MessengerHELL160
Event summary
The HELL160-Shadows and Dust is an ultra-endurance trail running event taking place on July 3-5, 2026, in A do Pinto, Serpa, Beja, Portugal. This race features demanding distances of approximately 164.62 km for the HELL160 and 104 km for the HELL100, offering various competition formats including solo, duos, teams, relays, and a bike category.
The race welcomes athletes aged 18 and above, requiring no license but a medical certificate and signed responsibility term. The courses are circular and follow the GR15 trail and left bank of the Guadiana River, passing through a mix of estradões, paved segments, and montado trails with significant elevation gain and loss, making it a challenging and scenic endurance experience.
The event is more than just a race; it is a tribute to the people of Alentejo and the spirit of ultra-resilience. The atmosphere blends cultural festivities, including a gastronomic and musical festival, with the competitive spirit of ultra-endurance athletics, fostering a unique and inspiring environment for participants and spectators alike.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• Participants must be 18 years or older
Start/finish locations: Pavilhão Polivalente de A-do Pinto, Serpa, Beja
Start times per category/distance:
• HELL160 Solo: July 3, 22:00
• HELL100 Bike: July 4, 08:30
• HELL100 solo, duplas, equipas, estafetas: July 4, 09:00
Cut-off times:
• HELL160 Solo: 36 hours
• HELL100 (all walking categories): 24 hours
• HELL100 Bike: 12 hours
Bib pick-up time and location:
• July 3, 15:00–19:00 and July 4, 07:00–08:00 at Pavilhão Polivalente de A-do Pinto
Participants limit:
• HELL160 Solo: 100
• HELL100 Solo: 100
• HELL100 Duplas: 25 teams
• HELL100 Equipas (5 elements): 10 teams
• HELL100 Estafetas 2 elements: 10 teams
• HELL100 Estafetas 4 elements: 20 teams
• HELL100 Bike: 100
Registration deadline: June 15, 2026
Surface types: Estradões, paved segments, montado trails, GR15 and GR15.2 marked trails
Course format: Circular courses with GPS navigation and official GR markings
Race routes:
• HELL160: approx. 164.62 km with 2648m positive and 2451m negative elevation
• HELL100: approx. 104 km with 1339m positive and 1340m negative elevation
Timing method: Electronic chip timing and GPS tracker for live tracking
Toilets and aid station placement:
• 13 aid stations with solids and liquids
• 3 life bases with toilets, showers, massages, and hot meals
Drop bag policy: Drop bags allowed at designated life bases; athletes receive cards to identify bags
Prizes:
• Official medal/trophy for all finishers
• Official trophies for podium finishers in all categories
• Leather bracelet and inscription on the Wall of Legends for HELL160 finishers
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run HELL160 Solo
Trail Run HELL100 Solo
Trail Run HELL100 Duos
HELL100 Bike
Trail Run HELL100 Team 5 athletes
Trail Run HELL100 Relay 2 athletes
Trail Run HELL100 Relay 4 athletes
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib and timing chip, GPS tracker for live tracking, athlete bag with possible sponsor products
🏅 Finisher prize: official medal/trophy for finishers, leather bracelet and Wall of Legends inscription for HELL160 finishers
⏱️ Timing + live GPS tracking available on Tracktherace.com platform
🛟 Safety support: medical teams, INEM, firefighters, civil protection collaboration
🛡️ Insurance: mandatory sports insurance included as per law
🥤 Aid stations: 13 supply points with solid and liquid food, with toilets and showers at life bases
🚿 Showers, changing rooms, and massage services available at life bases
🧳 Drop-bag service at life bases with athlete identification cards
📸 Official photography coverage during the event
🧖 Sports massage available during the race
🎉 Pasta Party and gastronomic-cultural festival included
🍽️ Sunday communal lunch for all participants and public
🏆 Podium awards for top finishers in all categories
