8th Edition Trail Trails of the Forest 2026
Event summary
The 8th Trail Trilhos da Mata 2026 is a trail running event scheduled for January 25, 2026, in Mata dos Milagres, Leiria, Portugal. It features three main races: the Trail Sprint of approximately 22 km, the Mini Trail of approximately 12 km, and a non-competitive 9 km Caminhada (walk). This event is open to all athletes 18 years and older for the trail races, while the walk allows younger participants if accompanied by an adult.
The Trail Sprint race is part of the Campeonato Distrital Trail Sprint – ADAL and counts towards the 2026 Taça de Portugal de Trail, attracting competitive runners aiming for regional and national points. The courses traverse old water channels, rural paths, and specially prepared trails in the parishes of Milagres, Bidoeira de Cima, Souto da Carpalhosa, and Ortigosa, offering diverse and scenic natural landscapes with moderate elevation gains of 680m for the Trail Sprint and 400m for the Mini Trail.
The atmosphere is sportive and inclusive, offering a festive environment with support stations and amenities. There is also a Caminhada for participants seeking a non-competitive experience. The event includes team classifications and awards, making it appealing to both individual competitors and teams.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Geral M/F
• Sub 23 M/F (18-22 years)
• Seniores M/F (23-34 years)
• Veteranos M/F 35 (35-39 years)
• Veteranos M/F 40 (40-44 years)
• Veteranos M/F 45 (45-49 years)
• Veteranos M/F 50 (50-54 years)
• Veteranos M/F 55 (55-59 years)
• Veteranos M/F 60 (60-64 years)
• Veteranos M/F 65 (65+ years)
Start/finish locations: At Associação Desportiva e Recreativa da Mata, Mata dos Milagres, Leiria
Start times per category/distance:
• Trail Sprint 22 km: 09:00
• Mini Trail 12 km: 09:20
• Caminhada 9 km: 09:20
Cut-off times:
• Trail Sprint: 4 hours
• Mini Trail: 3 hours
• Caminhada: 3 hours
Bib pick-up time and location:
• January 24, 2026, 15:00–19:00
• January 25, 2026, from 07:30
• Location: Associação Desportiva e Recreativa da Mata
Participants limit:
• Trail Sprint: 400
• Mini Trail: 300
• Caminhada: 400
Registration deadline: January 25, 2026, 08:30
Surface types: Trail paths including old water channels, rural roads, and specially prepared trails
Course format: Single-loop trail courses with elevation gains of approximately 680 m (Trail Sprint) and 400 m (Mini Trail)
Race routes: Parcours through Milagres, Bidoeira de Cima, Souto da Carpalhosa, and Ortigosa parishes
Timing method: Electronic chip timing integrated into bibs
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Trail Sprint: Two aid stations with solid and liquid refreshments
• Mini Trail: One aid station with solid and liquid refreshments
• Caminhada: One aid station with solid and liquid refreshments
Prizes:
• Individual and team awards for male and female categories
• Team classification based on the sum of the top three finishers’ places
• Awards ceremony around 12:30 at Associação Desportiva e Recreativa da Mata
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 22 km
Trail Run 12 km
Walking 9 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib, participation kit including dorsal and timing chip
🏅 Finisher prize: participation gifts and Sopa da Pedra
⏱️ Timing + live results by electronic chip timing
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance, safety personnel, and organized aid stations
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident and civil liability included
🥤 Aid stations: solid and liquid refreshments at multiple points depending on race
🚿 Showers and changing rooms with hot water available at the venue
🧳 Transportation to arrival point if athlete abandons or is withdrawn from the race
📸 Permission for organizers to capture photos and videos for event promotion
🏆 Podium awards for top individuals and teams per category
