Messenger9th Alcanena Trail
Event summary
The 9th Alcanena Trail is a trail running event scheduled for March 22, 2026, in Minde, Portugal, starting at the Minde Gymnasium Pavilion. It features multiple distances including a Long Trail (32 km), Sprint (21 km), Mini Trails (15 km), 1st Trail Experience (10 km), Trail Young with age-appropriate distances, and a 10 km Walk. This event caters to a wide range of participants, from experienced adult runners (16+ for Trail and Sprint) to youth and beginners (including those under 16 with responsible accompaniment or parental consent).
The race is integrated with the Circuito de Trail do Ribatejo and emphasizes an environmentally conscious approach as all courses take place within the protected Natural Park of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. The terrain includes limestone outcrops and muddy sections, offering a challenging and scenic experience for trail enthusiasts.
The atmosphere is inclusive and family-friendly, offering various race formats such as individual and team competitions with awards for overall, age groups, and local residents. There are also non-competitive events like walks and a first-time trail experience, making it a weekend celebration of trail running and community involvement.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Trail and Sprint: 16 years and older
• Mini Trilhos and 1st Experience Trail: Under 16 allowed with responsible adult or parental authorization
• Trail Jovem (Kids Trail): Ages 6 to 17, with specific categories by age group and gender
• Caminhada (Walk): Open to all ages, minors under 16 require accompaniment or authorization
Start/finish locations: Pavilhão Gimnodesportivo de Minde
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail Longo (32 km): 08:30
• Sprint (21 km): 08:45
• Mini Trilhos (15 km): 09:00
• 1ª Experiência Trail and Caminhada (10 km): 09:15
• Trail Jovem: 14:30
Cut-off times:
• Trail Longo: 7 hours (4h30 up to 20 km)
• Sprint: 4h30
• Mini Trilhos: 3h30
• 1ª Experiência Trail: 2h30
Bib pick-up time and location:
• March 21, 2026: 09:00–17:00 at Pavilhão Gimnodesportivo de Minde
• March 22, 2026: 07:00–08:30 at Pavilhão Gimnodesportivo de Minde
Participants limit:
• Trail Longo: 200
• Sprint: 200
• Mini Trilhos: 200
• 1ª Experiência Trail: 200
• Caminhada: 200
• Trail Jovem: 200
Registration deadline: March 8, 2026 or until participant limits are reached
Surface types: Natural trail paths with limestone rock outcrops and muddy sections within a natural park
Course format: Single loop courses with marked trails and mandatory passage through control points
Race routes:
• Trail Longo: Approx. 32 km, +/- 1614 m elevation
• Sprint: Approx. 21 km, +/- 1050 m elevation
• Mini Trilhos: Approx. 15 km, +/- 565 m elevation
• 1ª Experiência Trail: Approx. 10 km, +/- 309 m elevation
• Caminhada: Approx. 10 km, +/- 212 m elevation
Timing method: Electronic chip timing on bib with at least one intermediate control per distance
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations to be defined, will be communicated via athlete guide and social media; toilets at start/finish and transitions
Prizes: Awards for top 3 overall (men and women) and by age group for Trail, Sprint, Mini Trilhos, and 1ª Experiência Trail; team awards for top 3 male and female teams in Trail, Sprint, Mini Trilhos; special awards for oldest participant and largest team; awards for local residents in Alcanena municipality
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 32 km
Trail Run 21 km
Trail Run 15 km
Trail Run 10 km
Walking
Kids Race
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: personalized bib with timing chip
🏅 Finisher prize: medal
⏱️ Timing + live results with chip-based timing and intermediate controls
🛟 Safety support: emergency and rescue teams, mobile medical units, and GNR presence at critical points
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included for all registered athletes
🥤 Aid stations: hydration and food provided at multiple points (details to be announced)
🚿 Showers and changing facilities at start/finish pavilion
🧳 Transportation support in case of withdrawal
🍽️ Post-race lunch with vegetarian options available
🏆 Podium awards for individuals and teams across categories and special local prizes
