Portugal launches CISM Military Ultra Trail Marathon Challenge during Trail Linhas de Torres 2026
MAFRA (POR) – The Portuguese Ministry of National Defence officially presented the Running Challenge – Trail Linhas de Torres 2026 on 25 February in Mafra, an event that will combine sport, solidarity, and military heritage when it takes place on the morning of 21 March 2026.
Organized by the Ministry of National Defence through the Directorate-General for National Defence Human Resources (DGRHDN), the event is held in partnership with the Armed Forces General Staff (EMGFA), the Association of Disabled Armed Forces Members (ADFA), and the Historical Route of the Lines of Torres Vedras, among others. With a strong solidarity component, all financial proceeds generated by the event will be donated to the ADFA.
Open to both military personnel and civilians, the Running Challenge will feature several races designed to attract a wide range of participants. The highlight of the event will be the 50 km ultra trail, contested both individually and in relay format, starting at 08:30 near the Peninsular War Monument in Torres Vedras. In addition, a 10 km individual race and a 6 km solidarity walk, open to persons with disabilities, will begin at 09:30 near the southern tower of the Mafra National Palace.
Young participants will also be involved through a series of races organized in cooperation with the national School Sports program. These youth competitions will take place along the trails of the Tapada Militar and the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, with all races finishing at the Municipal Sports Park Stadium in Mafra. At the venue, young participants will also have the opportunity to discover other sporting challenges such as shooting, orienteering, and fencing.
The event will also host the 3rd Portuguese Military Trail Championship, contested individually and by teams in the 50 km race and the mixed relay format. In addition, the competition will include the 1st CISM Military Ultra Trail Marathon Challenge 2026, organized under the aegis of the International Military Sports Council (CISM). Military athletes from five nations have already confirmed their participation: Spain, France, Denmark, Ecuador, and the United Arab Emirates.
Beyond its competitive dimension, the Running Challenge – Trail Linhas de Torres aims to promote school sport, encourage outdoor activities, and highlight Portugal’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The race route will also pay tribute to those who built the Lines of Torres Vedras and to all those who stood on the front line in defense of the national territory.
The presentation ceremony brought together representatives from the Mafra Municipality, the Directorate-General for National Defence Human Resources, the Directorate-General for Defence Resources and Infrastructure, the Armed Forces General Staff, the Association of Disabled Armed Forces Members, School Sports authorities, and the Portuguese Athletics Federation. All speakers praised the initiative for its sporting, charitable, historical, and international significance.
The event is expected to strengthen the link between military sport and society while showcasing Portugal as a destination where sport, history, and solidarity meet in the spirit of Friendship Through Sport.
(Source: https://www.defesa.gov.pt/)
