Mértola Trails 2026
Event summary
Trilhos de Mértola 2026 is a trail running event taking place on March 1, 2026, in Mértola, Portugal, within the Natural Park of the Guadiana Valley. The event offers multiple distances including Trail Kids races (400m to 2000m), a 9 km Caminhada and Mini Trail, a 17 km Trail Sprint, and a challenging 30 km Trail.
The event is open to participants of various ages, from children aged 5 and up to adults, with some age restrictions depending on the race category. It welcomes both federated and non-federated athletes, individuals, and groups such as clubs and schools.
The courses feature diverse terrain including trails, paths, streams, and escarpments, avoiding paved roads except for entry/exit points and crossings. The event emphasizes respect for nature and environmental responsibility, with marked routes and aid stations providing solid and liquid supplies. The atmosphere combines competitive spirit with community engagement, including races for kids and walking options.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Trail Kids (5-15 years)
• Caminhada (12+ years)
• Mini Trail (16+ years)
• Trail Sprint (18+ years)
• Trail (20+ years or turning 20 by September 30, 2026)
Start/finish locations: Pavilhão Multiusos de Mértola
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail: 08:45
• Trail Kids: 09:00
• Trail Sprint: 10:00
• Mini Trail and Caminhada: 10:15
Cut-off times:
• Trail Sprint: 4 hours with intermediate time barriers at aid stations
• Trail: 6 hours 30 minutes with intermediate time barriers at first and second aid stations
• Mini Trail and Caminhada: course closes 3 hours 45 minutes after start
Bib pick-up time and location:
• February 28, 18:00–23:30 at Pavilhão Multiusos de Mértola
• March 1, from 07:00 at Pavilhão Multiusos de Mértola
Participants limit:
• Trail Kids: 100
• Caminhada / Mini Trail: 250
• Trail Sprint: 350
• Trail: 300
Surface types:
• Trails, paths, streams, escarpments, some asphalt on entry/exit and crossings
Course format: Circular and point-to-point trails with marked routes using tape, signs, and ground markings
Race routes:
• Trail Kids: 400m to 2000m circular trail near Pavilhão Multiusos
• Caminhada / Mini Trail: 9 km with 350m elevation gain
• Trail Sprint: 17 km with 800m elevation gain
• Trail: 30 km with 1500m elevation gain
Timing method: Specialized entity responsible for time control
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Caminhada / Mini Trail: 1 aid station
• Trail Sprint: 2 aid stations
• Trail: 3 aid stations
• Additional aid station at finish area
Prizes:
• Trail Kids: prizes for all participants
• Mini Trail: symbolic prizes for top 3 overall by gender
• Trail Sprint and Trail: symbolic prizes for top 3 overall by gender, top 3 by age category male and female, and top 3 teams regardless of gender
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 30 km
Trail Run 17 km
Trail Run 9 km
Walking 9 km
Kids Race
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number
🏅 Finisher prize: event-related product
⏱️ Timing with passage controls and finish times
🛡️ Insurance for non-federated athletes
🥤 Aid stations with solid and liquid supplies along the courses and at finish
🚿 Hot showers at Municipal Sports Pavilion and Municipal Pool
🧳 Transport for athletes who abandon the race from aid stations to Mértola
