PR1 BOARD - In the Footsteps of João Brandão 2026

The 39th “Manuel da Piedade Costa” Relay Alcanena – Rio Maior is a relay running race held on February 8, 2026, organized jointly by the Municipalities of Rio Maior and Alcanena. The event features a men’s/mixed relay of 32.8 km divided into six stages, and a women’s relay of 15.6 km also divided into six stages.

The men’s and mixed relay starts in front of the Alcanena City Hall and finishes at Praça da República in Rio Maior, while the women’s relay starts in Alcanede and finishes at the same location in Rio Maior. Teams are composed of six members, with mixed teams requiring at least two female runners.

The race honors Manuel da Piedade Costa, a key figure in local athletics, and includes categories for senior and veteran men, open age for women, and mixed teams. The event is supported by local authorities and features official safety escorts and logistical support.

The V Rota do Olho do Tordo is a trail running and nature walking event taking place on February 8, 2026, in Alvaiázere, Portugal. It features two non-competitive distances: a 14 km trail run and a 10 km nature walk.

The event is open to participants aged 16 and older for the trail run, with younger participants allowed in the walk if accompanied by an adult. It promotes health, well-being, and social interaction through outdoor sport.

The trail run includes a 500m elevation gain and a time limit of 3h30, while the walk has a 170m elevation gain and a 3-hour limit. Awards are given to the top five male and female finishers in the trail category.

The Trail Porto Moniz takes place on February 8, 2026, in the municipality of Porto Moniz, on Madeira Island. The event includes three linear trail races — Trail Ultra (43 km), Trail Long (25 km) and Trail Short (13 km). Limited to around 800 athletes, it is organised by Clube de Montanha do Funchal and is integrated into the official circuits of both the Madeira Athletics Association and the Portuguese Trail Running Association.
With steep climbs, technical terrain and dramatic scenery, it is one of Madeira’s most challenging and iconic trail events.

The 3rd Trail Cabeços de São Miguel is a trail running event taking place on February 8, 2026, in São Miguel do Rio Torto, Abrantes. The event offers multiple distances including a Long Trail of 32 km, a Sprint Trail of 20 km, a Mini Trail of 14 km, and a 12 km hike, catering to a wide range of trail enthusiasts.

This event is open to all qualifying participants based on age categories, with a maximum of 1000 participants across all distances. The Long Trail and Sprint Trail are part of the 3rd edition of the 3 Rios Trail Trophy, adding a competitive aspect to the race. The course features significant elevation gains, with the Long Trail having 1100 meters of positive altitude, set in a mountainous environment that tests both physical and mental endurance.

The atmosphere is community-driven and supported by many local volunteers, making for an inspiring and supportive race day. Participants benefit from solid and liquid aid stations, hot showers at the finish, personalized bibs and timing chips, as well as finisher prizes and race t-shirts. The event also includes a meal service and awards ceremony, making it a full and rewarding experience for all involved.