One Last Challenge Before the Year Ends: 7 Running Races in Portugal for November and December 2026

The year is almost over, but Portugal’s running calendar still has plenty to offer.

If you think it’s too late to set yourself a new sporting goal, we have good news: November and December still offer exciting opportunities to run, discover new routes and finish 2026 with another achievement.

And we’re not just talking about the traditional São Silvestre races.

From road races and scenic trails to ultra-endurance challenges and skyrunning events, there’s something for runners with different interests and experience levels.

We’ve selected seven running races in Portugal taking place in November and December 2026, with registration options directly through RaceFinder, to help you find your next challenge.

1. Why Should You Run One More Race Before the End of the Year?

We often associate new fitness goals with January. Starting to run, improving your 10K time or preparing for a half marathon are some of the most common New Year’s resolutions.

But you don’t have to wait until January to set a new goal.

Having a race on your calendar can be a great way to stay motivated and consistent with your training during the colder months.

Participating in a race before December ends also gives you an opportunity to reflect on your progress throughout 2026 and identify realistic goals for the next season.

You don’t necessarily need to chase a personal best. You might simply want to explore a new route, try a different type of race or enjoy a running event with friends.

The important thing is finding a challenge that feels right for you.

2. Seven Running Races in Portugal for November and December 2026

101 Autumn Run — Amarante

November 14, 2026 | 10 km Trail Run

If you enjoy smaller races with a more relaxed atmosphere, the 101 Autumn Run deserves a place on your calendar.

Held at Monverde Hotel & Spa in Telões, Amarante, this trail running event features an unusual format: three laps of an approximately 3.35 km circuit, covering a total distance of around 10 km.

The event is limited to just 101 participants, creating a more intimate experience than most large road races.

It’s an opportunity to run surrounded by nature, following trails and paths through the local landscape.

The race includes official timing and a finisher medal.

Who is it for? Runners looking for a shorter trail experience who prefer smaller, more personal events.

Explore the 101 Autumn Run and register on RaceFinder

Benquerenças Backyard Ultra — Castelo Branco

November 14, 2026 | Backyard Ultra and 10-Lap Challenge

What if your next running challenge wasn’t about covering a fixed distance, but discovering how many laps you could complete?

That’s the idea behind the Benquerenças Backyard Ultra.

The backyard format requires participants to complete a 6.706 km loop within one hour. At the beginning of every new hour, runners start another lap.

In the traditional format, the challenge continues until only one runner remains able to complete another lap.

The event also offers a 10-lap category, covering approximately 67 km.

Unlike conventional races, success depends not only on running pace but also on how effectively participants manage rest, nutrition and recovery between laps.

Who is it for? Experienced endurance athletes looking for a different physical and mental challenge. This isn’t recommended as a first running event.

Discover the Benquerenças Backyard Ultra on RaceFinder

Trail do Míscaro — Aguiar da Beira

November 15, 2026 | 22 km Trail, 15 km Trail, Mini Trail and Walk

For runners who prefer mountain paths to paved roads, Trail do Míscaro offers several ways to explore Aguiar da Beira, in Portugal’s Guarda district.

The event includes four main options:

• Long Trail of approximately 22 km.
• Short Trail of approximately 15 km.
• Mini Trail of around 10 km.
• Walking route of approximately 10 km.

The courses follow natural trails, featuring elevation changes and some technically demanding sections.

The event also emphasises the social side of running, with activities and a communal meal associated with the race.

For runners accustomed to road running, the Mini Trail could be an interesting option, provided they have suitable preparation for the terrain and elevation gain.

Who is it for? Runners looking to explore Portugal’s inland trails while choosing from different distances.

Explore Trail do Míscaro on RaceFinder

VI Trail da Escarpiada — Condeixa-a-Nova

November 21, 2026 | 31 km, 16 km, 10 km and Walking Route

The Serra de Sicó welcomes runners once again for another edition of Trail da Escarpiada.

Held in Casmilo, in the municipality of Condeixa-a-Nova, the event offers several distances for athletes with different experience levels.

The Long Trail covers approximately 31 km, while the Short Trail is around 16 km. There’s also a 10 km Mini Trail and an approximately 8.5 km walking route.

Participants can discover an area known for its limestone formations, rural paths and impressive natural scenery.

However, distance doesn’t tell the whole story. Elevation gain and technical terrain can make a 10 km trail considerably more demanding than a road race of the same distance.

Who is it for? Runners interested in mountain trails and participants looking for different race distances or a walking experience.

Discover VI Trail da Escarpiada on RaceFinder

38th Grande Prémio de Atletismo de Mendiga — Porto de Mós

November 29, 2026 | 10 km and 15 km Road Races, Walk and Youth Events

Not every running challenge needs to involve mountains or extreme distances.

For those who prefer road running, Grande Prémio de Atletismo de Mendiga is an event worth considering.

Its 38th edition takes place in Mendiga, in the municipality of Porto de Mós, maintaining a strong connection with the local community.

The programme includes 10 km and 15 km races, youth events for different age groups and a non-competitive 5 km countryside walk.

For runners looking to work on their speed or evaluate improvements in their road running pace, the competitive distances provide a useful opportunity.

The youth races and walking event also make it possible for family members and friends to participate, even when they have different goals.

Who is it for? Road runners, athletics club members, young athletes and participants interested in an event with different activities.

Explore Grande Prémio de Mendiga on RaceFinder

12th São Silvestre de Vendas Novas — Vendas Novas

December 11, 2026 | 7 km Race and 4 km Walk

São Silvestre races are one of Portugal’s most popular year-end running traditions.

