MessengerEstrela Road Challenge 2026
Event summary
The Estrela Road Challenge 2026 is a challenging road running event taking place in Manteigas, Serra da Estrela, Portugal, on October 24-25, 2026. It features demanding courses that test endurance and strength amidst spectacular mountain scenery.
Participants can choose between three race formats: the Uphill® 21 km race with 1600 m positive elevation gain, the Uphill + Downhill® 42 km race with 3200 m total elevation change, and the 42 km Relay Team® race where one runner completes the Uphill and the other the Downhill segment. The event is open to athletes aged 18 and above, requiring good physical condition and experience due to its mountain terrain.
Set in the natural park of Serra da Estrela, the race offers unique landscapes of mountainous roads with strict environmental and social responsibility values. The atmosphere is competitive yet respectful and supportive, emphasizing ethics and solidarity among runners, volunteers, and organizers.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Juniors (18-19 years)
• Sub 23 (20-22 years)
• Seniors (23-39 years)
• M40 (40-49 years)
• M50 (50-59 years)
• M60 (60+ years)
Start/finish locations: Start and finish at the Municipality building in Manteigas; finish at Torre for Uphill, start and finish at Manteigas for Uphill + Downhill and Relay Team
Start times per category/distance: All races start at 08:00 on October 25, 2026
Cut-off times:
• Uphill (21 km): 4 hours
• Uphill + Downhill (42 km): 7 hours total; 4 hours to Torre point
• Relay Team (42 km total split): 4 hours for Uphill leg; 7 hours total
Bib pick-up time and location: October 24 from 16:00 to 21:00 at Vila Galé Manteigas and October 25 from 07:00 to 08:00 at Manteigas center
Surface types: Mountain roads within Serra da Estrela Natural Park
Course format: Point-to-point Uphill; loop for Uphill + Downhill and Relay Team
Race routes:
• Uphill: Manteigas to Torre (21 km, +1600 m elevation)
• Uphill + Downhill: Manteigas to Torre and back (42 km, +3200 m elevation)
• Relay Team: one athlete Uphill leg, other Downhill leg (42 km total)
Timing method: Electronic timing with chip
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with food and liquids are available along the route; no disposable cups provided, athletes must bring their own hydration containers
Parking and shuttle details: Shuttle transport provided from Manteigas to Torre for Relay Team athletes
Drop bag policy: Drop bags accepted at secretariat, identified and transported securely to aid stations
Prizes: Trophies and prizes for top 3 overall men and women per race and age category awards; finisher mementos available for all finishers
Location
get directionsRaces
Estrela Road Challenge Uphill® 21 km
Estrela Road Challenge Uphill + Downhill® 42 km
Estrela Road Challenge Relay Team® 42 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, finisher keepsake, hydration and nutrition supplies, event souvenirs
🏅 Finisher prize: commemorative keepsake
⏱️ Electronic timing with live results
🛟 Safety support: medical team with doctor and nurses, aid stations along the course
🛡️ Insurance included for personal accident
🥤 Aid stations with solid and liquid refreshments; athletes must carry their own hydration containers
🧳 Drop-bag service available for Relay Team and Uphill participants
🚌 Shuttle transport for Relay Team athletes from Manteigas to Torre
🏆 Trophies for overall winners and age groups
