Trail do Cerco

Trail do Cerco is a trail-running event in Celorico da Beira, located in Portugal’s Beira Alta region. It offers three race distances: the 24 km Trail Longo, the 14 km Trail Curto, and the 9 km Mini Trail. A 9 km caminhada is also available for walkers. This setup accommodates both runners seeking a challenging mountain-style effort and individuals preferring a more relaxed pace on the route. The event is organized by the Municipality of Celorico da Beira, with technical assistance from AVCAT-Associação Vila Chã Aldeia Trail de Portugal. It is included in the Circuito de Trail da Beira Alta VI(r)VER BEIRA ALTA. The race is linked to the Santa Eufémia festivities, providing a local festival atmosphere instead of a purely sports-focused event. Its name originates from the historical siege legend of Celorico da Beira. According to the tale, the town remained loyal to the Portuguese king. Its alcaide, Fernão Rodrigues Pacheco, is said to have deceived the besieging Spanish king by having an eagle drop a trout inside the fortress. This suggested the town still possessed ample food supplies. This narrative of resistance, scarcity, deception, and steadfast loyalty defines the race’s identity, making the “Cerco” in its title a direct nod to the town’s own siege story.