The 8th Trail do Cavalo is a trail running event scheduled for January 25, 2026, in Alter do Chão, Portugal. This race offers several distances including a Long Trail of approximately 32 km, a Short Trail (Trail Sprint) of about 20 km, a Mini Trail (Youth Trail) of 13 km, and a 13 km Walk, appealing to a broad range of trail running enthusiasts.

Open to all who meet the participation requirements, the event also features a Trail Kid’s category with distances tailored for children and adapted sports, promoting athletics among the youth. It is part of the District and National Trail Circuits, ensuring a competitive and well-regulated environment for both amateur and experienced runners.

The race courses traverse the natural landscapes of the Alter do Chão region with low to medium difficulty, incorporating various surfaces such as asphalt, stone, dirt, and stairs. The atmosphere combines sport, community engagement, and nature appreciation, with parallel events for kids and walking, making it a family-friendly occasion.

The Algarve Xtreme Trail 2026 is a trail running event held on January 25, 2026, in Querença, Loulé, Portugal. It offers multiple distances including Ultra Trail (47-48 km), Trail (31 km), Trail Sprint (20 km), Mini Trail (10 km), and a 10 km Caminhada (walk), as well as Trail Kids races on January 24. The event welcomes a broad range of participants, including licensed athletes and amateurs, with some age restrictions depending on the distance, and is part of the Algarve Cup, Regional Trail Circuits, and the ITRA National League.

The race courses feature significant elevation gains with challenging terrain that highlights the natural beauty of the Querença region. The atmosphere combines both competitive and recreational elements, with a family-friendly kids’ trail event on the preceding day and a festive award ceremony. The event emphasizes environmental responsibility and athlete safety, requiring semi-autonomy and mandatory equipment for all participants.

The Algarve Xtreme Trail also includes team classifications for the main distances and encourages camaraderie and fair play among all participants, making it a well-rounded trail running experience for diverse runners.

The Trail Manuelino 2026 is a trail running event scheduled for January 31 and February 1, 2026, in Abiul, Pombal, Portugal. It features three competitive trail races (32 km, 18 km, and 12 km) and a 12 km walk, with an additional 1.5 km Trail Kids race, offering options for various levels of trail enthusiasts. The event is open to participants aged 18 and over for the main trail races, with younger runners allowed in the kids’ category under adult supervision and with a responsibility waiver.

The 32 km and 18 km races are part of the Leiria District Athletics Association (ADAL) Trail Circuit and the Portuguese Trail Running Association’s Trail and Trail Sprint Series 100, attracting competitive athletes. The course traverses technical trails, paths, and regional tracks in a picturesque valley surrounded by hills at the foot of the Serra do Sicó, blending green mountainous landscapes with historical village charm.

The event has a family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of distances including a kids’ race and a walk, making it suitable for all ages and levels. The race day includes briefing sessions, transfers to start points, and a prize ceremony, ensuring a well-organized and festive experience for participants and supporters.

The Santa Maria Trail (SMAT) 2026 is a trail running event taking place on February 7, 2026, in Vila do Porto, Portugal, on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores. This event includes several race distances: a Long Trail of approximately 35 km, a Short Trail of about 20 km, a Mini Trail of 10 km, a non-competitive 10 km Walk, and a Trail Kids race of 4 km.

The event is open to all participants with minimum age requirements depending on the distance: 18+ for the Long Trail, 16+ for the Short and Mini Trails, and 8-15 years for the Trail Kids race. The Santa Maria Trail is certified by the ATRP and organized by the Casa do Povo de São Pedro Trail Running Section. Winners of the Long and Short Trail general classifications earn automatic entry to the next edition.

The race courses traverse diverse natural landscapes including trails, agricultural and forest paths, and water lines around Vila do Porto, offering scenic and technical challenges with significant elevation gains. The atmosphere is competitive yet welcoming, with a variety of distances catering to both experienced trail runners and beginners, as well as family participation through the walk and kids’ race.