Abutres SkyRace
March 21 and 22, 2026, starting at 09:00 · Miranda do Corvo, Serra da Lousã
TL;DR. The Abutres SkyRace 2026 runs on March 21 and 22 in Miranda do Corvo, Serra da Lousã. Skyrunning format with a Vertical Race, SkyRace 12K and SkyRace 25K. The course crosses the schist villages (Casal Novo, Talasnal, Candal) and the ridge of Trevim (1,204 m). Note: the Trilhos dos Abutres ultra-trail is cancelled for 2026; the Abutres SkyRace is the only official event from the Abutrica association this year.
Fueling strategy for technical skyrunning
Skyrunning combines big vertical with technical footing. For the SkyRace 25K with around 1,500 m D+ (3 to 5h of racing), target 60 to 80 g/h of carbs with a gel every 30 min (2 to 3 total + 1 backup). Sodium 500 to 700 mg/h (March is cool but humidity runs high). Caffeine 100 to 200 mg pre-start + 100 mg at km 18 before the final climb. For the Vertical Race (~30 min), a pre-race gel + water does the job.
Pre-race meal 2 to 3h out: 1 to 1.5 g/kg of carbs (oats + banana + honey + coffee). Take a pre-start gel at T-15 min with 200 ml of water. Trail poles are recommended on the SkyRace 25K (Vertical Race usually bans them, check the 2026 regulations). Run a 4 to 6 week gut training block so you can tolerate 70 g/h on a hard climb: the gradient slows gastric emptying.
Heads up: Trilhos dos Abutres cancelled for 2026
The Abutrica association announced on September 15, 2025 that the classic Trilhos dos Abutres events (Ultra Trilhos 50K and Trilhos 25K in Miranda do Corvo) will not run in 2026, with a return planned for late January 2027. The 2026 official page is dedicated to the Abutres SkyRace on March 21 and 22, a skyrunning format with a Vertical Race and SkyRace 12K and 25K. The race keeps the association DNA: Serra da Lousã, schist villages and the Trevim peak.
Course: schist villages and Trevim
Technical skyrunning terrain on the Serra da Lousã: rocky paths, the schist typical of the Lousã massif, singletrack on steep slopes. Iconic points: schist villages of Casal Novo, Talasnal and Candal (rural heritage), Trevim at 1,204 m (highest point), and viewpoints over the Ceira river. The SkyRace 25K covers the main viewpoints and crosses at least 2 villages. The Vertical Race packs the climbing into a short distance (classic skyrunning: 1000 m D+ over 5 km).
March weather on the Lousã: pack for variability
March on the Lousã brings 8 to 16C with a chance of snow on the Trevim ridge. Moderate to high chance of rain. Humidity typically 75 to 85%. Moderate wind on the ridgeline. Implications: solid base hydration, sodium 500 to 700 mg/h, layers are mandatory (waterproof jacket + thermal sleeves). For snow at altitude, consider shoes with fine spikes such as Nortec Trail.
Logistics: Miranda do Corvo, Lousã and Coimbra
Best access via the A1 motorway, Coimbra Sul exit, then IC2 and N17 to Miranda do Corvo (around 20 min). Coimbra is 25 km away. Packet pickup at the Miranda do Corvo town market on Saturday morning before the race. Bag drop available at the start/finish area. Post-race awards in the village centre. Accommodation is limited: book early in Coimbra or Lousã.
Skyrunning, World Series and ATRP
The Abutres SkyRace is part of the ATRP (Portuguese Trail Running Association) skyrunning circuit. For international qualifying (Skyrunner World Series), check the points awarded by the ISF. The Abutres vibe is local roots all the way: the Miranda do Corvo community, Abutrica volunteers, and support from the schist villages. The Trilhos dos Abutres ultra-trail is expected back in 2027. For 2026, the SkyRace is the only chance.
Relevant guides for this race
Frequently asked questions about Abutres SkyRace
When are the classic Trilhos dos Abutres back?
January or February 2027, according to the Abutrica association announcement of September 15, 2025. In 2026, only the Abutres SkyRace runs on March 21 and 22. Follow the official Facebook page to confirm 2027 dates.
What is the difference between the Vertical Race and the SkyRace 25K?
The Vertical Race packs elevation gain into a short distance (around 1000 m D+ over 5 km), 30 to 60 min duration, a pure climbing race. The SkyRace 25K covers around 1500 m D+ over 25 km with technical climbs and descents, 3 to 5h duration. Vertical is more explosive; the SkyRace is endurance.
Can I use trail poles?
On the SkyRace 25K, yes (recommended). On the Vertical Race, typically banned under the ISF skyrunning regulations (confirm the 2026 Abutres regulations). For the classic Trilhos dos Abutres (50K in January 2027), poles are mandatory.
What safety kit do I need?
For the SkyRace 25K, the typical technical trail kit: race pack with 1 L reservoir, waterproof jacket, space blanket, charged phone, whistle, reserve food. For the Vertical, lighter: hydration + jacket. Confirm mandatory kit in the official regulations around 30 days out.
Are there hiking trails at Faia Brava (Côa Valley)?
Yes, but there is no competitive trail race. The Faia Brava private nature reserve (Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo), managed by the Faia Brava association, offers marked hiking trails, MTB and birdwatching (black vultures, griffons). For competitive trail in central Portugal, the Abutres SkyRace is the reference.