The Trilhos dos Heróis – Sunset Trail is a trail running event scheduled for September 26, 2026, in Vila Franca das Naves, Guarda, Portugal. This event offers a variety of distances including a Long Trail of 31 km with an elevation gain of 1000 meters, a Short Trail of 19 km with 650 meters of elevation, a 12 km walking route with 400 meters of elevation, and a Trail Kids race for children aged 5 to 15 years.
The event is open to all athletes meeting the minimum age requirements (18 years for the Long Trail, 16 years for the Short Trail, and no restrictions for the walk), promoting community engagement by bringing together various generations. It integrates two national trail circuits: the Circuito Nacional Trail Sprint and the Circuito Nacional Trail of the ATRP, offering a unique opportunity for competitive or recreational participation.
The course starts and finishes at the Firefighters’ Headquarters of Vila Franca das Naves, presenting a scenic forest environment enhanced by the magic of the sunset. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, encouraging both serious runners and families to explore, enjoy, and create memorable experiences. Additional activities include the Trail Kids race, designed for younger participants near the headquarters area.
The III Trail Pé Firme 2026 is a trail running event taking place on September 26 and 27, 2026, in Torres Vedras, Portugal. It offers multiple race formats including a relay on September 26 and individual trail races on September 27 with distances of 12 km (Mini Trail/Caminhada), 23 km (Trail Curto), and 32 km (Trail Longo).
The event is open to all athletes with adequate physical condition and includes categories for youth, adults, and masters. It celebrates local history, sport, and natural beauty, featuring challenging trails with natural paths and open roads, demanding technique, endurance, and determination.
Besides competitive races, the event includes family-friendly activities such as guided walks and a free youth trail challenge. The atmosphere combines sporting challenge with cultural and natural appreciation, making it suitable for individuals, families, and teams.
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 3rd Trail da Lagoa 2026 is a trail running event taking place on September 27, 2026, in Airão São João, Guimarães. It offers three distances: a 20 km long trail, a 12 km mini trail, and an 8 km non-competitive walk.
The event is open to participants aged 18 and over for the long trail, 16 and over for the mini trail (with parental authorization), and all ages for the walk if accompanied by an adult. It is organized by Grupo Desportivo Airão – Curviã and features mountain trails, rural paths, and roads in the Guimarães municipality.
The race promises incredible scenery and a balance between effort and enjoyment, allowing participants to test their limits in a mountain environment. The event includes competitive and non-competitive options, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.
Trail Santa Justa 2026 is a trail running event taking place on September 27, 2026, in Valongo, Portugal. The event features three competitive distances: 31 km, 15 km, and 10 km, with the 10 km distance available for running or walking.
The 31 km long trail has a positive elevation gain of 1500m and is part of the ATRP National Trail Circuit, while the 15 km trail with 850m elevation gain is part of the ATRP National Trail Sprint Circuit. The 10 km route has a 300m positive elevation gain. All races are open to participants aged 18 and over.
The race starts and finishes near the Igreja de Santa Justa and offers a challenging mountain trail experience with strict time limits and mandatory equipment for safety. The event includes individual and team classifications with age categories and awards.
The XII EstrelAçor Trail Ultra Endurance is a trail running event taking place on October 2 and 3, 2026, in the Serra da Estrela and Serra do Açor regions, starting from Penhas da Saúde, Covilhã, Portugal. It features four competitive races of 100 km, 48 km, 32 km, and 16 km, plus a non-competitive 16 km walking event.
Participants must be at least 20 years old for the 100 km, 48 km, and 32 km races, while the 16 km sprint allows juniors aged 18 and 19. The event is limited to 500 athletes and includes challenging courses with significant elevation gains, classified by ITRA points. The race offers a unique ultra endurance experience across two mountain ranges with marked trails and aid stations.
The atmosphere is competitive and demanding, with electronic timing and strict control points. Awards are given to top finishers by gender, age categories, and teams, with prizes for all finishers. The event emphasizes environmental respect and safety, supported by local authorities and medical teams.
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.
6th Trail and Walk "Rota da Maçã de Montanha de Armamar"
The VI Trail and Walk “Rota da Maçã de Montanha” is a trail running and walking event scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Armamar, Viseu. It features three distances: an 8 km walk, a 12 km short trail, and a 20 km trail.
The event is open to participants aged 6 to 80 years, with minors requiring parental authorization. It aims to promote physical activity and the local mountain apple production. The trail routes vary in difficulty from accessible to medium/high, suitable for different fitness levels.
The race atmosphere is community-oriented, with timed results for the trail races, trophies and medals for top finishers, and a social dinner after the event.
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.
