Portugal · Madeira
Distance
61 km
Date
Entry fee
€55
€ / km
€0.90
Ultra Madeira 61K: Madeira Island's Jungle Mountain Race, Measured
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 20.4% ranks 6th. Over 10km sits at 20%+ gradient; the opening climb covers 8.6 km with +1,320m at 15.3% average from the start gun. Only 9.3% of the course is flat (14th least flat in database).
Entry costs €0.90/km. Madeira Airport (FNC) is 65 minutes from the start. Running since 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.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
3,780m
D+/KM
62.0m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
20.4%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-18.3%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 3.6 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 4.4 km | |
| 10–15% | 4.0 km | |
| 15–20% | 3.6 km | |
| 20%+ | 10.4 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 42.6% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 9.3% | Flat |
| 48.2% | Downhill |
Terrain
Ultra Madeira – 61 km 61km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 8.6 km · 1,320 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% |
Top descents
| 1 | 17.3 km · 1,054 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 -13.0% · max -57.1% |
Why Ultra Madeira 61K Is One of the Steepest Races in Europe
How hard is the Ultra Madeira 61K?
▼
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%.
UTMB-Indexed and ITRA-Certified: The Ultra Madeira 61K's Qualification Status
Is the Ultra Madeira 61K a UTMB qualifier?
▼
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.
Affordable for Its Elevation Density: How Much does Ultra Madeira 61K Costs
How much does Ultra Madeira 61K cost?▼
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.
The Ultra Madeira 61K Race Date and a 10th Edition Milestone
When does the 2026 Ultra Madeira 61K take place?
▼
October 4, 2026. The race is held annually in early October on Madeira island, Portugal. The 2026 edition is the 10th running.
Funchal and Madeira Airport: Getting to the Ultra Madeira 61K
How do I get to the Ultra Madeira 100K start?
▼
Madeira Airport (FNC) is approximately 65 minutes from the start area — but the Ponta do Pargo start is on the western tip of the island, approximately 1.5–2 hours from Funchal by car. With a 2:00 AM start, pre-race logistics are demanding. Accommodation near Ponta do Pargo is very limited; use race shuttles or car hire from Funchal. TAP Air Portugal operates direct European flights to FNC.
Ultra Madeira – 61 km 61km GPX
Getting to Ultra Madeira – 61 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)
