Algarve Xtreme Trail 2026
Event summary
The Algarve Xtreme Trail 2026 is a trail running event held on January 25, 2026, in Querença, Loulé, Portugal. It offers multiple distances including Ultra Trail (47-48 km), Trail (31 km), Trail Sprint (20 km), Mini Trail (10 km), and a 10 km Caminhada (walk), as well as Trail Kids races on January 24. The event welcomes a broad range of participants, including licensed athletes and amateurs, with some age restrictions depending on the distance, and is part of the Algarve Cup, Regional Trail Circuits, and the ITRA National League.
The race courses feature significant elevation gains with challenging terrain that highlights the natural beauty of the Querença region. The atmosphere combines both competitive and recreational elements, with a family-friendly kids’ trail event on the preceding day and a festive award ceremony. The event emphasizes environmental responsibility and athlete safety, requiring semi-autonomy and mandatory equipment for all participants.
The Algarve Xtreme Trail also includes team classifications for the main distances and encourages camaraderie and fair play among all participants, making it a well-rounded trail running experience for diverse runners.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Sub 23 M/F (<23 years)
• Seniors M/F (23-34 years)
• Seniors M/F-35 (35-39 years)
• Veterans M/F-40 (40-44 years)
• Veterans M/F-45 (45-49 years)
• Veterans M/F-50 (50-54 years)
• Veterans M/F-55 (55-59 years)
• Veterans M/F-60 (60-64 years)
• Veterans M/F-65 (65-69 years)
• Veterans M/F-70 (70+ years)
Start/finish locations: Casa do Povo de Querença
Start times per category/distance:
• Ultra Trail (48 km): 07:00
• Trail (31 km): 09:00
• Trail Sprint (20 km): 10:00
• Mini Trail (10 km): 10:15
• Caminhada (10 km): 10:15
• Trail Kids: Saturday, January 24 (time to be informed)
Cut-off times:
• Ultra Trail: 11 hours
• Trail: 9 hours
• Trail Sprint: 8 hours
• Mini Trail: 5 hours
Bib pick-up time and location: Sunday, January 26, from 05:30 until 06:45 (varies by race), at Casa do Povo de Querença
Participants limit:
• Ultra Trail: 150
• Trail: 200
• Trail Sprint: 450
• Mini Trail: 300
• Caminhada and Trail Kids: no restrictions
Registration deadline: January 19, 2026
Surface types: Trail running on natural terrain with significant elevation gain
Course format: Marked trails with tapes, flags, arrows, and horizontal markings; track available before the event
Race routes:
• Ultra Trail: approx. 48 km with 3000 m positive elevation
• Trail: approx. 31 km with 1800 m positive elevation
• Trail Sprint: approx. 20 km with 900 m positive elevation
• Mini Trail: approx. 10 km with 300 m positive elevation
Timing method: Electronic chip timing by Associação de Atletismo do Algarve
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with liquids and solids at Postos de Abastecimento e Controlo (PAC); mandatory passage through all PACs; toilets at start/finish and aid stations
Prizes: Awards for top 3 in each category and teams for Sprint, Trail, and Ultra; finisher prizes for all who complete the race; no classification for Caminhada
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 47 km
Trail Run 31 km
Trail Run 20 km
Trail Run 10 km
Walking 10 km
Kids Race 2 km
Kids Race 1 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, race t-shirt
🏅 Finisher prize: commemorative medal and event t-shirt
⏱️ Timing + live electronic chip timing by Associação de Atletismo do Algarve
🛟 Safety support: ambulances and paramedics along the course
🛡️ Insurance: mandatory sports and liability insurance included in registration fee
🥤 Aid stations: liquids and individualized solid food at control points
🚿 Showers and changing rooms at finish line
🏆 Podium awards for top finishers by category and teams
