The Azores Bravos Trail 2026 is a competitive trail-running event taking place on October 3, 2026, on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal. It features five linear, non-stop races with distances of 100.1 km, 51.8 km, 35.2 km, 15.5 km, and a 10 km walk.
The event is open to participants aged 12 and above depending on the race, with minimum ages of 12 for the walk, 16 for the 15.5 km race, and 20 for the longer distances. It is part of the Terceira Island Trail Running Circuit, scoring for the National League of the International Trail Running Association and the UTMB INDEX.
The courses traverse mountainous, muddy, and challenging terrain with significant elevation gains and losses, crossing public roads and private properties, requiring physical and mental endurance. The race atmosphere emphasizes fair play, respect for nature, and participant responsibility.
The Pisão Extreme 2026 is a skyrunning challenge through the dramatic Serra da Arada, organized by SpotCriativo Eventos with support from the São Pedro do Sul Municipality. Taking place on October 3–4, 2026, this event offers five circular trail courses, all under the auspices of the Portuguese Federation of Camping and Mountaineering (FCMP).
With distances ranging from 4 km to 65 km, Pisão Extreme caters to a wide spectrum of athletes — from beginners testing vertical gains to ultra-endurance mountain runners. Each course delivers rugged ascents, technical terrain, and breathtaking natural scenery.
This is not just a race — it’s a high-altitude test of resilience, autonomy, and mountain spirit.
Vouzela Epic Trails 2026 is a trail running event series taking place in Vouzela, Portugal, with the Trilho Medieval race scheduled for October 4, 2026. The event offers two trail distances: 10 km and 20 km, alongside pedestrian walking routes.
The races are open to all athletes, both federated and non-federated, with multiple age categories for men and women. Participants can compete in individual races or as part of clubs, with classifications for both individual and collective results.
Vouzela Epic Trails promotes the region as a prime destination for nature sports, encouraging healthy lifestyles and local community engagement. The event features a festive atmosphere with awards for top finishers and participants completing all three trail races in the series.
The 1st Trail Unidos por Vilares is a trail running and walking event taking place on October 4, 2026, in Vilares, Serra de Matos, Portugal. It offers three distances: a challenging 25 km long trail, a dynamic 16 km short trail, and an 8 km non-competitive walk suitable for all ages.
The event welcomes both experienced athletes and leisure enthusiasts, promoting community spirit and showcasing the natural beauty of the Serra de Matos. Participants will experience technical trails with significant elevation changes and scenic views.
The race atmosphere encourages individual challenge and appreciation of the local environment, with a family-friendly walk included to engage all ages.
The Douro Ultra Trail 2026 is a trail running event taking place on October 9-10, 2026, in Peso da Régua, Portugal. It features four race distances: approximately 100 km (Ultra Trail Endurance), 50 km (Trail Longo), 28 km (Trail), and 15 km (Trail Curto).
Participants must be at least 18 years old for the Ultra Trail Endurance and Trail Longo races, while minors can participate in the shorter distances if accompanied by a responsible adult. The event allows individual and duo participation for the longer distances, emphasizing self-sufficiency and endurance in mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains.
The race courses include a variety of natural trails, forest roads, and some asphalt sections, with challenging elevation profiles and strict time cut-offs. The event offers a competitive atmosphere with individual, duo, and team classifications and podium awards.
The V Trail do Queijo da Fajãzinha is a trail running and walking event taking place on October 10, 2026, on Ilha das Flores, Azores. It offers multiple distances: 42 km, 21 km, 11 km trail runs, a 6 km walk, and a 1 km kids’ race.
Open to participants aged 18+ for the longer distances, 16+ for the 11 km, and 6-12 years for the kids’ race, with no minimum age for the walk if accompanied by an adult. The event is part of the 2027 ATRP national trail running circuit and the São Miguel Island Trail Run circuit.
The courses traverse historic trails and stunning natural landscapes of the island, including lagoons, waterfalls, and protected flora and fauna areas, providing a unique connection with nature and local culture. The event fosters a community atmosphere suitable for families and trail enthusiasts alike.
The Trail do Aqueduto is a trail running event taking place on October 11, 2026, in Paredes, Portugal. It features four races: a 33 km long trail, a 23 km trail, a 13 km short trail, and a 9 km non-competitive walk, all starting and finishing at the Campo de Golfe do Aqueduto.
Participants must be at least 18 years old for the long and regular trail, 16 years for the short trail, and it is recommended that walkers be at least 8 years old. The event is part of the ATRP certification and counts towards the National Circuits, Porto Trail Series, and UTMB Index, offering access to major international trail events.
The courses run mostly on trails and paths through several parishes in the Paredes municipality, with significant elevation gains, providing a challenging and scenic experience for trail runners of various levels.
The UTAX AXtrail®2026 is a trail running event to be held from October 16 to 18, 2026, in Castanheira de Pera, Portugal. It offers a variety of competitive race distances including a challenging 107 km UTAX ultra trail, 56 km TSL, 32 km TX, 16 km MTX, and an 8 km Caminho do Xisto trail, ensuring there are options for runners at different levels.
The event is open to individual participants with minimum age requirements varying by race distance, and it is part of a broader AXtrail®series. The courses traverse the natural beauty of the Aldeias do Xisto territory, combining demanding mountain terrain with scenic paths. The race atmosphere blends competitive spirit with community and social elements, including additional events such as AXtrail Kids and AXtrail da Inclusão, making it an inclusive and festive experience.
Team classifications and awards are included in some races (UTAX, TSL, TX), and the event features robust logistical support including aid stations, safety teams, and post-race recovery facilities, enhancing the overall experience for participants.