Penacova Trail do Centro

Penacova Trail do Centro takes runners into the forests and mountains near Penacova, in Portugal's District of Coimbra, in early September. This trail-running event offers three main distances: 17 km, 30 km, and 46 km, providing a short trail, a demanding long trail, and a full ultra-style day. The 46 km race is a single loop with approximately 2,330 metres of climbing, while the 30 km route includes about 1,950 metres of ascent, making even the middle distance steep and physical. The races are part of the UTMB Index system, relevant for runners accumulating verified trail results. The routes follow marked trails through natural, forest, and mountain terrain around Penacova, with signs approved by the Portuguese Trail Running Association. A previous 46 km field saw just over 200 finishers, with participants from Portugal and Cape Verde; the front of the race moved quickly over such a hilly course. Carlos Sa Nature Events organizes the event with support from Penacova Municipality, as part of the Carlos Sa Trail Running Centers project, focused on guiding visitors and providing local route information. The event has also featured a 10 km Solidarity Hike, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Volunteer Firefighters of Penacova.