PR1 BOARD - In the Footsteps of João Brandão 2026

The ECCC Cross Country Albufeira is a prestigious cross country running event taking place on February 8, 2026, in Albufeira, Portugal. It features elite European cross country clubs competing on a course internationally recognized for its quality and challenge.

This event gathers the best clubs from across Europe, offering a high-level competitive spectacle in a setting of sporting excellence. It is a unique opportunity to experience top-tier European cross country running.

The 39th “Manuel da Piedade Costa” Relay Alcanena – Rio Maior is a relay running race held on February 8, 2026, organized jointly by the Municipalities of Rio Maior and Alcanena. The event features a men’s/mixed relay of 32.8 km divided into six stages, and a women’s relay of 15.6 km also divided into six stages.

The men’s and mixed relay starts in front of the Alcanena City Hall and finishes at Praça da República in Rio Maior, while the women’s relay starts in Alcanede and finishes at the same location in Rio Maior. Teams are composed of six members, with mixed teams requiring at least two female runners.

The race honors Manuel da Piedade Costa, a key figure in local athletics, and includes categories for senior and veteran men, open age for women, and mixed teams. The event is supported by local authorities and features official safety escorts and logistical support.

The V Rota do Olho do Tordo is a trail running and nature walking event taking place on February 8, 2026, in Alvaiázere, Portugal. It features two non-competitive distances: a 14 km trail run and a 10 km nature walk.

The event is open to participants aged 16 and older for the trail run, with younger participants allowed in the walk if accompanied by an adult. It promotes health, well-being, and social interaction through outdoor sport.

The trail run includes a 500m elevation gain and a time limit of 3h30, while the walk has a 170m elevation gain and a 3-hour limit. Awards are given to the top five male and female finishers in the trail category.

The Trail Porto Moniz takes place on February 8, 2026, in the municipality of Porto Moniz, on Madeira Island. The event includes three linear trail races — Trail Ultra (43 km), Trail Long (25 km) and Trail Short (13 km). Limited to around 800 athletes, it is organised by Clube de Montanha do Funchal and is integrated into the official circuits of both the Madeira Athletics Association and the Portuguese Trail Running Association.
With steep climbs, technical terrain and dramatic scenery, it is one of Madeira’s most challenging and iconic trail events.