UTG - Gardunha Ultra Trails

The IX Caminhada Trail dos BUDAS is a trail walking event scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, held in Barrosas, Faro, Portugal. It features three route options of varying lengths: 14 km starting from Associação das Barrosas, 26 km starting and finishing at Fonte da Aldeia da Penina, and 32 km starting and finishing in Benafim, all on predominantly natural trails with minimal asphalt.

This event is open to all participants without competitive timing or classification, emphasizing a non-competitive spirit and a unique cultural ritual involving three silent laps clockwise around a temple. The routes showcase the hidden interior of the Algarve, including the mythical climb of Malhão and meditative moments at the Stupa, creating a serene and respectful atmosphere.

The race atmosphere is inclusive and reflective, focusing on respect for nature and fellow participants, with an emphasis on environmental care and silent meditation rituals. Registration includes surprise gifts, insurance, and aid stations, with optional t-shirts and lunch available, making it suitable for a broad audience seeking both a physical challenge and a spiritual experience.

The Lobo Ibérico Trail is a trail running event scheduled for May 3, 2026, in Malveira, starting and finishing at Estádio das Seixas. It offers four distances: Trail Longo (24 km), Trail Curto (17 km), Mini Trail (13 km), and a non-competitive Caminhada (13 km), accommodating a wide range of runners and walkers.

This event is open to all age categories, including Juvenil to Veterans, with specific age limits for each race. It is part of a competitive trail running series and emphasizes showcasing the natural beauty of the region, including routes near the Iberian Wolf Recovery Center.

The race features diverse terrain such as dirt, sand, and asphalt with natural obstacles like stones, roots, and dense vegetation, providing a challenging and scenic experience. The atmosphere is inclusive and community-oriented, with team competitions and awards for individual and team performances, making it appealing to both competitive athletes and recreational participants.

The Aqua Race 2026 is a trail running and walking event scheduled for May 3, 2026, at the Parque de Feiras Municipal de Mora in Évora district. The event features three trail distances—Mini Trail at approximately 14 km, Trail Sprint at around 18 km, and Trail Longo at about 32 km—as well as a 14 km aquatic walk, blending trail running with technical watercourse sections without swimming.

This race is open to all participants aged 13 and above, requiring a signed responsibility term for minors. It is part of the Évora Regional Trail Championship, with Trail Longo serving as the stage for the Regional Trail Cup. The course offers a unique experience running through some of the wildest watercourses in the region, combining technical terrain with scenic aquatic elements.

The event atmosphere is dynamic, combining competitive trail racing with a popular walk, and caters to a wide range of athletes. It features organized transport to start points for longer distances, warm showers post-race, and a festive award ceremony, making it a comprehensive race day for trail enthusiasts and walkers alike.

The TransPeneda-Gerês® is a trail running event taking place from May 1 to May 3, 2026, in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. It features multiple race distances: 25km, 40km, 70km, and the ultra 115km, catering to a wide range of trail runners.

Open to athletes aged 18 and older without license restrictions, this challenging event is part of the Best Trails Series circuit, the national ATRP circuit, and scores points for ITRA and UTMB. The race courses traverse the rugged mountainous terrain of the park, offering participants stunning natural landscapes and technical trails with significant elevation changes.

The atmosphere combines the spirit of extreme endurance competition with strong community support, including aid stations and life bases with food and rest areas. The event also offers logistical support like transfers and drop bags for ultra participants, creating a well-rounded experience for serious trail runners.