Azores Trail Run

The Whalers Great Route Ultra-Trail® (WGR) is a majestic race paying tribute to the Azores' rich whaling heritage. Participants journey through historical whaling sites and stunning biodiversity and geodiversity areas, immersing in a landscape where history and natural beauty intertwine. This race not only challenges the athletes but also connects them deeply with the cultural and environmental legacy of the region. The Whalers Great Route Ultra-Trail® (WGR) is more than just a race; it's a profound journey through the heart of the Azores' whaling history and natural splendor. From the historic Salão whaling station, runners traverse a challenging course with a dramatic elevation change, connecting with the cultural soul of the Azores. Landmarks like the São Sebastião Fort, the Angústias Whaling Complex, and the marginal Avenue aren't just checkpoints but narrators of a bygone era. The trail winds through the Faial Natural Park, a European Destination of Excellence, showcasing the archipelago's commitment to preserving its extraordinary landscape. The race culminates at Porto do Comprido, a site steeped in whaling history, now part of the esteemed Azores Geopark, recognized by UNESCO. This spot symbolizes the transition from a past deeply entwined with whaling to a future focused on conservation and awareness. Engulfed in the enthusiastic support of the Faial community and fueled by 11 strategically located Gas Stations, runners experience a unique blend of challenge and camaraderie. The WGR also serves as a gateway to prestigious events like the WESTERN STATES ENDURANCE RUN, offering qualification opportunities for top-tier runners. Its status as an ITRA scorer, a UTMB 100K Qualifier, and a Series 150 race in the Associação de Trail Running de Portugal circuit underscores its significance in the global running community. This race is a physical challenge and an homage to the Azorean people's enduring spirit and harmonious relationship with the sea and the land. It’s an invitation to experience the Azores' legacy, beauty, and resilience in the most immersive way possible.

As the namesake of the event, the Ultra Blue Island (UBI) race offers a remarkable journey through Faial Island's most iconic locations. This race tests the endurance and skill of its participants and serves as a vivid tour of the island's diverse landscapes and significant landmarks. It's an immersive experience that blends the challenge of a trail race with the unique opportunity to explore and appreciate Faial Island's natural and cultural beauty. Blue Island (UBI) 65 km race, embarking from the historic São Sebastião Fort in Horta, immediately treats runners to one of the most stunning vistas in the world - the Horta Bay. Recognized for its breathtaking beauty, the bay sets a majestic backdrop for the race's first miles, infusing the journey's beginning with awe-inspiring views. The challenging 8,030 ft+ / 7,883ft- gradient reflects the island's unique tectonic structure, offering a diverse and demanding terrain. Participants traverse magnificent locations like Praia de Porto Pim, Monte da Guia, Monte das Moças, the vibrant Horta Marina, and the serene Praia do Almoxarife. Throughout the course, runners are buoyed by the support of Faial's communities at five fueling stations: Império da Lomba, Império Vermelho da Ribeirinha, Parque Florestal do Cabouco, Levada (Cedros), and Parque Florestal do Capelo. These stations provide physical support and a warm, communal atmosphere, making the UBI race an exemplary experience of physical endurance intertwined with cultural engagement.

Run the island from coast to coast along the historical trails, ending your adventure in the Caldeira of Faial, the Island's Largest volcano. The Marathon Faial Coast to Coast (MFCC) is a race steeped in Faial Island's history and natural beauty, allowing participants to traverse the island from one coast to the other. This 42 km challenge is a modern-day reflection of the routes once used by Faialenses to connect their parishes and transport essential goods, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and athletic endeavor. The course takes runners through the central parish of Ribeirinha, near the historic Porto da Boca da Ribeira, and across landscapes defined by tectonic faults. This geologically active terrain contributes to the race's significant elevation changes, with an ascent of 5,486 ft+ and a descent of 5,667 ft, presenting a formidable challenge to even seasoned runners. What makes the MFCC particularly memorable is its finish line at the Capelinhos Volcano, a symbol of Faial's dynamic natural history. The volcano, known for its last eruption in 1957, offers a dramatic and iconic conclusion to the race. Finishing the marathon at Capelinhos allows runners to end their journey at one of the island's most significant geological sites, adding a profound sense of achievement and awe to the experience. ​ Support for participants is available at two key gas stations along the route, located in Parque do Cabouco and Parque do Capelo, ensuring that runners are well-equipped to tackle this challenging course. The Marathon Faial Coast to Coast thus becomes more than just a physical test; it's a journey through the heart of Faial's landscape, culminating in a dramatic finale at the Capelinhos Volcano, where the power and beauty of nature are on full display.

A unique trail running experience, where you will walk the trail of the 10 volcanoes, on Faial Island. The Trail Ten Volcanoes is a race where you will run through one of the most recognized trails of the island. Starting at Cabouco Park, a place of leisure and well-being, and passing through one of the largest calderas in the Azores, you will encounter breathtaking and unique landscapes. ​ While you run the 25km, accompanied by a gradient of 2,919ft+ / 4,418ft-, you will experience the biodiversity and geodiversity of the island in its natural state. This route goes through the Capelinhos Volcano, the place where the last eruption in the Azores took place, in 1957, an authentic scenery where you can step on land formed by ash, tuff and volcanic bombs. During the entire route, you will also be able to count on our support in two gas stations, located in Tanque da Levada and in the Capelo Forest Park. Your adventure ends at Porto do Comprido, the place where the boats used to set sail for the challenging task.

The perfect level for getting started in trail running and following the challenge with those you love the most. ​ We believe that the greatest achievements always happen close to those we love the most, so the Family Trail is the perfect challenge for trail running beginners and fans of physical activity. The race aims to generate constant interest in the sport, so it is defined by dirt roads and trails with a low degree of difficulty. It can be done as a run or a walk. You decide, because the challenge is yours! You will get to know places like the Capelinhos Volcano, where the last volcanic eruption of the Azores happened in 1957, and Porto do Comprido, which was the main whaling station of the Azores between 1940 and 1957. Accept this challenge and come run on Faial Island.

The Kids can also join this amazing Trail Running event. Saturday, at 2 pm, Kids until 12 years old can join the Kids Trail with 1.6km at Porto do Comprido, in Capelo. Everyone will get a Bib and a finisher. Registrations is not necessary, just show up there 30 minutes before the race.