Why Autumn Is the Best Time to Try Trail Running in Portugal
After the hottest months of the year, autumn marks the return of many athletes to racing. Temperatures become more comfortable, the trails gain new colours, and the calendar fills up again with events across the country.
For road runners who are curious about trail running, this is one of the best times to take the first step. And for those who already know the trails, October is the perfect moment to set new goals, explore new regions and prepare for challenges before the end of the season.
In Portugal, trail running has been growing not only as a competitive sport, but also as an experience. It is about running in nature, discovering new landscapes and enjoying a race atmosphere that is often more personal, community-driven and relaxed.
If you are looking for a reason to leave the road behind, here are a few.
1. The temperatures are much more favourable
Running in summer can be tough, especially in longer races or events with a lot of elevation gain. Heat requires more hydration, increases perceived effort and can make the whole experience less comfortable.
In autumn, conditions are usually more balanced. Mornings become cooler, training routines return to normal, and athletes can take on longer distances more safely.
That is one of the reasons why many trail races return strongly in October, offering options for different experience levels, from shorter routes to ultra-distance challenges.
2. There are races for every level
One of the biggest advantages of trail running is the variety. You do not need to start with a long or highly technical distance. Many events include shorter routes, walking options or intermediate distances, allowing each athlete to choose a challenge that matches their current fitness and confidence.
In October, the calendar already includes several different formats.
The XII Estrelaçor Ultra Endurance, in Covilhã, offers ultra trail, trail running and walking options, making it a strong choice for athletes looking for a complete mountain challenge.
The Grande Trail Serra d’Arga, in Viana do Castelo, is one of the standout events on the trail calendar, with several distances and a strong mountain-racing atmosphere.
The Pisão Extreme, in São Pedro do Sul, is ideal for those looking for a more technical and demanding experience, with skyrunning and challenging routes.
The VI Trail e Caminhada Rota da Maçã de Montanha, in Armamar, is a great option for runners looking for an event with local identity, combining trail running and walking.
The Trail do Paimouro, in Canas de Senhorim, offers accessible distances and a walking option, ideal for athletes who want to experience a trail event in a more local and community-focused atmosphere.
The 1st Ribas Challenge – Javali Night Trail, in Loures, brings something different to the calendar, giving athletes the chance to experience the adrenaline of running at night.
This variety is one of the reasons trail running attracts so many different types of athletes. There is space for those who want to compete, those who want to explore and those who simply want to try something new.
3. Trail running changes the way you experience a race
In road races, the focus is often on pace, finish time and personal bests. In trail running, the experience is different.
The terrain is constantly changing. There are climbs, descents, dirt paths, rocks, technical sections, faster stretches and moments where slowing down is part of the strategy.
This makes the race feel more complete. Pace is no longer the only important measure. Athletes start paying more attention to the course, the landscape, energy management and their connection with the environment around them.
For many runners, that is exactly what makes trail running so appealing. It is not just about running. It is about adapting.
4. It is a great way to discover new regions
Trail running takes athletes to places they might never discover otherwise.
Serra da Estrela, Serra d’Arga, the interior of Viseu, the Armamar region, Loures or São Pedro do Sul become more than just places on a map. They become race settings, training goals and running memories.
Events such as the Grande Trail Serra d’Arga or the XII Estrelaçor Ultra Endurance are also an opportunity to turn a race weekend into a short trip. For those who enjoy combining sport, nature and travel, autumn is one of the best seasons to do it.
5. The community is part of the experience
Anyone who regularly takes part in trail races knows that the atmosphere is one of the biggest differences compared with other types of running events.
There is a strong connection between athletes, volunteers, organizers and local communities. Many races pass through villages, rural paths and natural areas where local support becomes part of the event’s identity.
Even in more competitive races, there is often a spirit of mutual support. On the trails, athletes share the effort, the course and often the difficulty. That creates a very unique kind of race experience.
6. Trail running can also help road runners
Even if your main goal remains road running, adding trail to your calendar can bring several benefits.
Climbs help develop strength. Descents improve technique and control. Uneven terrain works balance, coordination and muscular endurance. Trail running can also be a great way to break the routine of more structured road training.
For runners preparing for a half marathon, a marathon or simply looking to build more endurance, a trail race can be a valuable addition to the season.
7. October is a great time to plan your season
More and more athletes use autumn to reorganize their race calendar. After summer, new goals appear, new races open and new opportunities arise to finish the year with motivation.
Instead of choosing a race only a few days before the event, many runners now plan ahead: a shorter race to return to competition, an intermediate trail to build confidence and perhaps a bigger challenge later in the season.
The October calendar shows this diversity clearly. There are mountain races, local events, technical challenges, walking options, night trails and routes for many different athlete profiles.
Trail races to consider this autumn
If you are thinking about trying trail running or returning to the trails, here are a few races worth considering.
XII Estrelaçor Ultra Endurance
📍 Covilhã, Castelo Branco
📅 2–3 October 2026
A mountain race with several distance options, ideal for athletes looking for a demanding challenge in the Serra da Estrela region.
Grande Trail Serra d’Arga
📍 Viana do Castelo
📅 2–4 October 2026
One of the best-known trail events in Portugal, with varied routes and a strong mountain-running identity.
Pisão Extreme
📍 São Pedro do Sul
📅 3–4 October 2026
A race for those looking for technical terrain, elevation gain and a more demanding trail experience.
VI Trail e Caminhada Rota da Maçã de Montanha
📍 Armamar, Viseu
📅 3 October 2026
An event with both trail running and walking options, perfect for those looking for a race connected to nature and local identity.
Trail do Paimouro
📍 Canas de Senhorim, Viseu
📅 3 October 2026
With accessible distances and a walking option, this is a good choice for athletes who want to experience trail running without taking on an overly long challenge.
1st Ribas Challenge – Javali Night Trail
📍 Loures, Lisbon
📅 3 October 2026
A night trail race that offers a different kind of experience and a great opportunity for runners looking for something outside the traditional format.
Is it time to leave the road behind?
Trail running does not need to be intimidating. You can start with a shorter distance, choose an event with a walking option or look for a more accessible route.
The most important thing is to find a challenge that makes sense for you.
Whether you want to compete, explore new trails or simply experience a different way of running, autumn is the ideal time to start.
On RaceFinder, you can discover trail running races across Portugal, compare dates, distances and locations, and find the next challenge for your calendar.
Explore the full calendar and find your next trail race.
