Trail Erdal Urgezes Solidário – Friendly Trails, Forest Paths & an Overflow of Kindness (English Version)

12 May

Trail running in Portugal always delivers surprises – and this Sunday (May 11th, 2025), I discovered one of the most heartwarming and beautifully organized events: the Trail Erdal Urgezes Solidário, held in the hills just outside Guimarães, under an hour from Porto.

Race Recap: A Trail Guide & Experience Debrief

A spontaneous “yes” and a gentle 20K adventure

Invited by the organizers (a huge thank you again 🙏), I signed up for the 20 km distance – the shorter of the options this time. The early start played a role, but so did a certain festa dos vizinhos the night before (neighbourhood party magic!). Safe to say, the morning wake-up wasn’t the sharpest I’ve had.

Still, from the moment I arrived, everything was smooth and stress-free. The race guide sent the day before made logistics easy, and parking was a breeze. But more than anything...

The True Heroes: An Extraordinary Team of Volunteers 💚

Right from bib pickup, I was greeted by the kindest, most patient, and genuinely warm volunteers I’ve ever encountered at a race. Their smiles, helpfulness, and willingness to communicate – despite my still-wobbly Portuguese – made a huge difference. They slowed down, made me feel welcome, and always approached with joy.

This wasn’t just a race – it was a human experience, and the energy from the volunteers shaped everything. I want to say this loud and clear:
Obrigado de coração to every single one of you. You made my day.

Through Vineyards, Forests, and Familiar Views

The course was everything you want in a trail: natural, varied, and full of surprises. We ran:

Through vineyards and lush forest trails 🌿
Past small chapels and winding village paths ⛪
Up to Penha, a familiar spot I’d once visited as a tourist – now rediscovered in trail shoes

A light rain passed over us mid-race, but it added a bit of charm and didn’t affect the terrain too much. And importantly:

🎯 Course marking was incredible – probably the most thoroughly marked trail I’ve ever run. No confusion, no hesitation. And again… thank you to the volunteers who set all that up (and who’ll now have to take it all down!).Your work did not go unnoticed.

Small update, it was in fact 20km….without taxes 😀 22km in fact !

Fuel, Finish & Smiles All Around

Aid stations were stocked with all the essentials:

Fruit, cake, biscuits 🍌🍰
Water and isotonic drinks 💧
Friendly encouragement 😄

At the finish line, more smiles (yes, again from the volunteers!), a beautiful cork medal 🏅, and to top it off: a bifaninha and a beer – Portugal’s version of the perfect recovery combo.

It was one of those finish lines you want to linger at – not rush away from.

Why You Should Run This Trail Race

Whether you live in Portugal or you're just visiting, this event is the perfect mix of scenic running, human warmth, and great organization:

✅ Ideal for trail runners of all levels
✅ Easily accessible from Porto
✅ Stunning natural scenery + cultural gems
✅ A great excuse to visit the beautiful Guimarães
✅ And most importantly… volunteers who make you feel like family

If you're planning a trip to Portugal and want to experience real trail running with heart, this is a race to remember. And to all future runners: bring your legs, your curiosity… and your gratitude for the people who make it all possible.

Running in Porto? Let’s Explore Together!

If you're in Porto and want to keep running while discovering the city, check out The Crazy Runner Porto. I offer:

🏃‍♂️ Personalized running tours (scenic, cultural, or themed – pastel de nata stops included!)
🌇 City highlights & hidden gems
👥 Group or private options – great for events, couples, or solo travelers
🏞️ Future plans for trail-inspired runs just outside the city!

Running isn’t just a sport here – it’s a way to connect with people, stories, and places.