MessengerPenacova Trail of the Center 2026
Event summary
The Penacova Trail do Centro is a trail running event taking place on September 5-6, 2026, at Praia do Reconquinho, Penacova, Portugal. It offers multiple distances including a 46 km ultra trail, 31 km trail, 16 km mini trail/walk, a 2 km prologue, and a Trail Kids race.
Open to athletes aged 18 and over, the event is part of the Best Trail Series and the National Circuit of the ATRP. The courses feature mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains, technical trails, and variable weather conditions, demanding high physical fitness and self-management from participants.
The event includes a prologue time trial and a kids’ race on September 5, with the main competitive distances held on September 6. The race atmosphere combines competitive challenge with community engagement and environmental responsibility.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• Juniors (18-19 years)
• Sub-23 (20-22 years)
• Seniors (23-39 years)
• M/F 40 (40-49 years)
• M/F 50 (50-59 years)
• M/F 60 (60-69 years)
• M/F 70 (70+ years)
Start/finish locations: Praia do Reconquinho, Penacova
Start times per category/distance:
• 05 September 2026
– 18:30 Trail KIDS
– 19:00 Prólogo 2km
• 06 September 2026
– 09:00 Mini Trail/Caminhada 16km
– PTC 46km and PTC 31km start times to be announced
Cut-off times:
• 46 km: 10 hours total, with a 7-hour cut-off at 29 km (15:00)
• No cut-off times for other distances
Bib pick-up time and location:
• 05 September 2026, 18:00–20:00 (Praia do Reconquinho, Penacova)
• 06 September 2026, 07:00–08:00 for PTC 46km and 31km
• 06 September 2026, 08:00–09:00 for Mini Trail/Caminhada 16km
Registration deadline: 28 August 2026
Surface types: Mountainous technical trails with significant elevation gain
Course format: Individual trail races with a prologue time trial and kids’ race
Race routes:
• PTC 46km: +2003m/-2005m elevation
• PTC 31km: +1224m/-1222m elevation
• Mini Trail/Caminhada 16km: +664m/-664m elevation
• Prólogo 2km: flat individual time trial
Timing method: Electronic chip timing on bib
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Aid stations at specified km points for each distance
Prizes: Trophies for top 3 overall and age categories; team prizes based on top 3 athletes’ times
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 46 km
Trail Run 31 km
Trail Run 16 km
Walking 16 km
Trail Run 2 km
Kids Trail
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib, race-related gifts, personal accident insurance
🏅 Finisher prize: medal, post-race snack, access to showers
⏱️ Timing + live results via electronic chip on bib
🛟 Safety support: emergency and medical teams available
🥤 Aid stations: hydration and nutrition at multiple points
🚿 Showers available post-race
🏆 Prizes for individual and team categories
