MessengerVOUGA TRAIL
Event summary
The Vouga Trail 2026 is a trail running event taking place from January 9 to 11, 2026, in Sever do Vouga, Portugal. It offers a variety of race distances, including ultra (55 km), long (38 km), short (20 km), mini (12 km), and uphill (5 km) trails, as well as a non-competitive 12 km walk and a kids’ social event with distances from 500 to 2000 meters adjusted by age.
This event is open mainly to adult athletes (18+), with younger categories for mini and kids events, and includes timed races with official classification. It features challenging elevation profiles, with up to 2800 meters of positive climb, across natural heritage areas with lush trails, riverbanks, levadas, and scenic mountain views around the Serra da Freita, Arestal, and Ladário massifs.
The atmosphere combines competitive trail racing with social and family-oriented activities, including the Vouga Kids event and a walking trail, making it inclusive for various participant profiles. The event also offers a multi-stage Green Stages race totaling 63 km, spread over three days.
Add to your Events
Add to your plan and stay organized for upcoming events.
Plan itInformation
Start times per category/distance:
• UPHILL Vouga (5 km): January 9 at 18:00
• Vouga Trail Ultra (55 km): January 10 at 07:30
• Vouga Trail Longo (38 km): January 10 at 08:30
• Vouga Kids (500 to 2000 m): January 10 starting at 10:00
• Vouga Trail Curto (20 km): January 11 at 09:00
• Vouga Trail Mini (12 km): January 11 at 09:45
• Caminhada Vouga (12 km walk): January 11 at 10:00
Bib pick-up time and location:
• January 9: 16:00–20:00
• January 10: 06:00–10:00 and 16:00–20:00
• January 11: 07:00–09:30
• Location: Pavilhão Gimnodesportivo de Sever do Vouga
Start/finish locations: All races start and finish at Pavilhão Gimnodesportivo de Sever do Vouga, with UPHILL Vouga starting at Sr.ª Dolorosa, Ribeiradio and finishing at Baloiço Serra e Mar, Ladário.
Age categories/divisions:
• Adults 18+ (most races)
• Vouga Trail Mini: 16+ years
• Caminhada Vouga: 14+ years
• Vouga Kids: 4+ years with parental authorization
Cut-off times:
• Vouga Trail Ultra: 12h30
• Vouga Trail Longo: 8h00
• Vouga Trail Curto: 5h00
• Vouga Trail Mini: 4h00
• UPHILL Vouga: 1h30
Registration deadline: Registration deadlines not explicitly stated, but registration opens August 28, 2025.
Link to full regulation: Official Rules
Surface types: Trail, natural mountainous terrain with riverbanks, levadas, forest trails, and mountain paths.
Course format: Circular routes for most distances; UPHILL Vouga is point-to-point.
Timing method: Electronic chip timing with mandatory validation at control points.
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Multiple aid stations providing solids and liquids positioned strategically on all races.
• Athletes must carry their own hydration containers as no cups or bottles are provided.
• Toilets and showers available at finish.
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 55 km
Trail Run 38 km
Trail Run 20 km
Trail Run 12 km
Uphill 5 km
Walking 12 km
Kids Race
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: official technical T-shirt, bib number
🏅 Finisher prize: finisher medal
⏱️ Timing + official classification with electronic chip and live tracking
🛟 Safety support: medical teams, firefighters, and event staff along the course
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included in registration fee
🥤 Aid stations: food and hydration at multiple points per race
🚿 Showers and bathing facilities available after the race
📸 Professional photography coverage
🏆 Trophies awarded to top 3 men and women in various age categories and overall
