The Origins of Azores Trail Running Events

Trail running in the Azores emerged organically from the islands’ strong hiking and outdoor recreation traditions in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Local communities had long utilized the network of ancient paths connecting villages, agricultural lands, and coastal areas, but it wasn’t until the global trail running movement gained momentum that organized competitive events began to take shape. The first documented trail running events in the archipelago were small, locally organized races (learn more about hiking options in the Azores) that attracted primarily Portuguese mainland runners and adventurous locals seeking new challenges beyond traditional road racing.

The early events were heavily supported by local municipalities and tourism boards who recognized the potential for trail running to promote sustainable tourism and showcase the islands’ natural heritage. Volunteers from local hiking clubs and athletic associations played crucial roles in course design, safety management, and event coordination. These grassroots efforts established important partnerships between the sporting community and environmental conservation groups, ensuring that trail running development would respect the fragile ecosystems and protected areas that make the Azores so distinctive. This foundational period set important precedents for balancing athletic competition with environmental stewardship.

Growth and Evolution Through the Decades

The period from 2010 to 2015 marked significant expansion for Azorean trail running, with events spreading from São Miguel to other islands in the archipelago, including Pico, Terceira, and Faial. This geographic diversification allowed runners to experience the distinct character of each island, from Pico’s towering volcanic peak to Terceira’s UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. The number of annual events increased substantially, and race organizers began offering multiple distance categories to accommodate runners of varying abilities, from shorter 15-kilometer routes to ultra-distance challenges exceeding 50 kilometers. International participation grew steadily as word spread through the global trail running community about the exceptional courses and warm Azorean hospitality. Cycling enthusiasts have similarly discovered the islands’ potential for outdoor adventure.

Ultra Blue Island Azores Trail Run 2026 Overview

The Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run 2026 takes place on Faial Island, one of the nine islands that comprise the Azores archipelago, offering participants an unforgettable racing experience amid volcanic craters, lush forests, and stunning coastal views. The event is designed to showcase the remarkable natural diversity of the region while testing the endurance and technical skills of trail runners at various levels. Organizers have carefully crafted routes that highlight the island’s most iconic landscapes, from dramatic cliff faces to serene crater lakes.

This trail running event has gained international recognition for its challenging courses and exceptional organization, drawing both competitive athletes and recreational runners who appreciate well-managed races in spectacular settings. The 2026 edition promises to maintain the high standards established in previous years while potentially introducing new course variations to keep the experience fresh for returning participants. The race typically takes place during the spring or early summer months when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor athletic events.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Ultra Blue Island event serves as a celebration of trail running culture and environmental awareness, with organizers emphasizing sustainable practices and respect for the delicate island ecosystem. Participants can expect comprehensive support throughout the race, including well-stocked aid stations, medical personnel, and experienced volunteers familiar with the terrain. The event also offers opportunities for runners to explore the local culture, cuisine, and hospitality that make the Azores a unique destination.

Race Categories and Distance Options Available

The Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run 2026 offers multiple race categories designed to accommodate runners with varying levels of experience and fitness. The flagship ultra-distance race typically covers approximately 100 kilometers, presenting a serious challenge that requires extensive preparation and mental fortitude. This category attracts elite trail runners and experienced ultra-marathoners who are prepared to tackle technical terrain over an extended period, often running through both daylight and darkness.

For runners seeking a substantial challenge without committing to the full ultra distance, a marathon-length option of approximately 42 kilometers is usually available. This category maintains the technical and scenic qualities of the longer race while being more accessible to runners who may be newer to trail running or who prefer a shorter racing distance. Additionally, many editions of the race include a shorter trail race option, often around 20-25 kilometers, which allows less experienced trail runners or those seeking a less demanding experience to participate in the event.

Some editions may also feature team relay categories, vertical kilometer challenges, or youth races to encourage broader participation and community engagement. The variety of distance options ensures that the Ultra Blue Island event can serve as a goal race for runners at different stages of their trail running journey. Each category maintains strict cutoff times at various checkpoints to ensure participant safety and proper course management, with specific time limits adjusted according to the difficulty and length of each race option.

