Messenger1st TRAIL BETWEEN THE MOUNTAIN AND THE SEA
Event summary
The 1st Trail Between the Mountain and the Sea – Fonte Férrea is a trail running event taking place on August 9, 2026, in São Brás de Alportel, Portugal. It offers multiple distances: Trail (31 km), Trail Sprint (22 km), Mini Trail (13 km), and a non-competitive Walk (11 km), catering to various fitness levels.
This event is part of the official calendar of the Algarve Regional Trail Sprint and Trail Circuit for the 2025/2026 season, ensuring high standards of competition. The race courses traverse the Serra do Caldeirão, featuring rugged terrain with elevations frequently exceeding 500 meters, offering scenic views of the Algarve coast and surrounding landscapes.
The event promotes inclusivity with age categories and team classifications for competitive distances, and also includes a recreational walk. The atmosphere combines competitive spirit with a connection to nature and environmental responsibility.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Sub 23 M−23 (<23 years)
• Seniores M−SEN (23 to 34 years)
• Seniores M−35 (35 to 39 years)
• Veteranos M−40 (40 to 44 years)
• Veteranos M−45 (45 to 49 years)
• Veteranos M−50 (50 to 54 years)
• Veteranos M−55 (55 to 59 years)
• Veteranos M−60 (60 to 64 years)
• Veteranos M−65 (65 to 69 years)
• Veteranos M−70 (70+ years)
• Sub 23 F−23 (<23 years)
• Seniores F−SEN (23 to 34 years)
• Seniores F−35 (35 to 39 years)
• Veteranos F−40 (40 to 44 years)
• Veteranos F−45 (45 to 49 years)
• Veteranos F−50 (50 to 54 years)
• Veteranos F−55 (55 to 59 years)
• Veteranos F−60 (60 to 64 years)
• Veteranos F−65 (65 to 69 years)
• Veteranos F−70 (70+ years)
Start/finish locations: Pavilhão Municipal Dr. José de Sousa Pires, São Brás de Alportel
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail (31 km): 07:30
• Trail Sprint (22 km): 08:00
• Mini Trail (13 km): 08:30
• Caminhada (11 km walk): 08:40
Cut-off times:
• Trail: 8 hours
• Trail Sprint: 6 hours
• Mini Trail: 4 hours
Bib pick-up time and location:
• August 9, 2026, from 06:30
• Trail: 06:30–07:15
• Trail Sprint: 06:30–07:45
• Mini Trail and Caminhada: 06:30–08:15
• Possibility of bib pick-up the day before from 16:00 to 19:00 at the same location
Participants limit:
• Trail: 150
• Trail Sprint: 300
• Mini Trail: 250
• Caminhada: no limit
Registration deadline: August 3, 2026
Surface types: Trail running terrain with elevation gains; detailed profiles published near event date
Course format: Marked trails with flags, ribbons, arrows, and horizontal markings; track files provided before the event
Race routes:
• Trail: 31 km, 1500 m positive elevation
• Trail Sprint: 22 km, 870 m positive elevation
• Mini Trail: 13 km, 520 m positive elevation
• Caminhada: 11 km, recreational walk
Timing method: Electronic chip timing by Associação de Atletismo do Algarve
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with liquids and solids along the course; mandatory passage through all aid stations
Parking and shuttle details: Preferred parking locations announced on official channels
Prizes: Awards for top 3 by category and gender in Trail and Trail Sprint; team awards for Trail and Trail Sprint; top 3 overall awards for Mini Trail; no awards for Caminhada; surprise prize for team with most entries across competitive distances
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 31 km
Trail Run 31 km Filiado AAALG
Trail Run 22 km
Trail Run 22 km Filiado AAALG
Trail Run 13 km
Walking 11 km
Optional Extras
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, mandatory material verification
🏅 Finisher prize: finisher medal and commemorative t-shirt
⏱️ Timing + live results by electronic chip
🛟 Safety support: medical teams and ambulances along the course
🛡️ Insurance: mandatory sports and civil liability insurance included in registration fee
🥤 Aid stations: liquid and solid refreshments at control points
🚿 Showers and changing rooms available at finish area
🥤 Post-race meal included with registration (vegetarian option available, except for Caminhada)
🏆 Prizes for top finishers and teams
