MessengerMARATHON SONS OF FREITA 2026
Event summary
The Maratona Filhos da Freita 2026 is a road mountain marathon event taking place on April 18, 2026, in Arouca, Portugal. The event features competitive races of 42 km and 21 km distances, as well as a 10 km walking route, all starting and finishing at Praça Brandão de Vasconcelos. The marathon involves significant elevation gain, with approximately 1600 meters for the full marathon and 900 meters for the half marathon.
Open to athletes over 18 years for the marathon and over 16 years for the half marathon, the event is organized by Confraria Trotamontes in partnership with the Municipality of Arouca and supported by the local volunteer firefighters. The race is semi-autonomous with multiple aid stations and safety support, conducted on mountain roads and partly paved surfaces, providing a scenic and challenging experience. The atmosphere is competitive yet supportive, with classifications by age groups and teams, along with podium prizes.
Besides the main races, the event includes a 10 km walk in the vicinity of Arouca along the Rio Arda valley, making it accessible to a wider audience including families and recreational participants.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• Marathon 42km: Sub23 (18-22), M/F Seniors (23-39), M/F40 (40-49), M/F50 (50-59), M/F60 (60-69), M/F70+ (70+)
• Half Marathon 21km: Sub23 (16-22), M/F Seniors (23-39), M/F40 (40-49), M/F50 (50-59), M/F60 (60-69), M/F70+ (70+)
Start/finish locations: Praça Brandão de Vasconcelos, Arouca, Portugal
Start times per category/distance:
• Marathon 42km: 09:00
• Half Marathon 21km: 09:30
• Walk 10km: 09:45
Cut-off times: Marathon 42km: 7 hours
Bib pick-up time and location: April 18, 07:00–09:15 at Praça Brandão de Vasconcelos, Arouca
Participants limit:
• Marathon 42km: 200
• Half Marathon 21km: 200
• Walk 10km: 100
Registration deadline: April 7, 2026
Surface types: Mountain roads including asphalt, paved, and some dirt roads
Course format: Point-to-point and looped sections on mountain roads with significant elevation gains
Race routes: Marathon approx. 42km with 1600m elevation gain, Half Marathon approx. 21km with 900m elevation gain, Walk approx. 10km near Rio Arda valley
Timing method: Electronic chip timing integrated into bib
Toilets and aid station placement: 2 aid stations on 21 km, 4 on 42 km, plus final refreshment station; no cups or bottles provided
Prizes: Medals for finishers, podium trophies for top 3 men and women and top 3 teams per distance, winners receive free entry for 2026 edition
Location
get directionsRaces
Road Running 42 km
Road Running 21 km
Walking 10 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, technical event t-shirt
🏅 Finisher prize: medal
⏱️ Timing + live results by category via electronic chip timing
🛟 Safety support: security and rescue services, volunteer firefighters support
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident and liability insurance included
🥤 Aid stations: food and hydration at multiple points along course
🚿 Showers available at finish line
🧳 Transport to finish in case of withdrawal
🏆 Prizes for podium finishers and top teams
