Portugal · Madeira
Ultra Madeira 61K: Madeira Island's Jungle Mountain Race, Measured
Informations clés
Distance
61 km
Date
Droit d’inscription
55 EUR
€ / km
€0.90
Madeira endurance week: big climbs, humid jungle trail, and island logistics that feel like an adventure.
Ultra Madeira 61K is a mountain trail race held on October 4, 2026 on Madeira island, Portugal, running point-to-point from the island's west coast across dense laurisilva jungle, levada paths, and volcanic ridgelines. The course covers 61km with an officially stated 3,780m of gain; GPX analysis (10m smoothing) measures 5,657m (~92.8 m/km) — one of the largest stated-vs-GPX elevation discrepancies in the DTR database. Use the GPX figure for preparation. The GPX-derived elevation density ranks 4th among all ~390 analysed distances in the DTR database, and the distance-weighted average uphill gradient of 20.39% ranks 6th. Over 10km sits at 20%+ gradient; the opening climb covers 8.61km with +1,320m at 15.33% average from the start gun. Only 9.3% of the course is flat (14th least flat in database). Entry costs approximately €0.90/km. Madeira Airport (FNC) is approximately 65 minutes from the start. Running since approximately 2017 (9th edition in 2025), the race suits technically skilled mountain runners prepared for near-continuous gradient and dense jungle terrain on an Atlantic island in October.
Élévation et Terrain
Mètres totaux
3,780m
D+/KM
62.0m/km
Pour référence, le Tor des Géants 330 km a 73 D+/km.
Pente montante moyenne
20.4%
Pente descendante moyenne
-18.3%
Distribution du gradient de montée
| 2–5% | 3.6 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 4.4 km | |
| 10–15% | 4 km | |
| 15–20% | 3.6 km | |
| 20%+ | 10.4 km |
Profil de parcours
AnalysedDétail du terrain
| 42.6% | Montée |
|---|---|
| 9.3% | Plat |
| 48.2% | Descente |
Terrain
Ascensions
Principales montées
| Rank | Length | Elevation gain | Start km | Average gradient | Max gradient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8.6 km · 1320 m gain starts km 0 · avg 15.3% · max 84.1% | ||||
| 2 | 4.4 km · 831 m gain starts km 24 · avg 18.8% · max 60.6% | ||||
| 3 | 1.7 km · 379 m gain starts km 21 · avg 21.8% · max 119.2% |
Principales descentes
| Rank | Length | Elevation drop | Start km | Average gradient | Max gradient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17.3 km · 1054 m drop starts km 33 · avg -6.1% · max -49.7% | ||||
| 2 | 3.3 km · 676 m drop starts km 15 · avg -20.7% · max -73.6% | ||||
| 3 | 3.8 km · 494 m drop starts km 57 · avg -13% · max -57.1% |
Ultra Madeira 61K: Madeira Island's Jungle Mountain Race, Measured
4th in the DTR Database: Why Ultra Madeira 61K Is One of the Steepest Races in Europe▼
Q: How hard is the Ultra Madeira 61K? A: Among the most demanding 60km-range races in Europe. The GPX elevation density ranks 4th of ~390 DTR-analysed distances; the average uphill gradient of 20.39% ranks 6th — the average climbing step is at hands-on-knees gradient. Only 9.3% of the course is flat. The race opens with 8.61km gaining 1,320m with no warm-up. Use GPX elevation (5,657m) for preparation — the official 3,780m underestimates actual gain by ~50%.
Course Profile — An 8.61km Opening Climb, Levada Jungle, and 10km of 20%+ Gradient▼
Q: Is the Ultra Madeira 61K a UTMB qualifier? A: Yes — UTMB-indexed as a 50K race category (classified as 'Ultra 50KM' in 2024 edition). ITRA race ID 91133. Confirm current UTMB points before entering if qualification is the primary goal.
~€0.90/km for a Top-5 Race by Elevation Density: Ultra Madeira's Extreme Value▼
Q: How much does Ultra Madeira 61K cost? A: Approximately €55 / ~€0.90/km at 2025 pricing, this is a 2025 placeholder from external research, not confirmed from official registration. 2026 registration expected to open April–May 2026; verify actual pricing at en.ultratrailmadeiraisland.com.
Getting to Madeira: Funchal, October Island Conditions, and Trail Running Off the Tourist Map▼
Q: When does the 2026 Ultra Madeira 61K take place? A: October 4, 2026. The race is held annually in early October on Madeira island, Portugal. The 2026 edition is the 10th running.
Fichiers de course
Logistique
Aéroport le plus proche
Madeira (FNC)
Notes
Start: ~20–60 min depending on start town (TODO: verify 100K start/finish) / Public transport: island buses possible but race shuttles commonly used; car helpful / Accommodation: strong in Funchal; limited in remote areas; book early (spring)
