Bairrada 150 Ultra Marathon
Saturday, May 9, 2026, starting at 08:00 · Águeda
TL;DR. The Bairrada 150 Ultra Marathon MTB 2026 is the 11th edition, racing on May 9 from Águeda. 153 km with 3,632 m of climbing across 5 municipalities: Águeda, Anadia, Mealhada, Tondela and Mortágua. One of the 3 toughest MTB ultras in Portugal. Combines Bairrada vineyards, coastal pine forest and Serra do Caramulo. 2026 edition marked by extreme mud and rain. Expect 7 to 12h of racing.
Fueling strategy for 153 km and 8 to 12 hours
Pre-race meal 3h out: 2.5 to 3 g/kg carbs. 15 min before: 25 g gel plus 500 ml with 800 mg sodium. During 8 to 10h: 90 to 100 g/h carbs via solid-liquid mix. Isotonic bottle 60 g/h (rotating two bottles), dual-source gel 25 g every 40 to 45 min, ham and cheese sandwich or real-food bar every 90 min. Sodium 800 to 1,000 mg/h.
Phased caffeine: 100 mg at km 70, 100 mg at km 110, 75 mg at km 140. Specific risk: rain plus 8+ hours equals loss of appetite. Train gut training at 90 g/h on 4h trainer. Post-race: 1.5 g/kg carbs plus 40 g protein plus 1.5 L with 1,500 mg sodium in first 2h. In wet year (like 2026), technical layers and waterproof jacket mandatory.
The course: 5 municipalities from Bairrada to Caramulo
Singletrack, forest tracks (pine and eucalyptus), Bairrada wine paths. Route crosses 5 municipalities: Águeda, Anadia, Mealhada, Tondela and Mortágua. Potentially passes through Mata Nacional do Buçaco. 5 municipalities: varied scenery from coastal Águeda to Caramulo range. 2026 edition defined by extreme mud and rain. Test of character and mental resilience.
What makes it unique
One of the 3 toughest MTB ultras in Portugal. 11th edition in 2026. Known for crossing 5 inland central municipalities in format mixing Bairrada vineyards (famous for sparkling wines), coastal pine forest, Serra do Caramulo. Heads up: this is MTB, not trail running. For trail running in same area see Trail Anadia Capital do Espumante (30/21/14 km).
Logistics: Águeda, packet pickup and bag drop
Águeda 30 min from Porto via A1 or 50 min from Coimbra. Accommodation in Águeda, Aveiro (15 min away), Coimbra. Packet pickup typically Friday afternoon. Bag drop at Águeda sports hall. Organisation: Grupo Desportivo e Cultural de Recardães + Câmara Municipal de Águeda. 600+ athletes in 2026. Allow time for pickup in wet year.
Relevant guides for this race
Frequently asked questions about Bairrada Ultra MTB
Is this trail running or MTB?
It is **MTB**. The "Bairrada 150 Ultra Marathon" is MTB marathon with 153 km and 3,632 m climbing. For trail running in same area see Trail Anadia Capital do Espumante.
Which tyres should I pick?
In wet year (like 2026), 2.3-inch tyres with medium-aggressive tread (Maxxis Aggressor, Schwalbe Rocket Ron). In dry, fast 2.25" tyres (Schwalbe Racing Ralph). Tubeless mandatory for 153 km.
Can I race without mechanical support?
Yes, but self-sufficiency essential. Carry inner tubes, emergency tubeless kit, multi-tool, spare chain, portable pump, CO2. Over 153 km you may pick up two or more punctures.
Are there shuttles from finish back to parking?
Start and finish both in Águeda. Course is loop (returns to start), shuttles not needed.
Is there a team category?
TBC by organisation for 2026 (Grupo Desportivo de Recardães). Previous editions included team category in some distances.