Skyrunning Baptism by Fire: Serra dos Passos, You Got Me Good (English Version)

30 Apr

On April 26th, I laced up my trail shoes for a challenge I won't soon forget: my very first **Skyrunning experience**, right here in Portugal, at the stunning Serra dos Passos. As part of my ongoing adventure with **TheCrazyRunner Porto**, this race was the perfect mix of endurance, nature, family, and local discovery — everything I stand for:

A Local Trail Running Gem

Hidden in the hills of northern Portugal, Serra dos Passos offers a rugged and breathtaking landscape, ideal for anyone passionate about trail running or looking to discover the country through unique running tours. I chose this race not only for the challenge but also because I have family in the area — it was the perfect excuse to blend sport, family time, and local culture.

From Start to Finish: A Raw & Real Trail Experience

The organization was small but effective. Course marking was spot-on, which is essential when you're pushing through steep climbs and rapid descents. The only hiccup? A lack of clear directions for bib pickup and access to the start line — a small detail that can easily be improved.

The course itself? Brutal and beautiful. 22 kilometers with 1700 meters of elevation gain — even more than the 1600m announced, which made those final meters particularly punishing. The trail was tough and technical, with slippery sections and loose rocks that required full concentration. As someone who didn’t want to risk injury, I ran cautiously, especially on the descents. Sometimes, trail running is more about surviving smart than running fast.

Running With a View

One of the biggest highlights? The incredible mountain views. Every climb revealed a new panorama — valleys, ridges, forests — a visual reward for every bead of sweat. With perfect weather — clear skies and cool mountain air — I couldn’t have asked for better trail conditions.

Culinary Discovery at the Finish Line

If you're like me, a good post-run meal is part of the adventure — and this one didn’t disappoint. Unlike the usual pasta-on-a-paper-plate setup, the post-race lunch was a real culinary discovery: rich in variety, generous in quantity, and rooted in local flavors. It's that kind of attention to detail that elevates an event from good to unforgettable — especially when you're combining sport and cultural experiences like we do at TheCrazyRunner Porto.

Race Swag Worth Keeping

Shoutout to the organizers for the beautiful race t-shirt and medal — both well-designed, quality keepsakes that I’ll wear and display proudly. It’s always nice when the effort put into the race is matched by the thoughtfulness of the little extras.

A Word of Thanks

Massive thank you to all the volunteers along the course. Your energy, smiles, and support were essential. Events like this don’t happen without passionate people behind the scenes, and you made all the difference.

TheCrazyRunner Porto: More Than Just Running

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Porto, my mission with TheCrazyRunner Porto is to create experiences that go beyond the run. From trail adventures like this one, to city running tours that mix history, culture, and fun, I want to help people discover Portugal through movement, nature, and of course, food.

Serra dos Passos was a tough initiation into Skyrunning, but it reminded me why I run: for the challenge, the discovery, and the joy of sharing stories like this one with you.

Want to join the next adventure? Follow TheCrazyRunner Porto and come run, laugh, and discover with us — whether on the trails or through the streets (and cafés!) of Porto.