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Ultra Madeira – 100 km 2026 trail running route — Portugal · Madeira

Portugal · Madeira

Distance

100 km

Date

Entry fee

€70

€ / km

€0.70

Ultra Madeira 100K: Crossing Madeira Island West to East, Measured

Ultra Madeira 100K is a point-to-point mountain trail race traversing Madeira island from west to east — Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse to Caniçal — first contested at 100km in the 2025 (9th) edition, starting at 2:00 AM on October 4.

The course covers 100km with 5,460m of gain (54.6 m/km) through laurisilva jungle, levadas, and over Madeira's highest peaks — Pico Ruivo (1,861m) and Pico do Areeiro (1,818m). The average uphill gradient of 16.9% is estimated in the top 5% of the DTR database for sustained ascent steepness. The race opens with an 11.1 km climb from km 0 in pre-dawn darkness; the defining late-race challenge is Climb 3 at km 66.72 — 824m over 4.4 km at 18.7% average — after 67km.

Entry costs €0.70/km (€70, 2025 placeholder). Madeira Airport (FNC) is 65 minutes from the start. Free entry for ITRA Performance Index ≥800 (men) / ≥650 (women). It suits highly experienced mountain ultra runners comfortable with technical pre-dawn traverses of a sub-tropical island.

Elevation and Terrain

Total Meters

5,460m

D+/KM

54.6m/km

For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.

Avg Uphill Gradient

16.9%

Avg Downhill Gradient

-17.5%

Uphill gradient distribution

Ultra Madeira – 100 km 100 km — uphill gradient distribution (GPX-derived, analysed 2026-05-02)
2–5%
7.6 km
5–10%
9.4 km
10–15%
8.9 km
15–20%
5.4 km
20%+
13.0 km

Route Profile

Analysed

Terrain breakdown

Ultra Madeira – 100 km 100 km — terrain breakdown (GPX-derived, analysed 2026-05-02)
42.7%Uphill
14.4%Flat
42.9%Downhill

Terrain

Alpine

Ultra Madeira – 100 km 100km Top Climbs

Top Climbs

Ultra Madeira – 100 km 100 km — top climbs (GPX-derived, analysed 2026-05-02)
1

9.6 km · 1,378 m gain

starts km 42 · avg 14.4% · max 76.8%

2

11.1 km · 980 m gain

starts km 0 · avg 8.8% · max 36.3%

3

4.4 km · 824 m gain

starts km 67 · avg 18.7% · max 58.7%

Top descents

Ultra Madeira – 100 km 100 km — top descents (GPX-derived, analysed 2026-05-02)
1

16.7 km · 1,030 m drop

starts km 76 · avg -6.2% · max -44.5%

2

5.6 km · 737 m drop

starts km 26 · avg -13.1% · max -61.0%

3

4.4 km · 694 m drop

starts km 35 · avg -16.0% · max -50.1%

Ultra Madeira 100K: Crossing Madeira Island West to East, Measured

Ultra Madeira 100K: Volcanic Terrain and the Century Race That Outsteepens the Alps

How hard is the Ultra Madeira 100K?

Among the most demanding 100km races in Europe by gradient. Average uphill of 16.89% estimated top ~5% of the DTR database. Opens with an 11.13km climb from km 0 in pre-dawn darkness; peaks over Madeira's highest summits; delivers Climb 3 at km 66.72 (18.68% average) after 67km. Only 14.4% flat. Note: the 100km format was first run in 2025; confirm 2026 format (Finishers.com shows 83km).

Is Ultra Madeira 100K a UTMB or ITRA qualifier?

Is Ultra Madeira 100K a UTMB or ITRA qualifier?

ITRA-indexed (4 points confirmed for 2017 85km; 2025/2026 100km TBC). UTMB indexing not explicitly confirmed for the 100km format. Confirm current status before entering if qualification is the primary goal.

Elite-Free Entry and Good Value: How Much does Ultra Madeira 100K Costs

How much does Ultra Madeira 100K cost?

Approximately €70 / ~€0.70/km at 2025 pricing is the placeholder for now. 2026 registration expected April–May 2026; verify from official site. Free entry for ITRA Performance Index ≥800 (men) / ≥650 (women) and previous winners.

When does the 2026 Ultra Madeira 100K take place?

When does the 2026 Ultra Madeira 100K take place?

CRITICAL: Finishers.com lists the 2026 format as 83km — not 100km. The DTR date is October 4, 2026, but the distance format for 2026 is unconfirmed. The 100km format was first run in 2025. Confirm the 2026 format from en.ultratrailmadeiraisland.com before booking travel.

Western Island Start and Demanding Pre-Race Logistics: Ultra Madeira 100K

How do I get to the Ultra Madeira 61K start?

Madeira Airport (FNC) is approximately 65 minutes from the race start area — exact time varies by start location (20–60 min range; verify 61km start specifically). TAP Air Portugal operates direct flights to FNC from most major European hubs. Accommodation in Funchal is excellent; the remote western start area has limited options — base in Funchal and use event shuttles.

Ultra Madeira – 100 km 100km GPX

Getting to Ultra Madeira – 100 km

Nearest airport

Madeira (FNC)

Notes

Start: ~20–60 min; 100K start/finish is Ponta do Pargo (Miradouro Farol da Ponta do Pargo) / Public transport: island buses possible but race shuttles commonly used; car helpful / Accommodation: strong in Funchal; limited in remote areas; book early (spring)

Last checked: Official Website →

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