Sintra Trail

Sintra Town Council is organising Sintra Trail Cruz Alta on 1 November 2026, at 8:15 AM.

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta is a daytime trail event in Sintra, aimed at the whole community: trail athletes, beginners in the sport, supporters and people new to walking.

Its purpose is to encourage sport and regular physical exercise, through running or walking, and to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

The Event is open to participants/athletes who comply with these Rules and Regulations.

2.1 Participation Age / Regularised Registration

SINTRA TRAIL - Cruz Alta comprises two competitive races and one walk:

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta 20 Km – competitive, from 21 years of age.

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta Beginner 12 Km – competitive, from 18 years of age.

Sintra Cruz Alta Walk 8 Km – recreational sporting activity. In the Walk, the minimum age for participation is 10 years of age and children up to 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult.

When registering, participants or their guardians/holders of parental responsibility declare, under their own responsibility, that they meet the health requirements necessary to take part and that they will refrain from participating if those conditions change.

The competitive route of SINTRA TRAIL - Cruz Alta requires athletes to have prior experience in this variant of athletics, as well as good physical condition and appropriate management of physical and mental effort to complete the challenge.

Participation with auxiliary means of locomotion, namely bicycles, skateboards, skates or wheelchairs, accompanied by animals or baby strollers, will not be permitted.

To take part in the event, participants must have their registration duly regularised and payment made within the stipulated deadlines. They must also have given their express and informed consent, accepting the liability waiver included in these Rules and Regulations.

Registration must be completed through the Organisation's official website: sintratrail.pt.

2.2 Physical Condition

The Sintra Trail Cruz Alta 20 Km race (minimum age 21 years) takes place mostly on Sintra trails, requiring athletes to have prior trail running experience, good physical condition and suitable management of physical and mental effort to finish this challenge.

The Sintra Trail Cruz Alta Beginner 12 Km (minimum age 18 years) race is suitable for those starting out in the sport or with a lower level of experience, as well as for anyone wishing to complete a shorter and faster race. Even so, it also requires appropriate physical preparation.

The Sintra Cruz Alta 8 Km Walk (minimum age 10 years) is non-competitive and is suitable for anyone wishing to enjoy, at a calmer pace, a route passing through emblematic areas of Sintra village and the Sintra mountains. Even so, given the characteristics of the route, it also requires appropriate physical preparation.

2.3 External Assistance

No support may be provided to athletes by anyone outside the Organisation in any of the competitive races. All races take place on a self-sufficiency basis and, as such, each athlete must have the appropriate means to finish their race safely.

It is also prohibited to accompany participants along the route with any type of vehicle, motorised or otherwise.

2.4 Race Bib Placement

The race bib must be placed visibly on the front of the torso;

2.5 Sporting Conduct Rules

Participants undertake, on their honour, to comply with the following rules, which they declare they know, accept and will respect:

• Respect the Event and Organisation rules;
• Respect the Organisation's rules and recommendations;
• Respect the schedules and specific requirements of each race, as set by the organiser of each race;
• Use their equipment properly;
• Respect the Organisation's representatives;
• Respect the sporting spirit throughout the Event and towards their opponents;
• Maintain exemplary public conduct during the Event, which cannot in any way put at risk the good name and reputation of the Organisation and its partners, sponsors and other participants.

3.1 Programme / Schedule / Distances

SINTRA TRAIL - Cruz Alta comprises two competitive races and one recreational sporting walk. Only participants with regular athletics training, used to variations in intensity (speed, gradient and uneven ground) over distances above 10 km, should register for the competitive trail race, 20 km or 12 km;

The SINTRA TRAIL - Cruz Alta routes start from the centre of Sintra village, with start and finish at Largo Rainha D. Amélia - Coordinates: 38.797443, -9.390422

Mostly using the trails in the surrounding area:

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta

• 20 Km
• Start at 8:15 AM
• Briefing at 8:05 AM
• Equipment check at 7:45 AM

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta will start at Largo Rainha D. Amélia, in Sintra, heading towards the Castle ramp, Pena Park, Cruz Alta, Tapada do Mouco, Monserrate and finishing at Largo Rainha D. Amélia;

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta Beginner

• 12 Km
• Start at 8:45 AM
• Briefing at 8:35 AM
• Equipment check at 8:20 AM

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta Beginner will start at Largo Rainha D. Amélia, in Sintra, heading towards the Castle ramp, Pena Park, Cruz Alta, Tapada do Mouco, and finishing at Largo Rainha D. Amélia;

Sintra Cruz Alta Walk

• 8 Km
• Start at 9:00 AM
• Briefing at 8:55 AM

Sintra Cruz Alta Walk will start at Largo Rainha D. Amélia, in Sintra, heading towards the Castle ramp, Pena Park, Cruz Alta, Tapada do Mouco and finishing at Largo Rainha D. Amélia;

3.2 Race Office

The pre-event race office will take place at Decathlon Sintra, at the following times:

• 30 October 2026: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• 31 October 2026: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

3.3 Rankings / Prizes / Trophy Presentation / Closing

3.3.1 Rankings – Race

The ranking for prize-giving purposes will be based on the finishing order of the first male and female athletes, regardless of their start time.

