Trilhos de Mértola

Trilhos de Mértola is a trail race series in Mértola, a hill town in Portugal's Beja District, with its next edition planned for late February. Runners can choose 9 km, 16 km, 32 km, or 46 km, and the organizer also offers children's and junior courses. Each adult distance is run as a single loop, so even the shorter races get their own route rather than repeated laps. The trails run through the open, wild-feeling Alentejo countryside, with castle views tying the race to the old fortified landscape around Mértola. The range of distances makes it workable for first-time trail runners as well as people looking for a longer day out on rougher ground. After the race, visitors can see Mértola Castle, visit the Islamic Museum, or take a family boat trip on the Guadiana River.