Vertical North Coast

The 3º Trail Winter Challenge S.A. – Vila Galé is a trail running event scheduled for December 13, 2026, in Ericeira, starting and finishing at the Vila Galé Hotel. It features three distances: a long trail of approximately 20 km, a short trail of around 14 km, and a leisure walk of about 12 km. The event is open to all participants aged 18 and older, with competitive classifications for the trail distances and no classification for the walk.

This race is part of the Circuito Challenge S.A. 2026, offering a unique opportunity for participants to compete in a series of three trail challenges throughout the year. The course runs mostly through natural trails with stunning views of the coastline, combining interior paths with scenic sea vistas, offering a beautiful and challenging environment.

The atmosphere is community-oriented and environmentally conscious, promoting trail running with zero environmental impact and initiatives like plogging during the walk. The event also includes prizes for top finishers, the largest team, and oldest participants, along with a unique finisher medal in puzzle format tying the three races in the circuit together. The event caters to competitive runners and leisure walkers alike, encouraging participation from a broad range of ages and skill levels.

The Pisão Extreme 2026 is a skyrunning challenge through the dramatic Serra da Arada, organized by SpotCriativo Eventos with support from the São Pedro do Sul Municipality. Taking place on October 3–4, 2026, this event offers five circular trail courses, all under the auspices of the Portuguese Federation of Camping and Mountaineering (FCMP).

With distances ranging from 4 km to 65 km, Pisão Extreme caters to a wide spectrum of athletes — from beginners testing vertical gains to ultra-endurance mountain runners. Each course delivers rugged ascents, technical terrain, and breathtaking natural scenery.

This is not just a race — it’s a high-altitude test of resilience, autonomy, and mountain spirit.

The 8º Trail Summer Challenge is a trail running event taking place on July 5, 2026, at Praia Foz do Lizandro. It offers three distances: a long trail of approximately 24 km, a short trail of approximately 15 km, and a leisure walk of about 12 km.

This event is open to all participants aged 18 and over, requiring no license, and includes competitive trail races as well as a non-competitive walk. It is part of the Circuito Challenge S.A. 2026 series and promotes environmental awareness, being associated with eco-friendly initiatives such as the Plogging movement.

The courses traverse mostly natural circuits with stunning coastal views, combining trails through inland paths and seaside scenery. The atmosphere is inclusive and supportive, catering to competitive athletes and leisure walkers alike, with special awards for teams and the oldest participants, plus fun activities like plogging integrated into the walk.

Celebrating its 20th edition, the Ultra Trail Serra da Freita (UTSF) is the oldest trail running event in Portugal, taking place on June 27–28, 2026, in Arouca, traversing the stunning and rugged Serra da Freita. This iconic race is known for its raw emotion, steep ascents, technical trails, and breathtaking landscapes through the municipalities of Arouca, Vale de Cambra, and São Pedro do Sul.

With five trail distances and a non-competitive walk, the UTSF is designed for seasoned trail runners and adventurous spirits alike. It’s part of the ATRP National Circuit, and its races are expected to award ITRA and UTMB points (to be confirmed). This event blends a competitive atmosphere with community spirit, offering an unforgettable experience whether you’re racing the 100K or hiking the 12K.