MessengerBackyard Trail of the Turtles
Event summary
The Backyard Trilho dos Cágados is an official Backyard Ultra trail running event held on May 23, 2026, in Vila Chã de Ourique, Santarém, Portugal. This unique race features a circular loop of 6.706 kilometers that participants must complete within one hour per lap, with multiple distances available including 3, 6, 12 laps, and an Ultra category with no distance limit.
Open to all athletes aged 16 and over in good health, the race challenges runners to complete as many laps as possible, with the Ultra winner being the last person to finish a lap within the hour. It is part of the official Backyard Ultra calendar, inspired by a format created by Lazarus Lake, emphasizing endurance and strategy over a prolonged period.
The course mostly runs on earthy trail terrain and offers a demanding yet festive atmosphere where athletes compete individually but also experience camaraderie. The event includes timed starts every hour and strict rules to ensure fair competition and safety, with support facilities such as showers and aid stations available.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• 16 years and older for 3, 6, 12 laps and Ultra
Start/finish locations: Vila Chã de Ourique, Santarém
Start times per category/distance:
• Starts at 09:00 on May 23, 2026, with subsequent starts every hour
Cut-off times:
• Maximum 1 hour to complete each 6.706 km lap
Bib pick-up time and location:
• May 23, 2026, from 07:30 to 08:30 at race secretariat
Participants limit: 50 slots per distance category
Registration deadline:
• May 18, 2026 at 23:59
Surface types:
• Mostly trail on earth
Course format: Circular loop of 6.706 km
Race routes: Loop of 6.706 km per lap
Timing method: Electronic timing with classification by number of laps completed and total time
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Toilets and showers available at start/finish zone
• Aid stations with hydration and food provided
Parking and shuttle details:
• Facilities available at start/finish area
Drop bag policy:
• Storage space for athlete bags at start/finish
Prizes:
• Monetary prizes for Ultra winners
• Trophies for top 3 men and women in all distances
• Finisher prizes include T-shirts and sweatshirts for Ultra category
Location
get directionsRaces
Ultra
12 laps
6 laps
3 laps
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, T-shirt for 3, 6, 12 laps, T-shirt and sweatshirt for Ultra participants
🏅 Finisher prize: trophies for top 3 in each category, monetary prizes for Ultra winners
⏱️ Timing + live results by laps completed and overall time
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance on site, race organized with health and safety protocols
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident and liability insurance included
🥤 Aid stations: hydration and food supplies provided during the race
🚿 Showers and toilets available at start/finish area
🧳 Drop-bag service with storage space at the venue
📸 Photography and video coverage by the organization
🏆 Podium awards and prize ceremonies held after each race category
