Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run

The TransPeneda-Gerês® is a trail running event taking place from May 1 to May 3, 2026, in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. It features multiple race distances: 25km, 40km, 70km, and the ultra 115km, catering to a wide range of trail runners.

Open to athletes aged 18 and older without license restrictions, this challenging event is part of the Best Trails Series circuit, the national ATRP circuit, and scores points for ITRA and UTMB. The race courses traverse the rugged mountainous terrain of the park, offering participants stunning natural landscapes and technical trails with significant elevation changes.

The atmosphere combines the spirit of extreme endurance competition with strong community support, including aid stations and life bases with food and rest areas. The event also offers logistical support like transfers and drop bags for ultra participants, creating a well-rounded experience for serious trail runners.

Zela Ultra Marathon (ZUM) returns for its 9th edition on May 1–2, 2026, in the scenic mountains of Vouzela, Portugal. Organized by SpotCriativo Eventos with local support, ZUM offers an immersive skyrunning experience across five distances, from vertical kilometers to mid-distance mountain challenges.

The event emphasizes autonomy, self-sufficiency, and fair play, providing runners a demanding yet rewarding environment with stunning alpine scenery. Races range from beginner-accessible to expert-level endurance courses, all in a circular or linear mountain format.

Event Type: Trail / Skyrunning
Distances:

KM Vertical Vasconha (linear): 4 km

Zela XS: 14 km (900 D+)

Zela S: 24 km (1500 D+)

Zela M: 35 km (2400 D+)

Zela L: 55 km (3600 D+)

Dates:

May 1, 2026 – KM Vertical

May 2, 2026 – All other distances

Who Can Participate:

Open to all, with age minimums per race (from 14+ to 23+)

Affiliation:

Overseen by the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal (FCMP)

Part of national skyrunning rankings

Atmosphere:

Competitive yet community-oriented

Limited to 700 participants to maintain quality and safety

Known for strong local involvement and support

The IX Caminhada Trail dos BUDAS is a trail walking event scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, held in Barrosas, Faro, Portugal. It features three route options of varying lengths: 14 km starting from Associação das Barrosas, 26 km starting and finishing at Fonte da Aldeia da Penina, and 32 km starting and finishing in Benafim, all on predominantly natural trails with minimal asphalt.

This event is open to all participants without competitive timing or classification, emphasizing a non-competitive spirit and a unique cultural ritual involving three silent laps clockwise around a temple. The routes showcase the hidden interior of the Algarve, including the mythical climb of Malhão and meditative moments at the Stupa, creating a serene and respectful atmosphere.

The race atmosphere is inclusive and reflective, focusing on respect for nature and fellow participants, with an emphasis on environmental care and silent meditation rituals. Registration includes surprise gifts, insurance, and aid stations, with optional t-shirts and lunch available, making it suitable for a broad audience seeking both a physical challenge and a spiritual experience.

The UTG – Ultra Trilhos da Gardunha 2025 is a trail running event taking place on October 24 and 25, 2025, in the Serra da Gardunha region, specifically in Louriçal do Campo, Castelo Branco, Portugal. The event features multiple race distances: Ultra Trail (50 km), Trail Longo (32 km), Trail Sprint (18 km), Mini Trail (12 km), as well as a walking event (12 km).

The race is open to all runners meeting the minimum age requirements (from 12 years old for walking and from 16 to 20 years for the various running distances). It is organized by the ABCansado Trail team and the Associação do Bairro do Cansado de Castelo Branco. Participants will experience a course through forest roads, Roman paths, levadas, streams, historic areas, and villages, offering a unique mix of natural and cultural landscapes. The atmosphere is competitive yet inclusive, with team awards and trophies for various categories, making it attractive for both individual competitors and teams.

The event includes a full support structure with multiple aid stations offering water, isotonic drinks, and solid foods such as bananas, nuts, and energy bars. There is also a walking event for those who prefer a less demanding participation, creating a family-friendly environment alongside the competitive races.