MessengerTrail of the Royal Tapada of Mafra
Event summary
The Trail da Tapada Real de Mafra is a trail running event scheduled for April 19, 2026, held entirely within the historic Tapada Nacional de Mafra, Portugal. The race offers three distances: a 20 km Long Trail, a 12 km Short Trail, and a 12 km Walk. The event is open to all participants aged 16 and over for the trail runs, and younger participants may join the walk if accompanied by legal guardians.
Participants will experience running through a natural reserve known for its rich fauna including deer, wild boars, and diverse bird species, as well as a varied forest landscape originally created for royal hunting. The Trail da Tapada Real is part of the Mafra Trail Running Series and the Merrell Trail Running Series, attracting both competitive runners and nature enthusiasts.
The race features a festive and nature-immersive atmosphere, with organized prize categories for individual male and female runners across age groups, plus team awards for the Long and Short Trail distances. The walk is non-competitive, encouraging family and recreational participation.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Sub23 M/F: 16–22 years
• Seniors M/F: 23–34 years
• Veterans M/F 35: 35–39 years
• Veterans M/F 40: 40–44 years
• Veterans M/F 45: 45–49 years
• Veterans M/F 50: 50–54 years
• Veterans M/F 55: 55–59 years
• Veterans M/F 60: 60–64 years
• Veterans M/F 65: 65–69 years
• Veterans M/F 70: 70–90 years
Start/finish locations: Parque fronteiriço da “CASA DO SALABREDO”, Tapada Nacional de Mafra
Start times per category/distance:
• 08:30 – Control opens
• 09:00 – Start for Trail Longo (20 km) and Trail Curto (12 km)
• 09:05 – Start for Caminhada (12 km walk)
Cut-off times: 5 hours from start for all distances
Bib pick-up time and location: To be defined by organization
Participants limit: 600 total for all races
Registration deadline: April 12, 2026, 23:59 or until full
Surface types: Natural trail surfaces within Tapada Nacional de Mafra
Course format: Single loop courses inside the Tapada
Race routes:
• Trail Longo – 20 km
• Trail Curto – 12 km
• Caminhada – 12 km (walk)
Timing method: Electronic chip timing included in bib
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with liquid and solid supplies; athletes must carry their own containers for hydration
Prizes:
• Awards for top 3 overall men and women in Trail Longo and Trail Curto
• Age group prizes in Trail Longo and Trail Curto
• Team prizes for top 3 teams in Trail Longo and Trail Curto (top 3 athletes regardless of gender)
• Caminhada is non-competitive, no prizes
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 20 km
Trail Run 12 km
Walking 12 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: race visor, bib with chip, sports insurance
🏅 Finisher prize: awards for top finishers and age groups in competitive trails
⏱️ Timing with electronic chip included in bib
🛟 Safety support: first aid and logistical support on course
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included with registration
🥤 Aid stations: liquid and solid refreshments; athletes must bring their own containers
📸 Authorization for event photography and video for promotion
🧳 Registration includes logistical and technical support
