Linhas de Torres 100

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.

The Funchal Marathon 2026, taking place on January 18th in the beautiful city of Funchal, Madeira Island, offers an exciting and inclusive running experience for athletes of all levels. Organized by the Madeira Athletics Association, the event includes three distances: the full Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.097 km), and a shorter, more accessible Mini Marathon (~8.3 km). Open to both amateur and competitive runners—whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced marathoner—this race showcases the island’s mild winter climate and scenic urban coastline.

The course weaves through the vibrant streets of Funchal, providing a mix of sea views, historic architecture, and enthusiastic local support. With a festive and welcoming atmosphere, pace guides for key finish times, and excellent support services, the event is well-suited for personal records, group challenges, or simply enjoying a memorable running experience in one of Portugal’s most charming destinations.

The XI Trail Montes Saloios will take place on 15 February 2026 in Covas de Ferro, Sintra, with all event operations centralized at the Pavilhão Gimnodesportivo da Liga dos Amigos de Covas de Ferro (secretariat, start, and finish). Organized by Motoclube TT Montes Saloios with the support of Faz-te aos Trilhos, the event welcomes both competitive athletes and walkers.

Participants can choose between the Trail Longo 29 km, Trail Curto 15 km, Minitrail 10 km, and a 10 km Walk. The 29 km and 15 km distances also include the special couples’ classification “Amor nos Montes.” Competitive races are chip-timed, while the walk is non-timed.

The day is marked by a festive and community spirit, with semi-autonomy between aid stations, scenic off-road routes, and plenty of post-race celebrations. With prizes for runners, walkers, teams, couples, and even costumes, the Montes Saloios promises both competition and fun.

The Terra de Gigantes Ultramarathon 2026 will be held from January 15–18, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM from Torre, Serra da Estrela — Portugal’s highest point — and finishing in Nazaré, home of the world’s biggest waves. Organized by Horizontes Turismo Desportivo and Associação Interior Convida, the race challenges athletes with an epic 303.8 km journey across Portugal, combining extreme distance, harsh winter conditions, and significant elevation gain.

The route traverses mountain ranges, historic villages, faith paths near Fátima, and remote schist and xisto trails, before culminating on the Atlantic coast. With 74 hours to complete the challenge and semi-self-sufficiency rules, this is a true test of endurance, courage, and resilience.