ADVENDURE - Portugal to Host First ITRA National League European Final!

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Portugal to Host First ITRA National League European Final!

By Adventure Endurance Network 19 Ιουλ 2026

Castanheira de Pera (Portugal), 17 October 2026 - The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) is proud to announce the inaugural ITRA National League European Final, hosted in partnership with Ultra Trail Aldeias do Xisto (UTAX).

For the first time, Europe's top-qualified National LeaguTe athletes will meet on one start line to compete head-to-head for the continental title. Held on the UTAX TSL 54 km course, with 3,200 m of cumulative elevation gain, the European Final promises a true test of endurance, technical ability and race strategy through the spectacular landscapes of Portugal's Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages), one of the country's most distinctive trail running destinations.

Athletes qualify through performances in their respective National Leagues during the 2025 season. This pathway awards excellence and promotes the local races which are the beating heart of trail running. More than 30 European countries are expected to be represented, underlining the depth, diversity and incredible growth of trail running across Europe.

The Final will crown the first overall men’s and women's champions and honor outstanding performances across every age category, from Under 23 athletes to runners aged 70 and over.

With a prize purse of more than €50,000 across overall rankings, age categories and timed segments, the ITRA National League European Final is a significant development for the National League and athletes across the continent.

"The first European Final is a major step for the ITRA National League. It brings together athletes who have earned their place through consistent performances at home and gives them the chance to compete for a European title. Just as importantly, it celebrates the local races and national communities that are the bedrock of our sport. We are proud to champion athletes of every age, celebrating trail running as a sport of lifelong participation.”

Rui Pinho, ITRA Executive Board Member

About ITRA

The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development, promotion and ethical governance of trail running worldwide. ITRA supports athletes, races and associations while safeguarding the values and spirit of the sport.

About the ITRA National League

The ITRA National League connects trail runners through nationally organised race series across Europe, providing athletes of all levels with a structured pathway from local competition to continental recognition. By strengthening domestic race calendars and rewarding consistent performances throughout the season, the National League supports the sustainable development of trail running while creating new opportunities for athletes to progress beyond their national series. As the first continental Final of the ITRA National League, the European Final marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of the series.