Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela is a 80km ultra marathon in Seia, Portugal. Distance: 80km. Elevation: 4,000m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 47/100). DNF rate: 18%. Time limit: 18h. Surface: trail. Established 2012.
Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela
Seia, Centro, Portugal
"80km through Portugal's highest mountains — ascending Torre at 1993m through glacial valleys and granite boulders."
A mountain ultra through Serra da Estrela, mainland Portugal's highest range — glacial valleys, granite landscapes, and traditional shepherd trails.
The Course
Through Portugal's highest mountain range, the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. The course ascends to Torre (1993m), mainland Portugal's highest point, through glacial valleys, granite boulder fields, and traditional shepherd villages.
mountainous
loop
6
1,993m
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Mountain village finish with local food, drinks, and a relaxed post-race atmosphere. The setting rewards the effort.
Race Day Weather
14°C
4° – 24°
55%
20%
June in central Portugal mountains. Warm in valleys, cool at altitude. Generally dry and pleasant.
Stats & Records
2012
250
13:00:00
7:12:45
Miguel Arsénio (2023)
8:55:22
Ester Alves (2022)
Entry
€85
January
months
Lore & Trivia
Ultra Trail Portugal runs through the Serra do Gerês — the only national park in Portugal, a wild landscape of granite peaks, alpine lakes, and oak forest in the northern Minho region. Portuguese trail running is growing rapidly, driven by the country's extraordinary diversity of terrain (coast, mountains, cork forest) and a quality of life that attracts international runners who discover that Portugal is far more than Lisbon and the Algarve.
- ▸ Torre at 1993m is mainland Portugal's highest point — the course reaches the summit.
- ▸ The Serra da Estrela was shaped by glaciation, creating unique U-shaped valleys and granite formations.
- ▸ Traditional Portuguese shepherd culture is visible throughout the route in stone-built villages.
- ▸ The natural park produces Serra cheese, one of Portugal's most prized artisan cheeses.
- ▸ Established in 2012.
Portugal's trail running scene is the best-kept secret in European ultra — Atlantic coast, mountain ranges, and almost no crowds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela? +
Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela is a 80km (80km) ultra marathon with 4,000m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela? +
Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 47/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 18%. Runners have 18 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela? +
Average temperature is 14°C (range 4°C to 24°C) with 55% humidity and a 20% chance of rain. June in central Portugal mountains. Warm in valleys, cool at altitude. Generally dry and pleasant.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela? +
The men's course record is 7:12:45 set by Miguel Arsénio in 2023. The women's course record is 8:55:22 set by Ester Alves in 2022.
What is the average finish time for Ultra Trail Serra da Estrela? +
The average finish time is 13:00:00. About 250 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 18%.
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