Ultra Trail de Gardunha

Ultra Trail de Gardunha is a trail running event held in Louriçal do Campo, within Portugal’s Castelo Branco district. Its routes traverse the Serra da Gardunha. The event typically occurs in early May, though dates may shift between editions. It features mountain and forest running, distinct from road racing. Participants can choose from several options within the same terrain: a long ultra distance, shorter competitive trail runs, and a walking route for those seeking the experience without the competition. The Serra da Gardunha is a compact yet significant mountain range, approximately 20 km in length and 10 km in width, reaching a summit of 1,227 meters. Hundreds of runners participate, coming from Portugal and other countries, with the 50 km distance often considered the main event. The name Gardunha originates from an Arabic word meaning “refuge.” The region holds historical significance beyond the race; it is Portugal’s cherry-production center, and chestnut groves were once prevalent before disease and fires altered the landscape.