Within 24 hours after the end of the event, age-group rankings will be published. These rankings will only be used to place athletes within their age group according to their time and will not be used for prize allocation.

3.3.2. Prizes - Race

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 athletes in the overall ranking of Sintra Trail Cruz Alta 20 Km and Sintra Trail Cruz Alta 12 Km, in each gender, regardless of age group.

Prizes will also be awarded to the top three finishers by age group in the Sintra Trail Cruz Alta 20 Km and Sintra Trail Cruz Alta 12 Km, female and male, with ceremonies held as the awarded athletes arrive.

3.4 Map / Elevation Profile / Route Description

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta 20 Km

• Elevation – accumulated positive elevation gain: 750m

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta Beginner 12 Km

• Elevation – accumulated positive elevation gain, to be announced shortly.

Sintra Cruz Alta Walk 8 Km

• Elevation – accumulated positive elevation gain, to be announced shortly.

The routes for both races and the walk are mostly on dirt roads and low-difficulty trails.

3.5 Time Limit, Time Barriers and Collection Points

3.5.1 Final and intermediate cut-off time:

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta 20 Km

Cut-off time:

• At the 1st refreshment point, at a kilometre point to be announced in due course, the cut-off time is 1 hour
• At the 2nd refreshment point, at approximately 12.8 Km, the cut-off time is 2h30’
• At the finish, at 20 Km, the cut-off time is 3h30’

The athlete who reaches the cut-off time must hand over their race bib to the Organisation; however, at their own risk, they may continue the route, bearing in mind that course markings may already have been removed.

If they choose to withdraw, they must wait at the nearest collection point so that the Organisation can transport them to the finish area;

Sintra Trail Cruz Alta Beginner - 12 Km

Maximum duration of 2h30, finishing at 11:15 AM. However, all athletes taking more than 90 minutes to complete the first 5 kilometres of the Trail will be considered out of the race (cut-off time).

Sintra Cruz Alta Walk -8 Km

Maximum duration of 3h30, finishing at 12:30 PM. However, all participants taking more than 2h00 to complete the first 5 kilometres of the walk will be considered out of the event (cut-off time);

Any participant excluded from the event due to a time barrier who wishes to continue the route may do so under their own responsibility and autonomy, bearing in mind that course markings may already have been removed. Before continuing, they must hand over their race bib to the Organisation representative present at the location.

3.6 Timing Control Methodology

An electronic timing system will be used via a chip placed on the athletes' race bibs. At control points, an electronic mat will record their passage.

Timing starts, for each athlete, when they cross the start line and ends when the athlete crosses the finish line.

3.7 Refreshment Points (PA) and Control (PAC)

The Organisation will provide all athletes taking part in the 20 Km Trail with liquid and solid refreshments, not bottled for environmental reasons:

• PA1 – Liquids / Self Service – kilometre point to be announced in due course
• PAC2 – Liquids and Solids – approx. 12 km
• Final Refreshment – Liquids and solids – At the finish

The Organisation will provide all athletes taking part in the 12 Km Trail and 8 Km Walk with liquid and solid refreshments, not bottled for environmental reasons:

• PA1 – Liquids / Self Service – kilometre point to be announced in due course
• Final Refreshment – Liquids and solids – At the finish

Refreshments will not be permitted outside the areas established for that purpose.

IMPORTANT: Each participant must have a container (canteen, bidon, soft flask or bottle) for liquid refreshments, as for environmental reasons the Organisation will not provide any type of container.

