Messenger3º Trail Winter Challenge S.A. - Vila Galé
Event summary
The 3º Trail Winter Challenge S.A. – Vila Galé is a trail running event scheduled for December 13, 2026, in Ericeira, starting and finishing at the Vila Galé Hotel. It features three distances: a long trail of approximately 20 km, a short trail of around 14 km, and a leisure walk of about 12 km. The event is open to all participants aged 18 and older, with competitive classifications for the trail distances and no classification for the walk.
This race is part of the Circuito Challenge S.A. 2026, offering a unique opportunity for participants to compete in a series of three trail challenges throughout the year. The course runs mostly through natural trails with stunning views of the coastline, combining interior paths with scenic sea vistas, offering a beautiful and challenging environment.
The atmosphere is community-oriented and environmentally conscious, promoting trail running with zero environmental impact and initiatives like plogging during the walk. The event also includes prizes for top finishers, the largest team, and oldest participants, along with a unique finisher medal in puzzle format tying the three races in the circuit together. The event caters to competitive runners and leisure walkers alike, encouraging participation from a broad range of ages and skill levels.
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Plan itInformation
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail Longo: 09:30
• Trail Curto: 09:45
• Caminhada: 09:50
Bib pick-up time and location:
• December 13, 2026, from 7:30 to 9:00
• Location: side area of Hotel Vila Galé da Ericeira (Praia da Baleia)
Start/finish locations: Hotel Vila Galé da Ericeira (Praia da Baleia)
Age categories/divisions:
• Séniores M/F: 18 to 34 years
• Veteranos 35 M/F: 35 to 39 years
• Veteranos 40 M/F: 40 to 44 years
• Veteranos 45 M/F: 45 to 49 years
• Veteranos 50 M/F: 50 to 54 years
• Veteranos 55 M/F: 55 to 59 years
• Veteranos 60 M/F: 60 to 64 years
• Veteranos 65 M/F: 65 years and older (no upper limit)
Cut-off times: 4 hours for all distances
Registration deadline: December 8, 2026, at 13:00 or upon reaching 400 paid registrations
Link to full regulation: Official Rules
Surface types: Natural trails, paths with grass, dirt, mud, sand, loose stones, some asphalt
Course format: Loop course with coastal and inland sections
Parking and shuttle details: Parking and all logistics centralized at Hotel Vila Galé da Ericeira
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with liquid and solid sports supplies at mid-course and final supplies at finish; participants must carry their own cup or similar for hydration
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 20 km
Trail Run 14 km
Walking 12 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, electronic timing chip (except walkers)
🏅 Finisher prize: puzzle-shaped finisher medal representing the Challenge Circuit
⏱️ Timing + live results by category for trail distances
🛟 Safety support: logistic support and sports insurance included
🛡️ Insurance: sport insurance provided for all participants
🥤 Aid stations: liquid and solid sports supplies at mid-course and final
🚿 Showers, changing rooms, and all logistics at Hotel Vila Galé da Ericeira
📸 Photography and video coverage by the organizing company
🏆 Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place by age category in trail distances, plus team and age awards
🎁 Additional prizes and surprises including stays at Vila Galé hotels and vouchers
🍵 Post-race traditional cakes and tea served
