and a 500 m children’s race, making it an option for those who want a more family-friendly event.
Discover São Silvestre El Corte Inglés
São Silvestre de Lisboa — December 26
After Christmas, there is a simple way to get moving again: run 10 km through central Lisbon.
The São Silvestre de Lisboa takes place on December 26, starting and finishing on Avenida da Liberdade and passing several well-known parts of the city, including Rossio, Cais do Sodré and Praça do Comércio.
View São Silvestre de Lisboa on RaceFinder
São Silvestre dos Olivais — December 30
And for anyone who wants to race almost until the final day of the year, the São Silvestre dos Olivais takes place on December 30.
The programme includes a 10 km race, a 4 km walk and a Mini São Silvestre for children.
View São Silvestre dos Olivais
Which Race Should You Choose?
There is no single right way to finish the season.
If you have spent the year preparing for longer distances, November still offers opportunities for one final ultra or long trail. If you simply want to maintain consistency through autumn, a 10–20 km race may be a better fit. And if your goal is to finish 2026 running and enjoy the atmosphere, a São Silvestre is hard to beat.
The important thing is to choose a race that matches the fitness you already have, rather than trying to make up for missed training in just a few weeks.
There are still plenty of race bibs to wear before 2027.
Explore upcoming running, trail, cycling, swimming and triathlon events on RaceFinder and find your next challenge.
