For those fancying a gentle jog through the Algarve countryside, the Ultra Trail race may prove a little too much.
Runners will set off on November 29th, hoping to finish the pan-Algarve course by December 2nd – many will not make it as the run is from Alcoutim on the Spanish-Portuguese border to Sagres, at the end of the known world.
The organisers aim to promote the authentic Algarve with its beaches and mountains, fishing and hunting, modernity and tradition but find it hard to hide the fact that the 300 kilometre test of endurance along inland and mountain trails, is not for the weak.
Participation is limited to 100, because, as Germano Magalhães from the organising entity, ALUT, says "this is a test of athletes for athletes" who can manage 72 hours of rough terrain. Entrants have registered from Portugal, France, Spain, the US, Poland, Luxembourg, the UK, Scotland, Uruguay, Sweden and Japan.
This event is in its second year second edition, organised by the Algarve Trail Running Association, with the support of the Algarve tourist board and Almargem which looks after the Via Algarviana, much of which will be pounded along .
Last year, 60 runners athletes covered the 300 kilometre route. The race was won by João Oliveira from the Dragões de Chaves Sports Association Oliveria completed the gruelling course in 43 hours and that’s the time to beat.
See: http://alut.pt/en/
