Gerês Extreme Marathon 2026

The Gerês Extreme Marathon begins and ends in Vila do Gerês, Terras de Bouro, within Portugal’s Peneda-Gerês National Park. This mountain road running series features a marathon often called Portugal's most difficult road marathon because of its significant accumulated climb. The event also offers various distances: an Extreme Mile, a 12 km race, a 14 km mini race, a half marathon, the 42 km marathon, and an Extreme 90k. The primary routes traverse winding mountain roads through wooded parkland, past reservoirs, waterfalls, and open high terrain where weather can shift rapidly. The 12 km race commences at Fronteira Portela do Homem, with most other distances originating from Vila do Gerês. Participants are primarily adults; longer races are restricted to athletes aged 20 and above, while some shorter distances are open to those 18 and older. Carlos Sá Nature Events directs the series, with assistance from Terras de Bouro. The regulations emphasize environmental responsibility: field sizes are limited, conduct is strictly controlled, and runners must use their own hydration vessels.