Course Terrain and Elevation Profile Details

The terrain encountered during the Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run is characterized by its volcanic origins, creating a unique running surface that differs significantly from mainland trail races. Runners can expect to navigate across hardened lava fields, volcanic ash sections, and rocky technical passages that demand careful foot placement and concentration. The courses also feature segments through dense laurel forests, open grasslands, and coastal paths where Atlantic winds can present an additional challenge to maintaining pace and balance.

Elevation profiles for the various race categories are notably challenging, with the ultra-distance race typically accumulating between 4,000 and 6,000 meters of positive elevation gain. The courses feature numerous steep climbs and technical descents, often with gradients exceeding 20-30 percent in certain sections. Runners should prepare for sustained climbing efforts followed by quad-punishing descents that require strong eccentric muscle strength and confident downhill running technique. The undulating nature of the terrain means there are few flat sections where runners can settle into a steady rhythm.

Weather conditions can significantly impact the course difficulty, as the Azores are known for microclimates that can change rapidly. Runners may encounter fog in higher elevations, reducing visibility and making navigation more challenging, while coastal sections might feature strong winds. The volcanic rock can become slippery when wet, adding another technical dimension to the race. Course markings are typically excellent, but participants are advised to familiarize themselves with GPS navigation and carry recommended safety equipment to handle the varied and potentially challenging conditions.

Registration Process and Important Deadlines

Registration for the Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run 2026 typically opens several months in advance of the race date, often in the fall of the preceding year. Although the first two tier have already ended, there is still time to register until April the 1st. Interested participants should monitor the official race website and social media channels for the exact registration opening date, as popular race categories can fill quickly due to limited participant caps designed to preserve the quality of the experience and minimize environmental impact. The registration process is conducted entirely online through the race’s official platform, requiring participants to create an account and provide necessary personal and emergency contact information.

Prospective runners should be aware that certain race categories, particularly the ultra-distance options, may require proof of qualifying race results or verification of previous trail running experience. This requirement ensures that participants have adequate preparation for the challenging courses and helps maintain safety standards throughout the event. Registration fees vary by race category and typically increase as the event date approaches, with early-bird pricing offering the best value for those who commit early. International participants should also factor in travel arrangements, as accommodation on the islands can become limited as the event approaches.

Important deadlines beyond the initial registration include cutoff dates for requesting refunds or race category transfers, deadlines for submitting mandatory medical certificates or liability waivers, and final dates for confirming participation. Most trail running events of this caliber also have a deadline for participants to collect their race bibs and mandatory equipment, which typically occurs during a designated packet pickup window in the days immediately preceding the race. Runners who cannot meet these deadlines may forfeit their entry, so careful attention to the race communication timeline is essential for ensuring a smooth race experience.

The Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run 2026 promises to deliver an exceptional trail running experience in one of Europe’s most distinctive natural settings. Whether you’re an experienced ultra-runner seeking your next major challenge or a trail enthusiast looking to explore the remarkable landscapes of the Azores, this event offers race options suited to various abilities and goals. Proper preparation, timely registration, and respect for the unique environment will help ensure that participants have a memorable and rewarding experience at this prestigious Atlantic island trail running event.

A couple of young students from São Miguel (João Rui Rego e Afonso Resendes) have created an app called Veera who aims at becoming the next sensation in the world of social networks. 

Although it’s been launched only a few months ago, it has been downloaded in many countries and it is growing rapidly.

We particularly like their slogan: 

“Find new friends with the same tastes as you
Outside of the filters and perfect lives that everyone pretends to have” 

Good luck and keep the good work!

Azores and Covid 19

Rules and regulation for the entire Azorean Archipelago

What is required, what you need to do before and during your stay in the Azores

Update 12/03/2021

International passengers are again required to have a negative test result to Covid-19 at the time of departure, regardless of having a digital certificate of vaccination or recovery.

