5 Running Races in Portugal to Discover in Early 2027
A new year means new running goals. Maybe you’re hoping to run your fastest 10K, try trail running for the first time, or finally take on a distance that has been on your bucket list for years.
Whatever your goal, you don’t need to wait until spring to start racing.
Portugal’s 2027 running calendar is already taking shape, with road races, mountain trails, and smaller regional events offering plenty of opportunities to explore new places while doing what you love.
At RaceFinder, we’re continuously expanding our event calendar to help runners discover races beyond the most famous marathons and half marathons.
Here are five running races in Portugal between January and March 2027 worth considering for your next challenge.
1. Grande Corrida de Ano Novo — Start the Year with a 10K in Lisbon
January 3, 2027 | Lisbon
What better way to welcome 2027 than with a race through the streets of Lisbon?
The fifth edition of Grande Corrida de Ano Novo takes place on January 3, with the iconic Praça do Comércio serving as both the starting and finishing point.
The event includes:
- 10K competitive road race
- 5K mini race/walk
- 400m kids’ race
The main 10K course takes runners through several recognisable streets and squares in central Lisbon, creating an ideal setting for the first race of the year.
For runners who have spent the final weeks of 2026 maintaining their fitness, this could be an opportunity to test their speed and establish a baseline for the coming season.
It’s also a practical choice for friends or families with different fitness levels, thanks to the shorter participation options.
Why consider it? A central location, a classic 10K distance, and the chance to start the new year with a race already completed.
Discover Grande Corrida de Ano Novo 2027 on RaceFinder
2. Trail Off-Road da Barreira — A January Challenge in Leiria
January 17, 2027 | Barreira, Leiria
If your goal for 2027 involves spending more time running off-road, Trail Off-Road da Barreira could be an interesting starting point.
Now in its 13th edition, the event takes place in Barreira, near Leiria, and offers two competitive distances:
- 12K Mini Trail
- 20K Trail Sprint
The courses combine natural trails with cross-country sections, offering a different challenge from traditional road running.
The 12K is particularly interesting for runners who already feel comfortable covering similar distances on the road but want to gain experience on uneven terrain.
Meanwhile, the 20K is better suited to athletes prepared for longer efforts and more demanding elevation changes.
Remember that trail running isn’t only about distance. Elevation gain, technical sections, and weather conditions can significantly influence how demanding a course feels.
Why consider it? A choice of two distances and an opportunity to experience competitive trail running early in the season.
Explore Trail Off-Road da Barreira 2027
3. Santo Thyrso Ultra Trilhos — Four Trail Distances in One Event
February 13–14, 2027 | Santo Tirso, Porto
February brings a bigger challenge for runners looking to spend a weekend exploring the trails of northern Portugal.
Santo Thyrso Ultra Trilhos, also known as STUT, returns for its 12th edition with several distances:
- 12K Trail
- 17K Trail
- 32K Trail
- 45K Trail
The event also features a 12K walk and activities for children.
This variety is one of the reasons STUT deserves a place on the calendar.
Not every runner in a group needs to have the same goal. While one athlete might be preparing for their first 12K trail race, another could be working towards the 32K or 45K distance.
For more experienced trail runners, February can also be a useful opportunity to test endurance and race-day strategies ahead of bigger challenges later in the year.
Why consider it? Multiple distances, a weekend dedicated to trail running, and options for different experience levels.
Discover Santo Thyrso Ultra Trilhos 2027
4. Corrida Solidária Reigoso — A Road Race with a Community Spirit
February 28, 2027 | Oliveira de Frades, Viseu
Not every memorable running experience needs to happen in a major city.
Smaller regional events can offer a different atmosphere, bringing runners together while supporting local communities.
Corrida Solidária Reigoso takes place in Oliveira de Frades and features:
- 10K road race
- 15K road race
- 8K walk
The two competitive distances make this event particularly interesting for runners looking to move beyond their usual 10K without committing to a half marathon.
The 15K can provide a useful intermediate challenge for athletes gradually increasing their endurance.
For runners preparing for a spring half marathon, it may also serve as a training milestone, depending on their individual preparation plan.
The event includes electronic timing and individual and team classifications.
Why consider it? A choice between 10K and 15K, a local community atmosphere, and an opportunity to discover a race outside Portugal’s main cities.
Find out more about Corrida Solidária Reigoso 2027
5. Povoação Trail — Discover Trail Running in the Azores
March 14, 2027 | Povoação, São Miguel
If you’re looking for a running challenge that also feels like an adventure, Povoação Trail deserves your attention.
Held on São Miguel Island in the Azores, the event returns for its seventh edition with several distances:
- 9K Mini Trail
- 18K Sprint
- 30K Trail
- 50K Ultra Trail
The routes explore the mountainous landscape of Povoação, combining natural trails, forest roads, and significant elevation changes.
The 50K Ultra, for example, features approximately 3,600 metres of positive elevation gain, making it a demanding challenge that requires substantial preparation.
For those looking for a shorter experience, the 9K and 18K distances provide alternatives within the same event.
Beyond the race itself, participating in an event in the Azores can be an opportunity to combine running with travel and explore one of Portugal’s most distinctive natural environments.
Why consider it? A wide range of distances and the opportunity to experience trail running on São Miguel Island.
Explore Povoação Trail 2027 on RaceFinder
How to Choose Your First Running Race of 2027
With so many events available, it’s tempting to start filling every weekend with races.
But a well-planned season isn’t necessarily the one with the most events.
Before registering, consider what you want to achieve.
Looking for a new personal best?
A road race such as Grande Corrida de Ano Novo could be an opportunity to measure your progress over 10K.
If you’re preparing for a longer distance, the 15K at Corrida Solidária Reigoso might provide an intermediate goal.
Want to explore trail running?
Consider shorter events like Trail Off-Road da Barreira or one of the shorter STUT distances.
Remember to account for elevation gain and technical terrain, rather than comparing trail and road distances directly.
Preparing for a major challenge?
Events such as STUT and Povoação Trail offer longer distances, but choosing one should depend on your training history, preparation time, and experience.
You don’t need to start the year with your biggest race. Sometimes, a smaller challenge is exactly what helps you build confidence for what comes next.
Your 2027 Running Calendar Starts Here
One of the best things about running in Portugal is the variety of events available throughout the country.
You can race through the streets of Lisbon in January, explore the trails of northern Portugal in February, and discover the mountains of the Azores in March.
And while famous international races often attract the most attention, smaller regional events can offer equally rewarding experiences.
As more organizers announce their 2027 calendars, new opportunities will continue to appear.
At RaceFinder, we’re constantly adding running and trail events across Portugal, making it easier to discover races, compare distances, and find registration information in one place.
Ready to choose your first race of 2027?
Explore the RaceFinder calendar and find the challenge that fits your next running goal.
