Races
Madeira Island Ultra-Trail
Portugal, April. 110 km on 75% trail. +2,036 ft of climbing. 29 hours cutoff.
- Start1,125 ft
- High1,229 ft
- Low1,052 ft
- Finish1,106 ft
Geometryderived
The cruxForest trails, rolling cols, and weather swings (near mile 44)
Course DNA
The Course
Madeira Island Ultra-Trail runs 110 km through Portugal. +2,036 ft gain and -2,055 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Forest trails, rolling cols, and weather swings. High point near 1,229 ft. Low near 1,052 ft. April temps run 40°F to 80°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 34.
The Work
Train for 2,036 feet of climbing across 110 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 29 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 44.
Kit
April in Portugal: plan for 40°F to 80°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 29 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 17. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 34.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 17. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 34. Forest trails, rolling cols, and weather swings near mile 44 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 23 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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