The Trilhos dos Heróis – Sunset Trail is a trail running event taking place on September 26, 2026, in Vila Franca das Naves, Guarda, Portugal. It features multiple race options including a 31 km long trail, a 19 km short trail, a 12 km walk, and a kids’ trail run.
The event welcomes participants aged 5 and above, with specific age minimums for each race, and includes classifications by age groups and overall rankings for the competitive trails. It is organized by the Volunteer Firefighters of Vila Franca das Naves and offers a unique experience combining sport, nature, and the magic of sunset in a forested area.
The races start and finish at the Volunteer Firefighters’ headquarters and traverse challenging and fun trails in the Trancoso municipality. The event also aims to engage the community and bring together different generations, with a festive atmosphere and activities for all ages.
The Coutos Natura Challenge 2026 is a trail running event scheduled for September 27, 2026, in the Viseu district of Portugal, covering the parishes of Coutos de Viseu, Bodiosa, São Miguel do Mato, and Ribafeita. It offers four race options: a 30 km long trail, a 20 km short trail, a 10 km mini trail, and a 10 km non-competitive walk.
The event is open to athletes aged 18 and over for the competitive trails, with the mini trail open to those 13 and older, and the walk open to participants aged 4 and above with parental authorization. The race emphasizes ecological responsibility and cultural promotion of the region, featuring technical, wild, and challenging trails with granite formations, water crossings, and potentially muddy sections.
The event includes a festive atmosphere with a warm reception, speaker, abundant and warm aid stations, photographers, a large audience, and a final communal lunch, making it a celebration of trail running and community.
The Grande Trail da Serra D’Arga is a trail running event scheduled for October 2-4, 2026, in the Serra d’Arga region, with race starts in Caminha, Dem, and São Lourenço da Montaria.
It offers multiple distances: an ultra 100 km race with 4594 m ascent, a 50 km trail with 2500 m ascent, a 31 km, a 17 km, and a 15 km trail race, plus a 12 km walk and a kids’ trail with distances from 250 m up to 2100 m. The event welcomes all adult participants over 18 years old and includes categories for youth and adults, with team classifications as well.
The races feature demanding mountain terrain with large elevation gains, technical trails, and picturesque landscapes including historic villages, waterfalls, and rivers. The atmosphere combines competitive spirit with cultural experiences such as folklore performances, making it a unique and festive mountain trail event for all levels, including family-friendly kids’ events.
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 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 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.
The III Trail de Rio de Moinhos is a trail running event taking place on October 18, 2026, in Nossa Sra. Dos Prazeres, Rio de Moinhos, Sátão, Viseu. It offers three routes: a Trail of approximately 23 km, a Mini Trail of approximately 13 km, and a Walk of approximately 11 km.
The event is open to participants aged 16 and over for the Trail and Mini Trail distances, while the Walk has no age restrictions but minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. The race features marked courses with solid and liquid aid stations and provides access to showers at the finish.
Participants receive a race kit including a bib, event t-shirt, insurance, and lunch token. The event includes individual classifications by gender and age categories, with prizes for top finishers and special awards for the most represented team and the oldest participant.
The Sunset Trail São João das Barreiras is a trail running and walking event taking place on June 20, 2026, in São João das Barreiras, Vila Cova, Barcelos. It offers a competitive 14 km trail run over technical trails with significant elevation and a non-competitive 7 km family walk through rural paths and waterfalls.
The event is open to all participants, with trophies awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the 14 km trail run. It culminates in a traditional São João festival with typical food, drinks, and live music, creating a festive and community-oriented atmosphere.
The Mangualde Trail – Desafio dos Santos is a trail running event taking place on October 25, 2026, in Mangualde, Viseu, Portugal. It features four race types: a Long Trail of approximately 25 km, a Short Trail of approximately 15 km, a Mini-Trail of approximately 8 km, and an 8 km Walk.
This event is part of the Circuito de Trail da Beira Alta 2026, constituting its 8th stage. It welcomes participants from age 11 and up, with specific age requirements for each race type, and includes categories for all levels, from athletes to walkers.
The race offers a unique opportunity to explore Mangualde’s natural trails and autumn landscapes, combining sport, nature, and local cultural celebration during the traditional Feira dos Santos festival.
