MessengerXIV Amarante Christmas Trail
Event summary
The XIV Amarante Christmas Trail is a trail running event taking place on December 21, 2025, in Amarante, Portugal. It offers four distances: a Long Trail of approximately 30 km, a Short Trail of 20 km, a Mini-Trail of 14 km, and a 12 km walk, designed to cater to various levels of trail enthusiasts.
This event is open to participants aged 18 and over for the longer distances and 16 and over for the Mini-Trail and walk. The 20 km and 30 km trails are part of the Porto Trail Series, a district trail circuit promoted by the Porto Athletics Association, drawing both competitive and recreational runners. The course features rugged terrain across mountain slopes, rural paths, and forest roads around the Marão, Aboadela, and Marãozinho areas, finishing in the historic center of Amarante.
The race atmosphere is inclusive and challenging, suitable for experienced trail runners prepared for significant elevation changes and winter conditions. Alongside individual races, there is also a walking event, making it a broad celebration of outdoor endurance sports in a festive seasonal setting.
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Plan itInformation
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail Longo 30 km: 8:45
• Caminhada 12 km (Walk): 9:00
• Trail Curto 20 km: 9:45
• Mini-Trail 14 km: 10:15
Bib pick-up time and location:
• December 20, 15:00–20:00
• December 21, from 7:00 onwards
• Location details to be provided on event Facebook page
Start/finish locations: Various trails around Amarante with finish in the city center
Age categories/divisions:
• Trail Longo and Trail Curto: 18+ years
• Mini-Trail and Caminhada: 16+ years
Cut-off times:
• 6 hours for 30 km Trail Longo
• 5 hours for all other distances
• Athletes must reach Gondar aid station by 13:30 or will be stopped
Registration deadline: December 7, 2025
Link to full regulation: Official Rules
Surface types: Trails, rural paths, forest roads, mountain terrain
Course format: Point-to-point and looped sections with marked trails
Timing method: Electronic chip timing (except Caminhada walk)
Parking and shuttle details: Transport provided to start locations; parking details to be confirmed
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations at control points; cups not provided, athletes must carry their own drinking vessel
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 30 km
Trail Run 20 km
Trail Run 14 km
Walking 12 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, event t-shirt, and other gifts provided by the organization
🏅 Finisher prize: finisher medal and awards for top finishers
⏱️ Electronic chip timing for all races except the walk
🛟 Safety support: emergency and medical teams available on course
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included in entry fee
🥤 Aid stations: hydration and food supplies available along the course
🚿 Showers at the finish area
📸 Professional photography provided by event photographers
🚌 Transport to start locations and from finish in case of withdrawal
🏆 Podium trophies for individual categories and team classifications
