MessengerPALEOZOIC TRAIL
Event summary
The Trilhos do Paleozóico 2026 is a trail running event scheduled for March 8, 2026, in Valongo, Portugal, within the Paleozoic Park of Valongo and the Valongo Trail Center. The race features multiple distances: Trail Ultra 48 km, Trail 38 km, Trail Sprint 23 km, Mini Trail 12 km, and a 12 km walking event, the latter two also part of the Valongo Trail Circuit.
The event welcomes participants aged 18 and older for the longer distances, while the Mini Trail is open to those 15 and older, and the walk allows minors accompanied by an adult. The race is characterized by challenging elevation profiles, with positive elevation gains ranging from 300 m in the Mini Trail to approximately 2600 m in the Ultra Trail. The courses take runners through rugged mountain trails featuring the unique landscapes of the Santa Justa and Pias mountain ranges.
With a semi-self-sufficiency format and strict rules regarding aid and equipment, the race offers a demanding and rewarding experience. The atmosphere is competitive and serious, with an emphasis on athletes’ autonomy and safety. There are also prizes for individual and team classifications, and the event includes a walking option for a broader community engagement.
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Plan itInformation
Start times per category/distance: 08:00 – Trail Ultra 48 km and Trail 38 km; 09:00 – Trail Sprint 23 km; 09:30 – Mini Trail 12 km; 09:35 – Caminhada 12 km (walk)
Bib pick-up time and location: March 7, 10:00–13:00 and 14:30–18:00; March 8, 06:30–09:00 at Junta de Freguesia de Valongo (GPS: 41.190187, -8.499112)
Start/finish locations: Largo do Centenário, Valongo
Age categories/divisions:
• Juvenile 16/17 years (only for 12 km)
• Junior 18/19 years
• Sub 23
• Seniors
• M40
• M50
• M60
• Team classification (based on the sum of the top 3 general times)
Cut-off times: Overall event limit of 10 hours; Trail Ultra 48 km has two cut-offs: Pias (~25 km) at 5 hours and Ponte S. Simão (~39 km) at 8 hours; Trail 38 km has one cut-off
Registration deadline: February 22, 2026
Link to full regulation: Official Rules
Surface types: Mountain trail, rocky and technical terrain with significant elevation changes
Course format: Point-to-point with marked trail and control points
Timing method: Electronic chip timing attached to bib
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations provide solid and liquid nutrition at key points on all distances; participants must carry their own hydration containers as liquids are not served in bottles or cups
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 48 km
Trail Run 38 km
Trail Run 23 km
Trail Run 12 km
Walking 12 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: personalized bib if registered before February 22, technical T-shirt
🏅 Finisher prize: medal
⏱️ Timing with electronic chip and live results
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance available, organization and volunteers on course
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included
🥤 Aid stations: solid and liquid nutrition at designated points on trails
🚿 Showers available at Valongo Pools near start/finish from 11:30 to 18:00
📸 Image rights for promotion with participant consent
🏆 Prizes awarded for individual and team categories
