MessengerMonchique Mountain Vi Trail
Event summary
The VI Trail Serra de Monchique is a trail running event scheduled for February 22, 2026, in Monchique, Portugal. It features three competitive distances: Ultra Veredas de Monchique (46 km), Trail dos 2 Cumes (31 km), and Trail Caldas-Picota (16 km), with significant elevation gains ranging from 1000m to 2500m.
The race is open to participants aged 16 to 65 years, depending on the distance, and requires good physical and mental preparation due to the challenging terrain and long distances. This event is notable for its semi-autonomous race rules, where athletes must carry mandatory equipment and be self-sufficient between aid stations.
The trail courses traverse the scenic Serra de Monchique mountains, known for their natural beauty and rugged terrain. The race atmosphere promotes fair play, environmental respect, and camaraderie among competitors. The event also offers team competitions, with prizes for top teams based on combined individual rankings.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• Sub23 (18-22 years)
• Seniors (23-34 years)
• Veterans M35/F35 (35-39 years)
• Veterans M40/F40 (40-44 years)
• Veterans M45/F45 (45-49 years)
• Veterans M55/F55 (55-59 years)
• Veterans M60/F60 (60+ years)
Start/finish locations: Monchique
Start times per category/distance:
• Ultra Veredas de Monchique (46 km): 08:00
• Trail dos 2 Cumes (31 km): 08:30
• Trail Caldas-Picota (16 km): 09:00
Cut-off times:
• 46 km: 10 hours (PAC 4 at 30 km closes at 6 hours)
• 31 km: 6 hours
• 16 km: 5 hours
Bib pick-up time and location:
• February 21, 19:00–21:00
• February 22, from 6:00 until event ends
• Location announced on Facebook
Surface types: Mountain trail with technical terrain
Course format: Single-loop courses with significant elevation gain
Race routes:
• UVM 46 km – 2500m elevation gain
• T2C 31 km – 1800m elevation gain
• TCP 16 km – 1000m elevation gain
Timing method: Electronic chip timing
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Aid stations (PAC) with food and drinks: 4 for 46 km, 2 for 31 km, 1 for 16 km
• Toilets available at start/finish and possibly PACs
Prizes: Awards for top 3 overall and by age groups for each race, plus team awards for top 3 teams per race based on combined individual results
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 46 km
Trail Run 31 km
Trail Run 16 km
Trail Run 46 km AAAlgarve affiliated
Trail Run 31 km AAAlgarve affiliated
Trail Run 16 km AAAlgarve affiliated
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, insurance, and event goodies
🏅 Finisher prize: medal and surprise awards
⏱️ Timing with electronic chip managed by Associação de Atletismo do Algarve
🛟 Safety support: ambulances and medical assistance on site
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident and liability included in registration
🥤 Aid stations: food and drinks for local consumption at mandatory PACs
🚿 Showers and WC available
📸 Image rights consent for promotional use
🧖 Optional T-shirt available for purchase