But not every São Silvestre follows the usual 10 km format.

In Vendas Novas, in the Évora district, the 12th edition features a competitive 7 km road race and a non-competitive 4 km walk.

The event takes place in the evening, starting near the Vendas Novas Municipal Stadium and offering a festive end-of-year atmosphere.

The 7 km distance may be particularly appealing to runners who already complete 5 km regularly and want to try a slightly longer competitive event.

Meanwhile, the walking option allows participants to enjoy the experience without the pressure of a competitive result.

Who is it for? Runners looking for a distance between 5 km and 10 km, as well as anyone interested in an active end-of-year event.

Register for São Silvestre de Vendas Novas through RaceFinder

2nd Kiaius Sky Race — Figueira da Foz

December 20, 2026 | 22 km and 13 km Skyrunning Races

For athletes looking to end the year with a serious mountain challenge, Kiaius Sky Race is one of the most demanding events on this list.

Held in the Praia de Quiaios area of Figueira da Foz, the event features two main distances:

• 22 km with approximately 1,320 metres of elevation gain.
• 13 km with around 900 metres of elevation gain.

The longer race is part of the National and Central-Southern Skyrunning Championships, while the 13 km distance is associated with the National SkySprint Trophy.

Skyrunning demands more than cardiovascular endurance. Steep climbs, technical descents and uneven terrain make pacing and effort management particularly important.

Even the shorter 13 km option represents a significant challenge because of the accumulated elevation gain.

Who is it for? Athletes experienced in mountain running, with good physical preparation and familiarity with technical terrain.

Discover Kiaius Sky Race on RaceFinder

3. How to Choose the Right Race to Finish 2026

With so many options available, your choice should depend more on your preparation and goals than on how popular an event is.

If You Want to Improve Your Road Running Performance

Look for a race with a familiar distance and suitable conditions for managing your pace.

Grande Prémio de Mendiga, with its 10 km and 15 km courses, could be interesting for runners aiming for a competitive performance.

São Silvestre de Vendas Novas offers an alternative 7 km distance.

If You Want to Try Something Different

Trail running can be an excellent way to introduce variety into your usual training routine.

The 101 Autumn Run, Trail do Míscaro and Trail da Escarpiada offer different experiences, but it’s important to review the terrain and elevation profile before choosing.

If You’re Looking for an Endurance Challenge

Benquerenças Backyard Ultra offers a format where managing effort and recovery plays a central role.

Kiaius Sky Race adds the challenge of steep climbs and technical mountain terrain.

Both are better suited to athletes with specific preparation and previous experience.

If You Prefer to Participate Without Competing

The walking options included in several events allow participants to enjoy the atmosphere of an organised race without necessarily running or competing for a result.

This can be a good alternative for people starting their fitness journey or those who want to participate alongside family and friends.

4. How to Prepare for Running Races During the Colder Months

November and December races come with a few particular challenges.

In Portugal, temperatures can be lower, daylight hours are shorter and the possibility of rain requires some additional planning.

To arrive at the starting line feeling prepared, consider these recommendations.

Adjust your warm-up. On cold days, begin with progressive movements and avoid immediately starting at a high intensity.

Choose suitable clothing. Wear breathable layers appropriate for the expected temperature and conditions. For mountain races, always check the mandatory equipment requirements.

Don’t neglect hydration. Even when temperatures are lower, you still lose fluids during exercise.

Train for the conditions you might encounter. If your race takes place on trails, include some training on similar terrain. For evening events, familiarise yourself with the equipment and reduced visibility.

Respect recovery. There’s no need to compensate for months of missed training in the final weeks before your race.

If you’ve already built a solid running base, an end-of-year race can be a great way to make the most of the fitness you’ve developed throughout the season.

5. How to Register for a Running Race Through RaceFinder

Finding and booking your next running event is simple.

Visit the RaceFinder calendar of directly bookable events, explore the available races and select the one that matches your goals.

On each event page, you can check distances, schedules, categories, prices and other important participation details.

For events offering direct booking, select your preferred race category, enter the required details and complete your registration through the platform.

Before finalising your booking, always review the official regulations, registration deadline and cancellation conditions.

Availability and prices can change, particularly for events with limited participant capacity.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Running Races in Portugal

Are There Still Running Races in Portugal in November and December 2026?

Yes. The calendar includes road races, trail running events, walking routes, endurance challenges and festive year-end races.

Registration availability depends on each event organiser.

What’s the Best Race Distance for Beginners?

It depends on your fitness and previous running experience.

For many beginner runners, 5 km can be an achievable first goal, provided they’ve built up the necessary preparation.

Can I Participate in Running Races in Portugal Without Being a Registered Athletics Club Member?

Many recreational running events in Portugal accept participants who aren’t affiliated with a sports federation.

However, requirements may vary depending on the sport and event organiser, so always review the specific regulations.

Where Can I Find Running Races With Online Registration in Portugal?

RaceFinder allows you to explore events by location, sport, distance and date, including races offering direct registration through the platform.

Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Wait Until January to Set a New Running Goal

The end of the year doesn’t have to mean the end of your running season.

In fact, November and December can be the perfect opportunity to try a new distance, discover a different region of Portugal or participate in a race you hadn’t previously considered.

Perhaps your next challenge will be a 7 km road race in Vendas Novas, a trail running adventure in the Serra de Sicó or an endurance experience in Castelo Branco.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is finding a race that matches your preparation and making the most of the experience.

There’s still time to add one more finish line to your achievements in 2026.

Explore running races with direct registration on RaceFinder and choose your next challenge.