Messenger4th Salt Route 2026
Event summary
The Trail Rota do Sal is a trail running event taking place on March 15, 2026, in Pinheiro de Ázere, Santa Comba Dão, Portugal. It offers three distances: a 22 km long trail, a 13 km short trail, and a 10 km walk.
The event is open to participants aged 18 and over for the trails, with the short trail allowing 16-year-olds with parental authorization, and the walk open to all ages (recommended for 10+). The race routes traverse ancient paths, forest roads, streams, and other natural and historical sites, promising a unique experience through varied terrain.
The atmosphere is community-oriented, celebrating tradition and nature, with a focus on respect for the environment and local heritage. The event is organized by Associação PDA – Centro Desportivo e Cultural and includes a social and cultural dimension alongside the sporting challenge.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Trail Rota do Sal: 18+ years
• Trail Curto da Rota do Sal: 18+ years or 16+ with parental authorization
• Caminhada da Rota do Sal: no age limit (recommended 10+)
Start/finish locations: Junta de Freguesia, Rua da Escola, 3440-182 Pinheiro de Ázere
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail Rota do Sal: 9:00
• Trail Curto da Rota do Sal: 9:15
• Caminhada Rota do Sal: 9:45
Cut-off times:
• Trail Rota do Sal: 4 hours
• Trail Curto da Rota do Sal: 3 hours
• Caminhada Rota do Sal: not applicable
Bib pick-up time and location:
• March 14, 2026, 17:00–19:30
• March 15, 2026, 6:30 onwards
• Location: Junta de Freguesia, Rua da Escola, Pinheiro de Ázere
Registration deadline: March 7, 2026
Surface types: Ancient paths, levadas, forest roads, streams, and other natural terrain
Course format: Point-to-point or loop trails with possible alternative routes
Race routes:
• Trail Rota do Sal: 22 km, 1050 m positive elevation
• Trail Curto da Rota do Sal: 13 km, 580 m positive elevation
• Caminhada Rota do Sal: 10 km, 300 m positive elevation
Timing method: Electronic chip timing on bib
Prizes: Awards for top 3 male and female in Senior (18-39), Veteran M40/F40 (40-49), Veteran M50/F50 (50+) categories for Trail and Trail Curto; finisher prize for Trail participants
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 22 km
Trail Run 13 km
Walking 10 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number
🏅 Finisher prize: awarded only for Trail Rota do Sal participants
⏱️ Electronic chip timing
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident and liability included in registration fee
🥤 Aid stations: available but locations may vary; participants must be semi-autonomous
🚿 Showers available after the race
🧳 Transport to finish line if participant abandons or is stopped by organization
🏆 Prizes for top finishers in multiple age categories
🎽 Extra: T-shirt provided only for Caminhada participants
🥤 Post-race refreshments provided
