EPIC Azores 2026 is a trail running event taking place on December 4-5, 2026, on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. The event features six competitive races ranging from 3 km to 167 km, including EPIC100M (167 km), EPIC100K (108 km), EPIC60 (63 km), EPIC30 (34 km), EPIC15 (17 km), and EPIC_Kids (3 km), plus a non-competitive EPIC_DayWalk.
The races are open to athletes meeting minimum age requirements, with the main distances requiring participants to be at least 18 years old. The event is certified by the International Trail Run Association (ITRA), UTMB World Series, and the Portuguese Trail Running Association, and is part of the São Miguel Trail Circuit.
Runners will experience challenging mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains, traversing five municipalities with diverse landscapes including volcanic lakes, laurel forests, and coastal cliffs. The event emphasizes endurance, respect, and environmental sustainability, including a strict zero-plastic policy.
The 3º Trail Winter Challenge S.A. – Vila Galé is a trail running event scheduled for December 13, 2026, in Ericeira, starting and finishing at the Vila Galé Hotel. It features three distances: a long trail of approximately 20 km, a short trail of around 14 km, and a leisure walk of about 12 km. The event is open to all participants aged 18 and older, with competitive classifications for the trail distances and no classification for the walk.
This race is part of the Circuito Challenge S.A. 2026, offering a unique opportunity for participants to compete in a series of three trail challenges throughout the year. The course runs mostly through natural trails with stunning views of the coastline, combining interior paths with scenic sea vistas, offering a beautiful and challenging environment.
The atmosphere is community-oriented and environmentally conscious, promoting trail running with zero environmental impact and initiatives like plogging during the walk. The event also includes prizes for top finishers, the largest team, and oldest participants, along with a unique finisher medal in puzzle format tying the three races in the circuit together. The event caters to competitive runners and leisure walkers alike, encouraging participation from a broad range of ages and skill levels.
The 5th Trail Manuelino is a trail running event scheduled for February 7, 2027, in Abiul, Pombal, Portugal. It features competitive trail races of 32 km, 18 km (Trail Sprint), and 12 km (MiniTrail), as well as a 12 km walking event and a Trail Kids race.
The event is open to athletes aged 18 and over for the trail races, with younger participants allowed under specific conditions and responsibility terms. The 32 km and 18 km races are part of the Circuito de Trail da Associação Distrital de Atletismo de Leiria (ADAL) and the Trail and Trail Sprint series 100 of the Associação Trail Running de Portugal.
The race courses traverse technical trails, paths, and forest roads in a scenic valley surrounded by the Serra do Sicó, offering unique landscapes and a challenging terrain. The event promotes sustainability and respect for the environment, with a festive atmosphere including awards, massages, and communal lunch.
TAUT – Terras do Ancião Ultra Trail 2027 is a trail running event held from February 14 to 20, 2027, in Ansião, Portugal. It features multiple race distances including an epic 500 km special edition called The Ancient Quest, as well as 150 miles, 100 miles, 110 km, 62 km, 35 km, 20 km, and 13 km races.
The event is open to athletes aged 18 and over for most races, with a youth category for ages 16 and above in the Mini Trail. TAUT serves as the official Portuguese qualifier for the Endurance Mountain Trail World Championship and offers points for TORX eXperience, UTMB Index, ITRA, ATRP, ADAL, and the Municipal Circuit of Ansião.
The races traverse breathtaking landscapes across 22 municipalities and 70 parishes, combining coastal and inland terrain with significant elevation gains. The Ancient Quest 500K is a survival and navigation challenge with a butterfly loop format, including solo and relay options, supported by extensive logistics and aid stations. The event offers a unique endurance experience with a festive and competitive atmosphere.