The Regional Government of the Azores no longer has agreements with laboratories or collect stations to carry out tests, before traveling to the Azores.

Only the travellers with the digital COVID-19 VACCINATION OR RECOVERY certificate don’t need to fill the online form Mysafeazores.

Passengers from Mainland Portugal or Madeira, with a Digital Vaccination Certificate, do not need a test.

Please remember to fill in the questionnaire/Form before you leave!

https://mysafeazores.com/

https://portugalcleanandsafe.pt/en/passenger-locator-card

This is if you do not have the GREEN PASS

You must also fill in the form first

https://app.euplf.eu/

Rules about wearing mask and/or restrictions

Update 12/03/2021

Mask is again mandatory in all enclosed establishments.

Applicable to the islands of Corvo, Flores, Graciosa, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, São Miguel and Santa Maria from 00:00 of 03 December 2021

a) It is mandatory to wear masks or visors to access or stay in closed spaces in accordance with the DRS Information Circular

b) Opening of all drinking establishments and similar, with dancing spaces, with compliance with the applicable technical guidelines, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Regional Health Authority

c) Opening of all catering, drinking and similar establishments in the sports events venue, under the terms of the guidelines issued by the Regional Health Authority

d) Opening of crèches, kindergartens, childcare centres, childcare centres, youth development and inclusion centres, occupational activity centres, day centres, senior citizen centres and similar responses, under the terms of the guidelines issued by the Regional Health Authority

e) Permission to visit the elderly and users residing in residential structures for the elderly, in long term care units and in health care homes, as well as users of residential structures for persons with disabilities, under the terms of the guidelines issued by the Regional Health Authority

f) Limitation of public presence in cultural events and sports competitions to three quarters of the respective capacity, unless authorized by the Regional Health Authority for a higher capacity, after previous evaluation of the contingency plan of the space and/or event by the County Health Delegation.

Guidelines from : https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/ 

On a total of 2,000 m2 of surface, the project involves the construction of a modern building inspired by the old convents existing on the island, with the cloister and in the form of the old cisterns of the vineyards, designed by a team of Portuguese and English architects, awarded for the design of numerous skyscrapers around the world, explains the press release.

The new space will have a covered area of approximately 1,650 m2, of which approximately 1,000 m2 will be used for the production, wine-making, bottling, labeling and storage areas.

The project, estimated at 2.9 million euros, also includes an area dedicated to wine tourism, with five apartments and a conference room. The overall investment was considered of significant regional interest by the Azores government council.

“This investment will promote and give great visibility to Pico wines in Portugal and abroad, improving our viticulture and making wine tourism grow,” said Jose Antonio Soares, president of Magdalen Hall, cited in the note and ceremony, adding that “projects like the one we are launching today strengthen our potential in these structural areas and push us forward, increasing our entrepreneurial fabric, creating jobs and wealth in our county and our island”.

Founded in April 2014, the Azores Wine Company Azores Wine Company has developed a coherent project for the production of quality regional wines, largely destined for export both to the Portuguese mainland and abroad, with an eye to the local market, positioning the Azores as a wine region of excellence and with a strong identity.

In turn, the President of the Government highlighted the potential that the Azores natural heritage presents as a resource for the development of the region in various fields, indicating for example the new impetus that took place in the wine sector on the island of Pico.

“I am one of those who believe that we are able to monetize a large part of the heritage we have at various levels, transforming it into the active development of our region,” said Vasco Cordeiro, in an official statement.

The President of the Regional Council also stressed that the government has put in place measures to develop the potential of the wine industry in the region, encouraging the private initiative that exists in this sector, not only for the recovery of the environment and the landscape but also as an economic activity capable of generating wealth and employment.

“In the area declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, that is, the vineyards at the foot of the Pico volcano, 10 years ago there were only 100 hectares in active production. Nowadays, if we count what is in production, and the projects under construction for the recovery of abandoned vineyards, we are talking about over 800 hectares of vineyards, “said Vasco Cordeiro.

