Portugal · Norte (Porto District / Serra do Marão)
Distance
40 km
Date
Entry fee
—
€ / km
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TM 40km at Ultra Trail do Marão: A Point-to-Point Through the Heart of the Serra do Marão
The TM (Trail do Marão) is the 40km distance within the annual UTM Ultra Trail do Marão event held each March in Amarante, northern Portugal. Running point-to-point from Pelourinho, Teixeira (Baião) to Parque do Ribeirinho, Amarante, the course covers 40km with 2,500m of elevation gain through the Serra do Marão mountain range. It opens with a punishing 7.1km climb to the Seixinhos summit at 1,100m — 724m of gain in the first sector alone — before descending to Mafómedes, one of the most isolated mountain villages in Portugal.
The course crosses 3 mountains and the Aboboreira range, passing through the largest megalithic necropolis in northern Portugal and a waterfall corridor along the Ribeiro da Goiva, then finishes along the River Tâmega into Amarante. Entry for the 2026 edition was €65 (€1.63/km). Porto Airport (OPO) is 42 minutes away by road. With a 10-hour time limit and 2 ITRA points, the TM suits experienced mountain runners comfortable with prolonged steep hiking and technical mountain terrain.
Elevation and Terrain
Total Meters
2,500m
D+/KM
62.5m/km
For context, the Tor des Géants 330 loop has 73 D+/km.
Avg Uphill Gradient
14.9%
Avg Downhill Gradient
-14.8%
Uphill gradient distribution
| 2–5% | 1.8 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 2.0 km | |
| 10–15% | 2.5 km | |
| 15–20% | 1.8 km | |
| 20%+ | 2.7 km |
Route Profile
AnalysedTerrain breakdown
| 27.1% | Uphill |
|---|---|
| 25.6% | Flat |
| 47.3% | Downhill |
Terrain
UTM Ultra Trail do Marão – 40 km 40km Top Climbs
Top Climbs
| 1 | 4.5 km · 445 m gain starts km 19 · avg 10.0% · max 41.6% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2.3 km · 324 m gain starts km 7 · avg 14.0% · max 43.0% |
| 3 | 1.8 km · 213 m gain starts km 13 · avg 11.6% · max 42.0% |
Top descents
| 1 | 8.8 km · 730 m drop starts km 24 · avg -8.3% · max -36.0% |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4.3 km · 575 m drop starts km 9 · avg -13.3% · max -97.3% |
| 3 | 2.4 km · 460 m drop starts km 5 · avg -19.0% · max -532.3% |
What is the TM 40km at Ultra Trail do Marão?
What is the TM 40km at Ultra Trail do Marão?▼
The TM (Trail do Marão) is the 40km race within the annual UTM Ultra Trail do Marão event held each March in Amarante, Portugal. It runs point-to-point from Pelourinho, Teixeira (Baião) to Parque do Ribeirinho, Amarante — 40km with approximately 2,500m of elevation gain and a 10-hour time limit. The TM is a UTMB Index race (50K category) carrying 2 ITRA points and is divided into 4 sectors with intermediate cutoffs at km 7.1, km 21, and km 29.3.
A Very Hard Opening Climb: The UTM Ultra Trail do Marão — TM 40km's Defining First Sector
How hard is the TM 40km opening climb?
▼
Very hard. Sector 1 — Teixeira to Seixinhos summit at 1,100m — covers 7.1km with 724m of elevation gain, averaging approximately 102m of gain per kilometre. This is one of the steepest opening sectors in the DTR database and sets a demanding physical tone for the rest of the race. The sector cutoff is 2 hours 30 minutes from the 10:00 start. Most runners will need to hike the majority of this climb.
Not for Beginners: Why the UTM Ultra Trail do Marão — TM 40km Demands Experience Over Ambition
Is the TM 40km suitable for beginners?
▼
No. With 2,500m of elevation gain, sustained steep terrain, a maximum elevation of 1,100m, and an average uphill gradient ranking in the top 21% steepest of 390 European trail races, the TM is a genuine mountain race. Runners should have solid mountain trail experience and be comfortable with prolonged steep hiking and rocky terrain. The official difficulty score is 6.3 points.
Porto Airport, Transfer Buses, and Race Base for TM 40km
How do I get from Porto airport to the TM 40km?
▼
Porto (OPO) airport is approximately 42 minutes from Amarante by car — the most practical option. The race base is Parque do Ribeirinho, Amarante. On race morning the organisation runs a transfer bus from Avenida General Silveira, Amarante to the start at Pelourinho, Teixeira (Baião) at 08:40. Train and bus connections from Porto to Amarante exist but require a last-mile taxi to the start area.
What mandatory gear does the TM 40km require — and which items can become compulsory based on weather conditions on race morning?
What mandatory gear does the TM 40km require — and which items can become compulsory based on weather conditions on race morning?▼
Mandatory items include: race bib, whistle, waterproof jacket with hood, operational mobile phone, survival blanket, reusable cup, 1-litre water reserve, food security reserve, and adhesive elastic bandage. A GPS tracker, headtorch, sticks, and pirate trousers are not required for the 40km. Weather-dependent items — waterproof trousers, gloves, and a cap or beanie — may be declared mandatory up to 1 hour before the start based on race-day conditions.
UTM Ultra Trail do Marão – 40 km 40km GPX
Getting to UTM Ultra Trail do Marão – 40 km
Nearest airport
Porto (OPO)
Notes
Start: ~1.0–1.75 hrs drive; base is Amarante (check-in at Parque do Ribeirinho, Florestal) / Public transport: train/bus to Amarante region possible but last-mile taxi common; car easiest / Accommodation: moderate in Amarante; Porto base possible; book early (late summer)