3.8 Mandatory / Recommended Equipment / Checks

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FOR THE CRUZ ALTA 20 Km TRAIL and Beginner 12 Km:

• Race bib properly positioned with athlete details on the back;
• Container(s) with capacity for at least 500ml of water (authorised containers: canteen, bidon, soft flask or bottle);
• Mobile phone with charge;

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR THE SINTRA TRAIL CRUZ ALTA 20 Km AND SINTRA TRAIL CRUZ ALTA 12 Km RACES:

• Gloves;
• Whistle;
• Survival blanket;
• Long-sleeved windproof jacket (a waterproof jacket is also valid).
• Food reserve;
• Hat;
• Waterproof jacket.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT FOR THE SINTRA CRUZ ALTA 8 Km WALK:

• Race bib properly positioned with athlete details on the back;
• Container(s) with capacity for at least 500ml of water (authorised containers: canteen, bidon, soft flask or bottle);
• Mobile phone with charge;

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT CHECK:

Equipment checks may be carried out at the start, during the route and at the finish. The Organisation reserves the right to apply the equipment-check criteria it considers relevant. It also reserves the right to change the composition of the mandatory equipment, undertaking to communicate this fact to all participants by email up to 48 hours before the event.

IMPORTANT: Participants must carry all mandatory equipment throughout the entire event.

3.9 Passage through Road Traffic Areas

The route takes place almost entirely on trails, although there are some road crossings.

Current traffic rules apply and the athlete is responsible for their own safety and that of other pedestrians. When crossing roads open to traffic, the athlete must pay extra attention and follow the instructions of crossing marshals, otherwise they may be liable for potential damage and compensation resulting from non-compliance.

3.10 Penalties / Disqualification

30’ PENALTIES:

• Not having one item of mandatory equipment;
• Receiving external assistance.

DISQUALIFICATION:

The Organisation will not allow participation in the event and will disqualify any participant who engages in any of the following behaviours:

• Falsifies any element relating to their registration;
• Does not appear at the start at the indicated time and place;
• Does not follow the Organisation's instructions;
• Is not in suitable physical and psychological condition to participate;
• Does not have a race bib;
• Has more than 1 missing item of mandatory equipment;
• Does not display the race bib on the front of the t-shirt and clearly visible in the places specified by the Organisation;
• Uses another athlete's race bib;
• Folds or tampers with the advertising on the race bib;
• Does not follow the signage placed by the Organisation and jumps over barriers at the start;
• Does not complete the established route in full;
• Shows unsporting behaviour (for example: pushing and obstructions that intentionally harm other athletes);
• Uses doping substances;
• Does not respect the other participants, the Organisation itself, security agents and other support staff involved in the event;
• Does not respect basic principles of cleanliness and environmental preservation;
• Adopts postures or attitudes that in any way harm the image and good name of the event and the Organisation;
• Exceeds partial or total time barriers.

The Organisation is not responsible for the failure to present results resulting from negligent handling, incorrect placement and/or deterioration of the chip.

3.11 Responsibility towards the athlete / participant

The Organisation provides medical support to all participating athletes, with emergency ambulances along the route, at the start and at the finish of the event.

It also undertakes to provide transport to the finish in the event of withdrawal.

If continued emergency medical care is required, this will be provided by the national health service, under its responsibility.

Participants are responsible for all actions liable to cause material, moral or any other kind of damage to themselves and/or third parties. The Organisation declines all responsibility in the event of an accident resulting from these actions, negligence or theft of objects and/or valuables belonging to each participant. The Organisation, as well as anyone involved in organising the event, is exempt from liability for the acts described above.

3.12 Sports Insurance

All participating athletes, registered in accordance with the procedure described in these Rules and Regulations, benefit from personal accident insurance covering accidents that occur during the event.

The policy number and procedures to follow will be indicated in the athlete guide to be sent before the event to all registered participants, and also made available on the event website.

The Organisation's insurance liability ends when the official timing of the event is closed.

a) Registrations are open until 31 October 2026, unless sold out before the defined period. They will be completed online through a digital platform.

b) Fees:

20 Km Trail

• Until 15 August 2026: €18.00
• From 16 August to 31 October 2026: €20.00

Beginner Trail 12 Km

• Until 15 August 2026: €10.00
• From 16 August to 31 October 2026: €12.00

Walk 8 Km

• Until 16 August 2026: €7.00
• From 16 August to 31 October 2026: €8.00

c) Payments may be made by Multibanco reference, VISA or MB Way. Each reference is valid for a maximum of 72 hours. After this period, the reference expires and the athlete must complete a new registration.

d) The Organisation may, at any time and without prior notice, suspend or extend deadlines, or add to or limit event registrations due to technical/structural needs/availability.

