Running Events in the Portalegre District

The district of Portalegre, comprising 15 municipalities, is a paradise for runners seeking diversity. Trail enthusiasts will be delighted by the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, with its steep trails and breathtaking panoramas. Thanks to its topography (the park's peak is the "Pic de São Mamede" at an altitude of 1,025 meters ⛰️), a significant variety of fauna and flora has developed! You will mainly find cork oaks and Pyrenean oaks, as well as chestnut trees at higher altitudes 🌳. Keep your eyes open; with a bit of luck, you might encounter a Bonelli's Eagle! 🦅 The best part? There's something for every level! This mountain range offers challenging technical routes for experienced runners, as well as gentler trails for beginners or those who wish to enjoy the scenery at a more leisurely pace.

For road running enthusiasts 🛣️, the winding roads that weave through the region's olive groves and vineyards offer an unparalleled experience. Key cities like Elvas and Campo Maior are must-see stops. Elvas provides an ideal setting to combine sport with cultural exploration. A must-see is the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graça (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). If you're lucky, in Campo Maior, you might arrive during the "Festa do Povo" (also known as "Festa das Flores"). This is a unique event typical of the town. In a completely spontaneous manner (the festival sometimes doesn't occur for several years), the locals decide to gather and create thousands of paper flowers to decorate the streets 🌸.

Portalegre hosts several events that attract running enthusiasts from all over Portugal 🇵🇹 and beyond. The Ultra Trail de São Mamede, for example, is a major event for long-distance runners. With courses ranging from 10 to 110 kilometers, this event showcases the wild beauty of the region while offering a high-level sporting challenge.

Finally, take the time to savor the local cuisine post-run: specialties of the Alentejo region, such as soups (the famous Açorda), along with goat cheese, traditional bread, or dishes featuring black pork, will reward your efforts and immerse you in the local culture.

With its lively capital, historic villages, and diverse landscapes, the district of Portalegre invites you to explore, push your limits, and enjoy the beauty of the Alentejo. If you wish, you're just a step away from Extremadura in Spain.