MessengerGrande Trail Serra D'Arga
Event summary
The Grande Trail Serra d’Arga (GTSA) 2025 is a three-day trail running festival held in northern Portugal, from September 26 to 28, blending ultra-endurance competition with community spirit and breathtaking landscapes.
The event kicks off on the night of September 26 in Viana do Castelo with the GTSA 100KM, a challenging ultra that takes runners across rugged, technical terrain through the Serra d’Arga and remote villages like Dem, Arga de Baixo, Cerquido, and Montaria.
On September 27, the action moves to Dem, where the GTSA 50KM and GTSA 15KM take place. Both circular courses combine steep elevation, mountain trails, and local charm. The day is enhanced by cultural festivities such as the Dem Folklore Festival, adding a unique community vibe to the challenge.
The final day, September 28, is hosted in São Lourenço da Montaria, offering four diverse races: the GTSA 31KM, GTSA 17KM, a 12KM Hike, and a Kids Race. These circular routes showcase the natural beauty of the region, passing forests, waterfalls, and traditional villages, with distances suited to competitive runners, nature lovers, and families alike.
From night-time ultras to festive hikes, GTSA 2025 promises a dynamic celebration of sport, culture, and the wild Serra d’Arga landscapes.
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Plan itInformation
Dates: 26, 27 & 28 September 2025
Location: Serra d’Arga region (Viana do Castelo, Caminha, Ponte de Lima)
Distances & Start Times:
- GTSA 100 km: 26 Sept at 22:00 (Viana do Castelo) – 4594m D+
- GTSA 50 km: 27 Sept at 08:00 (Dem) – 2600m D+
- GTSA 15 km: 27 Sept at 08:00 (Dem) – 953m D+
- GTSA 31 km: 28 Sept at 09:00 (Montaria) – 1205m D+
- GTSA 17 km: 28 Sept at 09:30 (Montaria) – 700m D+
- GTSA Walk 12 km: 28 Sept at 09:30 (Montaria)
- GTSA Kids: 28 Sept at 12:30 (Montaria)
Bib Pick-up:
- 26 Sept: 17:00–22:00 – Viana do Castelo
- 27 Sept: 06:30–08:00 / 15:00–19:00 – Dem
- 28 Sept: 07:00–09:30 – Montaria
Start/Finish Locations:
- Viana do Castelo (GTSA 100 km start)
- Dem (GTSA 50 km & 15 km start/finish)
- Montaria (GTSA 31 km, 17 km, Walk 12 km, and Kids)
Cut-off Times:
- GTSA 100 km: 22h – with time barriers at 50 km (Dem, 08:00) and 81 km (Montaria, 17:00)
- GTSA 50 km: 14h – time barrier at 31.5 km (Montaria, 17:00)
- No cut-off for 31 km, 17 km, or 15 km
Timing Method: Chip timing integrated into the bib
Trail Type: Mountainous, technical trails, semi-autonomous
Course Marking: Colored ribbons and flags; mandatory control points
Surface: Rocky trails, forest paths, stream crossings, technical climbs
Mandatory Gear: Phone, whistle, survival blanket, headlamp (for longer races), water container
Recommended Gear: Waterproof jacket, extra calories
Registration Deadline: 19 September 2025
Eligibility: Minimum 18 years for competitive races
Regulation link: https://carlossanatureevents.com/regulamentogtsa
Location
get directionsRaces
GTSA 31km
GTSA 17km
Walk 12km
GTSA 15km
GTSA 50km
GTSA 100km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: personalized bib, race-branded gift, and technical t-shirt
🏅 Finisher prize: commemorative medal
⏱️ Electronic chip timing with official results
🌊 Scenic and challenging mountain trails
🏫 Access to showers (where applicable)
🚑 Safety and emergency medical teams throughout the course
🛡️ Sports insurance included
🥤 Aid stations: food and drinks available at several points (BYO cup/bottle required)
🚼 Drop-bag option for 100 km race (Base de Vida)
🏆 Trophy ceremony for overall and age-category winners
🫖 Cultural performances and local gastronomy experiences
