SANTA MARIA TRAIL - SMAT

The VIII Trail Iberlince de Barrancos is a trail running event scheduled for February 7, 2026, in Barrancos, Beja. It offers three main distances: Trail Sprint (17 km), Mini Trail (10 km), and a 10 km Caminhada (walk), catering to a wide range of participants including competitive runners and walkers.

The event is open to all athletes aged 18 and over for the trail races, with exceptional admission for 16-17-year-olds upon presentation of a signed responsibility form, while the walk welcomes participants of all ages, with minors under 16 required to be accompanied by an adult. The race highlights the natural and cultural heritage of the Barrancos area, running through Mediterranean forest and sites of patrimonial interest, creating a unique experience in a region historically linked to the Iberian lynx. The atmosphere is community-focused and environmentally conscious, emphasizing respect for nature and fair play.

The race includes both competitive trail runs and a recreational walk, with symbolic prizes for top finishers and finisher awards for all participants. It also features logistical support such as aid stations, safety measures, and post-race amenities, making it accessible and enjoyable for a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts.

The Backyard Ultra Ansião is an ultra-running event taking place on February 7, 2026, at the Parque Empresarial do Camporês in Portugal. This endurance race features a unique format where participants run a loop of 6706 meters every hour, aiming to complete as many laps as possible within the time limit.

There are three race variants: the main Backyard Ultra, Backyard – 3 Voltas, and Backyard – 6 Voltas, catering to runners seeking different levels of challenge. The race is open to all athletes aged 18 and over, with no license requirement.

The course is marked with night lighting and has a positive elevation gain of 90 meters, providing a demanding but well-supported environment. The event fosters a community atmosphere where runners test their limits, with continuous hourly starts and strict rules that add to the intensity and excitement of the race.

The Poiares Trail 2026 is a trail running event scheduled for February 7, 2026, in Vila Nova de Poiares, Portugal. This event features four competitive races and a walking option, including a 35 km trail with 1800 m elevation gain, a 22 km trail with 1000 m elevation gain, a 13 km mini trail with 400 m elevation gain, and a 35 km relay race divided into three stages for teams of three.

The races are open to a wide range of participants: the 35 km race is for athletes aged 20 and above, the 22 km race allows participants aged 18 and 19 in a specific category, and the 13 km mini trail and relay race accept participants from 16 years old. All races are certified by ATRP and have time limits with checkpoints to ensure participant safety and race integrity.

The event is known for its challenging mountainous terrain with significant elevation changes, requiring athletes to be semi-autonomous and prepared for varied weather conditions. The atmosphere combines competitive spirit with environmental respect and includes team relay events and a walking option, making it accessible for different levels and promoting a community spirit.

The 39th “Manuel da Piedade Costa” Relay Alcanena – Rio Maior is a relay running race held on February 8, 2026, organized jointly by the Municipalities of Rio Maior and Alcanena. The event features a men’s/mixed relay of 32.8 km divided into six stages, and a women’s relay of 15.6 km also divided into six stages.

The men’s and mixed relay starts in front of the Alcanena City Hall and finishes at Praça da República in Rio Maior, while the women’s relay starts in Alcanede and finishes at the same location in Rio Maior. Teams are composed of six members, with mixed teams requiring at least two female runners.

The race honors Manuel da Piedade Costa, a key figure in local athletics, and includes categories for senior and veteran men, open age for women, and mixed teams. The event is supported by local authorities and features official safety escorts and logistical support.