STARMAN Night Triathlon Portugal Alentejo
Sunday, July 5, 2026, starting at 00:00 · Barragem do Pisão, Beringel (Beja)
TL;DR. The STARMAN Night Triathlon Portugal Alentejo 2026 is the 4th edition, taking place on July 5 with midnight (00:00) start at Barragem do Pisão (Beringel, near Beja). Only night triathlon in Portugal, under the Alqueva Dark Sky. Half is 113 km; Olympic 51.5 km. Slogan: "racing under a starlit sky". Headlamp and rear light mandatory.
Fueling strategy for a night triathlon
Night Half requires phased fueling. Dinner 4h out (~20:00): 2 to 2.5 g/kg carbs. 30 min before swim: one 25 g gel plus 500 ml drink with 700 mg sodium. Bike (~3h): 90 g/h via 1:0.8 maltodextrose to fructose blend. Run (~2h): 80 g/h, sodium 800 to 1000 mg/h (residual heat plus accumulated sweat).
Caffeine gel (75 mg) at km 10 of run counters night-time cognitive dip. Headlamp and rear light mandatory. Wetsuit usually optional (water ~22 to 24C). Post-race: 1.2 g/kg carbs plus 30 g protein in first 2h. To manage sleep, nap 14:00 to 19:00 on race day and use caffeine strategically from 22:00.
The course: reservoir, Alentejo back roads and Beja
Swim: freshwater in Barragem do Pisão (Beringel), no tide or chop. Bike: rural Alentejo roads, rolling profile, closed asphalt. Run: finishes in Beja, plain landscapes, vineyards and castles. Beringel to Beja: ~10 km. Minimum age: 18. Entries via World's Marathons or local organiser CIMAC.
What makes it unique: night racing under Alqueva Dark Sky
Flagship night triathlon in Portugal. Held inside the Alqueva Dark Sky reserve, one of the least light-polluted areas in Europe for astronomy. 1st edition 2022 (won by Márcio Neves). Draws triathletes wanting a singular challenge, mild Alentejo nights and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Logistics: Beja, limited accommodation and Dark Sky add-ons
Beja 2h30 from Lisbon via A2 and A26. Accommodation limited: book at least 3 months in advance. Packet pickup usually Saturday afternoon. Bag drop at T1 (reservoir) and T2 (Beja). Pair with visit to Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve in days before (several estates offer astronomy sessions).
Relevant guides for this race
Frequently asked questions about Starman Alentejo
Do I need my own lights during the race?
Yes. Headlamp mandatory on bike and run. Rear light mandatory on bike. Recommend headlamp with 200+ lumens (Petzl Bindi, Black Diamond Sprinter) and rechargeable rear light with flashing mode.
Is the reservoir water cold?
No. In July typically 22 to 24C. Wetsuits usually optional. If feel cold, sleeveless or shorty wetsuit gives comfort without sacrificing mobility.
Can I race just the Olympic distance?
Yes. Olympic (1.5 km + 40 km + 10 km) is more accessible for a first night triathlon. Same format, shorter distances. Good way to test sleep deprivation tolerance and night kit.
How do I manage sleep on race day?
Sleep 14:00 to 19:00 before race (long siesta). Light dinner at 20:30. Caffeine: 100 mg at 22:00, 100 mg pre-swim 23:30. Avoid stimulants for 4 to 6 hours beforehand so you can still sleep.
Is the Alentejo still warm at night in July?
Yes. The Alentejo holds heat well into the night. Race temps 18 to 24C but asphalt and air retain humidity. Test breathable kit on prior night training (briefs with tank top, not full trisuit).