Route of the Sheep
Event summary
The Rota das Ovelhas is a trail running event taking place on April 3, 2026, in Jardim de Lajeosa do Dão, Viseu, Portugal. It features three modalities: Trail Running (25.7 km with 817 m elevation gain), Sprint Trail (13.5 km with 428 m elevation gain), and a non-competitive walk (13.5 km with 428 m elevation gain).
The event is open to participants aged 18+ for Trail Running, 16+ for Sprint Trail, and 12+ for the walk, with minors requiring signed responsibility terms and accompaniment for younger walkers. The race courses are circular routes around the village of Lajeosa do Dão, traversing rural, forest, and agricultural paths, including some paved sections.
Organized by Grupo Cultural Recreativo e Desportivo Mocidade Vinhalense in partnership with the local parish and municipality, the event promotes sports practice, nature contact, and local heritage appreciation in a setting of unique landscapes between rivers and mountain ranges.
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Plan itInformation
Start/finish locations: Jardim de Lajeosa do Dão, Vila de Lajeosa do Dão
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail Running 25.7 km: 08:00
• Sprint Trail 13.5 km: 08:10
• Caminhada 13.5 km: 08:20
Cut-off times:
• Trail Running: 6 hours
• Sprint Trail: 4 hours
Race routes:
• Trail Running: 25.7 km, 817 m elevation gain
• Sprint Trail: 13.5 km, 428 m elevation gain
• Caminhada: 13.5 km, 428 m elevation gain
Timing method: Chip timing incorporated in the bib, mandatory passage through all control points
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Aid stations with water, energy drinks, fruits, and light solids
• Trail Running aid stations: Praia Fluvial (~5 km, liquids only), Penedo (~10 km, solids and liquids), Anta (~18 km, solids and liquids)
• Sprint Trail aid stations: Anta (~6 km, solids and liquids), Sede da MV (~10 km, liquids only)
Bib pick-up time and location: From 06:30 on event day at start/finish location
Registration deadline: March 29, 2026
Prizes: Awards for top 3 male and female overall and by age categories if more than 3 participants in category
Age categories/divisions:
• MSUB23/FSUB23: 18–23 years
• MSEN/FSEN: 24–34 years
• M35/F35: 35–39 years
• M40/F40: 40–44 years
• M45/F45: 45–49 years
• M50/F50: 50–54 years
• M55/F55: 55–59 years
• M60/F60: 60–64 years
• M65/F65: 65+ years
Surface types: Rural, forest, agricultural paths, some paved sections
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 25 km
Trail Run 13 km
Walking 13 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: T-shirt Técnica Oficial, dorsal (bib)
🏅 Finisher prize: medalha finisher (except for Caminhada)
⏱️ Timing + live results by chip timing system
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance during the event (nursing, physiotherapy)
🥤 Aid stations: water, energy drinks, fruits, and light solids at designated points
🚿 Showers and changing rooms available
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident and liability insurance included in registration
🏆 Prizes for top 3 male and female finishers overall and by age category