Messenger8th Edition Trail Running Dinosaur Trail
Event summary
The 8th edition of the Trail Running Trilho dos Dinossauros is a trail running event taking place on February 22, 2026, at Praia da Areia Branca in the municipality of Lourinhã, Portugal. This event offers multiple distances including a Long Trail (31 km), a Trail Sprint (20 km), a Mini Trail for youth (11 km), and a 10 km Walking route, all set against the stunning natural landscapes of cliffs, beaches, and historical sites.
The competition is open to all athletes aged 16 and above for the trail races, with the walking event allowing younger participants if accompanied by an adult. It features a wide range of age categories from Juvenile to over 70 years, and includes team competitions. The race atmosphere combines challenge and camaraderie, enhanced by surprises along the course and a family-friendly Dino Fun Zone for children with activities and entertainment.
Participants will enjoy technical courses with significant elevation gain, multiple aid stations offering liquids and solids, and facilities such as hot showers and massages. The event also includes podium awards for top finishers in each category, finisher medals, and a communal post-race lunch, making it a comprehensive race experience for elite and recreational runners alike.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Juvenile M/F (16-17 years, up to 15 km)
• Junior M/F (18-19 years, up to 25 km)
• Sub 23 M/F (20-22 years)
• Senior M/F (23-34 years)
• M35/F35 (35-39 years)
• M40/F40 (40-44 years)
• M45/F45 (45-49 years)
• M50/F50 (50-54 years)
• M55/F55 (55-59 years)
• M60/F60 (60-64 years)
• M65/F65 (65-69 years)
• M70/F70 (70+ years)
Start/finish locations: Praia da Areia Branca, Lourinhã
Start times per category/distance:
• 09:10 – Trail 31K
• 09:20 – Trail Sprint 20K
• 09:30 – Trail Jovem 11K
• 09:35 – Caminhada 10K
Cut-off times:
• Trail 31K – 7 hours
• Trail Sprint 20K – 5 hours
• Trail Jovem 11K – 4 hours
Participants limit:
• Trail (all distances): 1000 paid registrations
• Caminhada (walking): 75 participants
Registration deadline: February 6, 2026 or until maximum registrations are reached
Surface types: Natural terrain including cliffs, beach paths, and trails
Course format: Point-to-point and loop sections with marked routes using pink ribbons and signs
Race routes:
• Trail 31K – approx. 1400m elevation gain
• Trail Sprint 20K – approx. 585m elevation gain
• Trail Jovem 11K – approx. 400m elevation gain
• Caminhada 10K – approx. 300m elevation gain
Timing method: Electronic chip timing with bib worn on the front of the body
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Multiple aid stations per route offering liquids and solids as per distance specifics
Parking and shuttle details: Parking available at various locations in Praia da Areia Branca
Prizes:
• Trophies for top 3 in each age category for Trail 31K, Trail Sprint 20K, and Mini Trail 11K
• Prizes for top 3 overall finishers (male and female) in each race
• Awards for top 3 teams
• Finisher medals for all participants in trail, walking, and kids races
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 31 km
Trail Run 20 km
Trail Run 11 km
Walking 10 km
Kids Race
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: technical T-shirt by Compressport, technical Socksby socks, and a neck gaiter for Trail and Walking participants
🏅 Finisher prize: medal for all finishers in trail, walking, and kids events
⏱️ Electronic chip timing with live online results immediately after the event
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance and emergency services at marked points along the courses
🛡️ Insurance: included sports insurance for all participants
🥤 Aid stations: multiple stations with water, isotonic drinks, gels, bananas, and solid food according to distance
🚿 Access to hot showers at the camping park near the event finish
🧖 Post-race massage available for athletes
🏆 Trophies and awards ceremonies for individual and team categories
🎉 Family-friendly Dino Fun Zone with activities for children of participants