Thanks to a code-share agreement between Air France and Sata Azores Airlines, customers of both airlines will be able to enjoy new travel opportunities to the Azores islands from January 27, 2020 starting from Paris-Charles de Gaulle via Lisbon and Porto (Portugal): Ponta Delgada, Terceira, Santa Maria, Horta and Pico.

Air France is adding its marketing code to flights operated by Sata Azores Airlines, with Airbus A320 and A321 departing from Lisbon and Porto for Ponta Delgada, Terceira, Santa Maria, Horta and Pico.

As part of this mutual agreement, Sata Azores Airlines is adding its marketing code to flights operated by Air France, Airbus A319, A320 and A321, departing from Lisbon and Porto for Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Through this agreement, Air France and Sata Azores Airlines offer, on a code-share basis, over 70 weekly flights to the Azores from Lisbon and Porto and over 60 weekly flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Lisbon and Porto.

The agreement allows you to purchase tickets directly on the Air France and Azores Airlines portals with the possibility of sending baggage directly to your destination, with the same allowance offered on Air France flights, and taking advantage of the points in the frequent flyer programs of the respective airlines.

It will also be possible to have access to the Sata Azores Airlines lounges in Lisbon, Porto and the Azores islands, as well as “Fast Track” access in the airports of Lisbon and Porto, allowing you to pass the security checks quickly and easily and bypass the long waiting file.

Chosen for its “mythical green exuberance” and “gigantic volcanic craters”, the archipelago is among the top 10 destinations for 2019 according to an article in the travel section of the American newspaper. The publication also explains the choice because of natural wonders such as the natural hot springs, the exuberant blue hydrangeas, typical of the region, and for its proximity to the United States, about four hours by plane.To make the choice of the 52 best destinations in the world, the American magazine sends a journalist every year to travel the world for a whole year. In 2018, the lucky one was Jada Yuan. Sebastian Modak, the son of an Indian father and a Colombian mother, who was one of the finalists for 2018, was chosen this year. Curiously, his first destination will be Puerto Rico, this year’s winning destination.

“For me, traveling is immersing yourself in the unknown and embracing the feeling of humility that derives from it: there is always something to learn from someone else, somewhere else,” says Sebastian Modak, about being chosen to be the traveler of the year.The Autonomous Region of the Azores has about 246 746 inhabitants with two areas classified as World Heritage by UNESCO: the historic center of Angra do Heroísmo on the island of Terceira and the landscape of vineyards protected by dry stone walls on the coast of island of Pico.

Here is the complete list of the 52 destinations chosen:

1 – Puerto Rico
2 – Hampi (India)
3 – Santa Barbára (California, United States)
4 – Panama
5 – Munich (Germany)
6 – Eilat (Israel)
7 – Setouchi Islands (Japan)
8 – Aalborg (Denmark)
9 – Azores (Portugal)
10 – Ice Caves of Ontario (Canada)
Zadar (Croatia)
Williamsburg (Virginia, United States)
Las Vegas (United States)
El Salvador
Danang (Vietnam)
Costalegre (Mexico)
Paparoa Track (New Zealand)
Puglia (Italy)
Tatra Mountains (Slovakia)
Calgary (Canada)
Ikhs Olkhon (Lake Baikal, Russia)
Huntsville, Alabama
Islas Malvinas
Aberdeen (Scotland)
Golfo Paradiso (Italy)
Dessau (Germany)
Tunis (Tunisia)
Gambia
Northern Rivers (Australia)
Frisian Islands (Netherlands / Germany / Denmark)
New York (United States)
Chongli (China)
Orcas Island (Washington, United States)
Uzbekistan
Vestlandet (Norway)
Lyon (France)
Doha (Qatar)
Batumi (Georgia)
Marseille (France)
Wyoming (United States)
Los Angeles (United States)
Dakar (Senegal)
Perth (Australia)
Hong Kong
Iran
Houston (Texas, United States)
Columbus (Ohio, United States)
Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
Vevey (Switzerland)
Cádiz (Spain)
Vale do Elqui (Chile)
Tahiti islands