MessengerEPIC AZORES 2026
Event summary
EPIC Azores 2026 is a trail running event taking place on December 4-5, 2026, on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. The event features six competitive races ranging from 3 km to 167 km, including EPIC100M (167 km), EPIC100K (108 km), EPIC60 (63 km), EPIC30 (34 km), EPIC15 (17 km), and EPIC_Kids (3 km), plus a non-competitive EPIC_DayWalk.
The races are open to athletes meeting minimum age requirements, with the main distances requiring participants to be at least 18 years old. The event is certified by the International Trail Run Association (ITRA), UTMB World Series, and the Portuguese Trail Running Association, and is part of the São Miguel Trail Circuit.
Runners will experience challenging mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains, traversing five municipalities with diverse landscapes including volcanic lakes, laurel forests, and coastal cliffs. The event emphasizes endurance, respect, and environmental sustainability, including a strict zero-plastic policy.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• EPIC100M, EPIC100K, EPIC60, EPIC30: 18+ years
• EPIC15: 16+ years
• EPIC_Kids: 4–15 years (age groups SUB-10, SUB-12, SUB-14, SUB-16)
Start/finish locations: Various locations on São Miguel Island including Fábrica de Chá Gorreana, Vila do Nordeste, Lagoa das Furnas, Água de Pau, Praia de Água d’Alto, Vila Franca do Campo
Start times per category/distance:
• EPIC100M: Dec 4, 07:30
• EPIC100K: Dec 4, 21:00
• EPIC60: Dec 5, 08:00
• EPIC30: Dec 5, 09:30
• EPIC15: Dec 5, 10:00
• EPIC_Kids: Dec 5, 10:30
• EPIC_DayWalk: Dec 5, 14:00
Cut-off times:
• EPIC100M: 40h
• EPIC100K: 26h
• EPIC60: 14h
• EPIC30: 9h
• EPIC15: 5h
Bib pick-up time and location: Dec 3-5 at Pavilhão Açor Arena, Vila Franca do Campo
Participants limit:
• EPIC100M: 100
• EPIC100K: 100
• EPIC60: 150
• EPIC30: 300
• EPIC15: 400
• EPIC Walks: 100
• EPIC Kids: 50
Surface types: Trails, paths, forest roads (mostly unpaved), some asphalt sections
Course format: Linear, non-stop
Race routes: Routes traverse five municipalities: Vila Franca do Campo, Povoação, Nordeste, Ribeira Grande, Lagoa
Timing method: Integrated chip timing in personalized bibs
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations (PAC) provide food and liquids; no cups provided; electronic passage control at aid stations
Parking and shuttle details: Transport from finish (Pavilhão Açor Arena) to start locations and transport to finish in case of abandonment
Drop bag policy: Drop bags accepted at secretariat (Pavilhão Açor Arena) with athlete card; only athlete or accredited companion may handle bags
Prizes: Trophies for top 3 male and female overall and by age category; team trophies for first place
Location
get directionsRaces
Ultra Trail 160 km
Ultra Trail 100 km
Ultra Trail 60 km
Trail Run 30 km
Trail Run 15 km
Walk
Kids 3 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: personalized bib with integrated chip
🏅 Finisher prize: finisher award
⏱️ Timing + live results by category via chip timing
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance and first aid at designated stations and finish line
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident and liability insurance included
🥤 Aid stations: solid and liquid food and hydration at aid stations
🚿 Showers available
🧳 Drop-bag service available at secretariat
🚌 Transport from finish to start locations and transport to finish in case of abandonment
🏆 Trophies for top finishers and teams
• Babysitting service available for a fee
• Digital athlete guide available 15 days before event
• GPS tracker provided for EPIC100M and EPIC100K