Race registration is personal and non-transferable.

e) Registration limit

• 20 Km Trail: 400 participants
• Beginner Trail 12 Km: 400 participants
• Walk 8 Km: 800 participants

Registrations will close once the defined limits are reached.

f) Ages

• 20 Km Trail: athletes under 21 years old – 2005 – may not participate.
• Beginner Trail 12 Km: athletes under 18 years old – 2007 – may not participate.
• Walk 8 Km: participants under 10 years old – 2016 – may not participate. Children up to 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult throughout the whole route, and that adult must be duly registered;

Participants under 14 years old should check the insurance cover in point 9 of these Rules and Regulations.

NOTE: Registration for children born in 2014 or later in the 8 Km Walk, on the event date, is free of charge. When collecting the start kit, the child's identification document (Citizen Card) will be requested to confirm their year of birth.

g) Items and Services Included in Registration

SINTRA TRAIL CRUZ ALTA 20 KM AND SINTRA TRAIL CRUZ ALTA BEGINNER 12 KM:

• Technical event T-shirt (*)
• Race bib with athlete number;
• Timing chip;
• Finisher medal;
• Solid and liquid refreshments;
• Possible access to changing facilities at the end of the event;
• Personal accident insurance;
• Transport to the finish in case of withdrawal, if applicable;
• Medical assistance and aid if required.

(*) The measurements (height x width) of the T-shirt sizes available to choose from at registration are:

Women

XS64 x 45 cm

Women

S65 x 47 cm

Women

M68 x 49 cm

Women

L69 x 51 cm

Women

XL71 x 53 cm

Women

XXL73 x 55 cm

Men

XS68 x 47 cm

Men

S70 x 49 cm

Men

M72 x 51 cm

Men

L74 x 53 cm

Men

XL76 x 55 cm

Men

XXL78 x 57 cm

T-shirt stock is limited, so not all sizes may be available at the time of registration.

SINTRA CRUZ ALTA WALK 8 KM:

• Technical event T-shirt (*);
• Race bib with athlete number;
• Refreshment at the end of the event;
• Possible access to changing facilities at the end of the event;
• Personal accident insurance;
• Transport to the finish in case of withdrawal, if applicable;
• Medical assistance and aid if required.

(*) The measurements (height x width) of the T-shirt sizes available to choose from at registration are:

Women

XS64 x 45 cm

Women

S65 x 47 cm

Women

M68 x 49 cm

Women

L69 x 51 cm

Women

XL71 x 53 cm

Women

XXL73 x 55 cm

Men

XS68 x 47 cm

Men

S70 x 49 cm

Men

M72 x 51 cm

Men

L74 x 53 cm

Men

XL76 x 55 cm

Men

XXL78 x 57 cm

Children

10 years59 x 42 cm

Children

12 years62 x 44 cm

Children

14 years65 x 46 cm

T-shirt stock is limited, so not all sizes may be available at the time of registration.

h) Age Groups

SINTRA TRAIL CRUZ ALTA 20 KM

Note: In accordance with the regulations of the Portuguese Athletics Federation, individuals younger than the established ages may not take part in the races. The minimum age for the 20 Km Trail and 12 Km Trail is, respectively, 21 and 18 years.

SINTRA TRAIL CRUZ ALTA BEGINNER 12 KM

Doping is prohibited for all sports participants, both in and outside the Event.

Each sports participant has a duty to ensure that no prohibited substance is introduced into their body and that they do not use any prohibited method.

Sports participants are personally responsible for any prohibited substance, or its metabolites or markers, found in their biological samples, as well as for the use of any prohibited method.

Participants must behave responsibly with regard to cleanliness and environmental preservation in all areas used by the event, from the route to the start and finish areas. Throwing waste on the ground before, during or after the event is strictly prohibited. Where applicable, participants must keep with them the waste from food and drink packaging used during their replenishment in the event. At the end of the event and along the route, the Organisation will provide containers for athletes to dispose of the waste they have carried. The Organisation will provide suitable containers for each type of waste: Plastic, Paper and Bio-waste; failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate exclusion from the event, as well as prohibition from participating in other events organised by the same Organisation.

By registering, all participants accept these Rules and Regulations and, in the event of any doubt or situation not covered herein, must inform the Organisation.

By registering, all participants declare that they accept these Rules and Regulations.

For clarification of any doubt, or for any matter not provided for in these Rules and Regulations, participants should contact the Organisation by email: geral@hmssports.pt.

