‘Trilhos Salgados – Lagoa’, a demanding trail running challenge, which is open to everyone, will be held in Lagoa on Sunday, January 26. Walkers who simply want to enjoy the beautiful coastline can also participate as a leisurely 11km walking route has been planned.

Organised by Lagoa Council and the Trail Runners Portimão Association, the event aims to put Lagoa on the ‘map’ of trail running destinations due to the quality of trails it offers and its ability to be an organiser.

“We also want this event to become part of the Taça Alengarve calendar, making it one of the main national events for trail running,” the council said.

The event will be held along the town’s popular coastal walking paths and will be divided into three levels of difficulty.

The toughest will see participants tackling a highly demanding 30km trail between Praia Grande and Porches. There will also be a slightly less challenging 16km trail between Benagil and Porches, or if you would simply like to enjoy the sights without worrying about the competitive aspect, you can take part in an 11km walk between Benagil and Porches.

However, organisers stress that participants must be “aware of the difficulties that are involved in a race like this one on unpaved surfaces” and should be “physically and psychologically prepared” to take on the challenge.

Prices start at €11 for the walk, €13 for the 16km trail running race and €15 for the 30km race.

According to the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), a trail running race is a “competition open to everyone, which takes place in a natural environment”. It should avoid paved roads, while courses can range from a few kilometres for short distances all the way up to 80 kilometres and beyond for ultra-trail races.

https://www.crono.aaalgarve.org/eventos/i-trilhos-salgados

Source: The Portugal Resident