MessengerTrails of the Heroes
Event summary
The Trilhos dos Heróis – Sunset Trail is a trail running event scheduled for September 26, 2026, in Vila Franca das Naves, Guarda, Portugal. This event offers a variety of distances including a Long Trail of 31 km with an elevation gain of 1000 meters, a Short Trail of 19 km with 650 meters of elevation, a 12 km walking route with 400 meters of elevation, and a Trail Kids race for children aged 5 to 15 years.
The event is open to all athletes meeting the minimum age requirements (18 years for the Long Trail, 16 years for the Short Trail, and no restrictions for the walk), promoting community engagement by bringing together various generations. It integrates two national trail circuits: the Circuito Nacional Trail Sprint and the Circuito Nacional Trail of the ATRP, offering a unique opportunity for competitive or recreational participation.
The course starts and finishes at the Firefighters’ Headquarters of Vila Franca das Naves, presenting a scenic forest environment enhanced by the magic of the sunset. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, encouraging both serious runners and families to explore, enjoy, and create memorable experiences. Additional activities include the Trail Kids race, designed for younger participants near the headquarters area.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Trail Longo (31 km): minimum age 18 years
• Trail Curto (19 km): minimum age 16 years
• Trail Kids: 5 to 15 years
• Caminhada (walk) 12 km: no age restriction
Start/finish locations: Firefighters’ Headquarters of Vila Franca das Naves
Cut-off times:
• Trail Longo: 6 hours
• Trail Curto: 4 hours
• Caminhada: 3.5 hours
Bib pick-up time and location: At the secretariat located at the Firefighters’ Headquarters of Vila Franca das Naves
Participants limit:
• Trail Longo: 300
• Trail Curto: 400
• Trail Kids: 60
• Caminhada: 300
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
Surface types: Trail running terrain with significant elevation gain
Race routes: Trail Longo 31 km with +1000m elevation, Trail Curto 19 km with +650m elevation, Caminhada 12 km with +400m elevation, Trail Kids in the vicinity of the headquarters
Timing method: Electronic chip timing with live timing available during the event
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with solid and liquid refreshments; participants must carry their own cups or hydration devices
Parking and shuttle details: Shuttle service available from Estádio do Picoto area to the headquarters and back for vehicles parked there
Prizes: Medals for all finishers; prizes for top 3 in each age category and overall in Trail Longo and Trail Curto; prizes for the three most numerous teams; no prizes for Caminhada, only finisher medals
Location
get directionsRaces
Trail Run 31 km
Trail Run 19 km
Walking 12 km
Kids Race
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, mandatory materials including whistle, thermal blanket, front lamp, hydration reservoir, and more
🏅 Finisher prize: medal for all participants completing their races
⏱️ Timing + live results available during the event via chip timing by WAITASTART
🛟 Safety support: organized controls on course, medical support, and security measures
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance included in the registration fee
🥤 Aid stations: solid and liquid refreshments at multiple points; participants must bring their own hydration containers
🚿 Showers: hot showers available at Estádio do Picoto and local swimming pools after the race
📸 Photography/video coverage: images and videos used for event promotion with participant consent
🏆 Podium awards for top finishers by category and overall in main competitive trails
