TAUT - Terras Do Ancião Ultra Trail

We hope you love rock and hardcore challenges 💪, because the TAUT (Terras Do Ancião Ultra Trail) doesn’t do things by halves to celebrate its status as an official leg of the World Trail Endurance Championship 2026 🏆. Head to the Leiria district, in the Centro region of Portugal, for a massively XXL gathering spread over three days in mid-February 📆. With 7 competitive events on the clock, there’s something for everyone, but the highlight remains the special distance of 240 km for 9 639 mD+ 🥵. If you prefer the classic ultratrail format, you can also tackle the 160 km and their 7 726 mD+ 🤯. Don’t worry, long and short trail events are more accessible: 100 km and 3 872 mD+, 62 km and 2 236 mD+, 35 km and 1 500 mD+, 20 km and 690 mD+ and finally 13 km and 370 mD+. The last distance is also open to younger runners and can be completed in a Nordic walking format! 🚶‍♂️

Here, the terrain is the real boss 🫡. You’ll tread the technical trails in the Serra de Sicó where the limestone is omnipresent 🪨. It’s a demanding route, peppered with rocks and eroded passages that demand full concentration 🧠. We pass through spectacular natural sites like the Fragas de São Simão or the area of the Ribeira de Alge 🪵. Between two dry climbs 📈, we pass through characterful villages like Ferrarias de São João or Alvorge 🏘️, before tackling the mythical "Subida do Anjo", (the Angel’s ascent 👼) reminding you that your legs are very much alive 🦵. One final tip: check your headlamp 🔦, Portuguese nights are as beautiful as they are long ✨.

To orchestrate this war machine of trail running, the organization has to be tight! 🤓 That means no fewer than 17 control and aid stations 🍽️, including 3 aid bases set up along the courses ⛺️. The energy never drops ⚡️, especially with the "TAUT Night Fall Edition" where a DJ rattles the finish line 🎶. It’s a big trail festival bringing together more than ten municipalities, from Soure to Figueiró dos Vinhos, for an immersive dive into the local ADN 🇵🇹.

If you’re bringing your crew, Ansião is the perfect base camp 📍. We recommend a visit to the region’s natural caves or exploring the unique landscapes of the Serra de Sicó ⛰️. Families can enjoy accessible hiking trails 🥾 or explore the surrounding historical ruins. After the exertion, head to the town center to share a meal 🥘 and relive the race on the podium 🏅. Get ready, it’s going to shake up your calves 🤪.

To start the race, you’ll need to wake up TAUT ⏰.