MessengerCandeias Trail
Event summary
The Trail das Candeias is a night trail running event taking place on May 2, 2026, in Santiago de Cassurrães, Mangualde, Viseu. It offers three courses: an 18 km trail with 750 m elevation gain, an 11 km mini trail with 460 m elevation gain, and an 8 km walk with 300 m elevation gain.
Open to participants aged 12 and above (with parental consent for minors in the mini trail) and 18+ for the main trail, the event invites athletes, walkers, families, and visitors to experience the unique night landscape under a full moon in the region of Santiago de Cassurrães and Póvoa de Cervães.
The race emphasizes immersion in nature at night, with marked trails and safety measures, and includes a festive atmosphere with a post-race supper and awards for the trail and mini trail categories.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Mini-Trail: 12 years and older (with parental consent for minors)
• Trail: 18 years and older
• Caminhada (walk): no age restrictions, minors under 18 participate under legal guardian responsibility
Start/finish locations: Santiago de Cassurrães, Mangualde, Viseu
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail 18 km: 21:00
• Mini Trail 11 km: 21:10
• Caminhada 8 km: 21:20
Registration deadline: April 25, 2026, or when 300 participants are reached
Participants limit: 300 total
Surface types: Trails, rural paths, dirt roads, and streams
Course format: Night trail running with marked routes using reflective materials
Race routes:
• Trail: approx. 18 km, 750 m elevation gain
• Mini Trail: approx. 11 km, 460 m elevation gain
• Caminhada: approx. 8 km, 300 m elevation gain
Timing method: Electronic chip timing with manual backup if needed
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with solids and liquids during and at finish
Prizes: Awards for the team with the most participants; no prizes for the walk as it is not timed
Location
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Trail Run 18 km
Trail Run 11 km
Walking 8 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number with chip (Trail and Mini-Trail), bib number (Walk), finisher prize, race insurance, other gifts
🏅 Finisher prize for all participants
⏱️ Electronic chip timing system with manual backup
🥤 Aid stations with solid and liquid refreshments during the race and at the finish
🚿 Post-race shower available
🛡️ Insurance included for all participants
🛟 Safety measures including mandatory equipment: visible bib, charged mobile phone, liquid reserve, thermal blanket (Trail and Mini-Trail), whistle (Trail and Mini-Trail), front light
🏆 Awards ceremony for Trail and Mini-Trail categories
