Qualified runners representing 28 National Leagues will come together in Central Portugal on 17 October for the inaugural ITRA National League European Final, hosted as part of UTAX – Ultra Trail Aldeias do Xisto.
Castanheira de Pera will welcome qualified National League runners from across Europe for the first continental final. On Saturday, 17 October, they will take on the demanding trails of Portugal’s Serra da Lousã after earning their places through performances in their respective National Leagues.
A 54km test in the Serra da Lousã
The final will take place on the 54km UTAX TSL course, featuring 3,200 metres of elevation gain. Starting and finishing in Castanheira de Pera, the route crosses mountainous terrain and forested landscapes in an area known for its traditional Aldeias do Xisto, or Schist Villages.
Qualification was based on overall and age-group National League 2025 rankings, giving athletes from all age groups an opportunity to compete internationally. The event offers €50,000 in prize money across the overall and age-group competitions, plus three timed-segment challenges covering uphill, sprint and downhill sections.
From local races to an international final
Launched in 2021, the ITRA National League is built around a “Run Local” philosophy. It encourages athletes to compete within their own countries while providing a pathway to international competition.
ITRA says the inaugural European Final is an important step in the development of the National League. The association aims to extend the model to other continents, creating further opportunities for trail runners worldwide.
The event is supported by Turismo Centro de Portugal in partnership with ITRA, the UTAX organisers and local stakeholders.
Rui Ventura, President of Turismo Centro de Portugal, said: “It is a great pleasure for Centro de Portugal to host the inaugural ITRA National League European Final in Castanheira de Pera. Welcoming athletes from so many European countries is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the quality of the region’s trails, as well as the beauty of its landscapes and the warm hospitality of its communities.”
The ITRA National League European Final starts at 08:30 on Saturday, 17 October, in Castanheira de Pera.
Event information
- Event: ITRA National League European Final
- Date: 17 October 2026
- Location: Castanheira de Pera, Portugal
- Host event: Ultra Trail Aldeias do Xisto (UTAX)
- Course: 54km with 3,200m of elevation gain
Source: International Trail Running Association