20 Km Trail and 12 Km Trail and 8 Km Walk

By registering, all participants declare that they assume the following liability waiver:

a) I have read and agree with the Sintra Trail Cruz Alta Rules and Regulations, available on the website sintratrail.pt.

b) I am aware of my health condition and that I am physically and psychologically capable of participating.

c) I undertake to refrain from participating in Sintra Trail Cruz Alta if my health conditions change after registration.

d) I am aware of the terms of the insurance policy in force and have read its specifications, included in the event Rules and Regulations.

e) By participating in Sintra Trail Cruz Alta, I freely and unconditionally authorise Sintra Town Council, HMS Sports Consulting, Lda. and the event partners to use my image. By this instrument, I assign all rights to use my image, as captured in photographs and filming taking place during the event, waiving any amount that may be earned from its dissemination in supporting communication materials.

f) I participate in Sintra Trail Cruz Alta freely and voluntarily, releasing Sintra Town Council, HMS Sports Consulting, Lda., partners, directors, employees and other companies connected with the organisation of the event from any liability resulting from my participation in Sintra Trail Cruz Alta, before, during and after it (e.g. loss of personal items by theft or other circumstances).

8 Km Walk minors

By registering a child, parents, legal guardians and/or persons with parental responsibility accept these Rules and Regulations and, in the event of doubt or a situation not covered herein, must inform the Organisation.

The legal guardian of the child also declares that they assume the following liability waiver, under which they state that:

a) I have read and agree with the Sintra Trail Cruz Alta Rules and Regulations, available on the website sintratrail.pt.

b) I am aware of the health condition of the minor under my care and of their physical and psychological capacity to participate.

c) I undertake not to allow the minor under my care to participate in Sintra Trail Cruz Alta if their health conditions change after registration.

d) I am aware of the terms of the insurance policy in force and have read its specifications, included in the event Rules and Regulations.

e) By participating in Sintra Trail Cruz Alta, I freely and unconditionally authorise Sintra Town Council, HMS Sports Consulting, Lda. and the event partners to use the image of the minor under my care. By this instrument, I assign all rights to use their image, as captured in photographs and filming taking place during the event, waiving any amount that may be earned from its dissemination in supporting communication materials.

f) The minor under my care participates in Sintra Trail Cruz Alta freely and voluntarily, releasing Sintra Town Council, HMS Sports Consulting, Lda., partners, directors, employees and other companies connected with the organisation of the event from any liability resulting from the participation of my child/ward in Sintra Trail Cruz Alta, before, during and after it (e.g. loss of personal items by theft or other circumstances).

Data processing

Personal data will be processed automatically, under the terms approved by the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, by the event Organisation, the entity responsible for the data, intended exclusively for the provision of services necessary for participation in the event for which the participant registers.

Data processing for communication about the event for which the participant registers, communication of other HMS Sports Consulting events and services and communication from HMS Sports Consulting partners is optional and subject to specific and express consent in the event registration form, always in compliance with Directive 95/46/EC of 27 April 2016.

Participants are guaranteed, under the same law, access to their data and may request in writing to the Organisation that their data be updated, corrected or deleted.

Personal data collected for this event will be stored for two years and are accessible free of charge for consultation, rectification or deletion via email geral@hmssports.pt.

Any complaint must be submitted in writing to the Organisation, at the event venue or after the event, by email to: desp.actividades@cm-sintra.pt

The Organisation will appoint an Event Jury, composed of two members of the Organisation, which will decide on the sanctions to be applied and on all matters related to the event that are not regulated herein or that concern misinterpretations of these Rules and Regulations.

Participants must meet the health requirements necessary for sports practice. After registering, they acknowledge that they feel physically and psychologically prepared for the physical effort required by the event in which they will participate.

All participants, without exception, must meet the health requirements necessary for sports practice, releasing the event Organisation, its partners, supporters and public bodies involved from any liability.

Insurance activation requires payment of a €75 excess.

AGED OVER 14

The event Organisation provides registered participants with personal accident insurance, as provided for in letter no. CR/7/2013 (AAL Sports Insurance – 2013/2014 Season), with death or permanent disability cover of €31,672.04, treatment expenses up to €5,067.53 and funeral expenses up to €2,533.76.

UNDER 14

The event Organisation provides registered participants with personal accident insurance, as provided for in letter no. CR/7/2013 (AAL Sports Insurance – 2013/2014 Season), with death or permanent disability cover of only 10% of €31,672.04, treatment expenses up to €5,067.53 and funeral expenses up to €2,533.76.

The Organisation is not responsible for situations not covered by this insurance

The Organisation does not accept refunds of the registration fee.

However, until 18 October 2026, participants may transfer their race bib and chip to another person provided they formally request this change in writing to the Organisation – suporte@hmssports.pt. If the participant does not inform the Organisation of this situation, the Organisation will not be responsible for any accident or damage that this athlete may suffer.

The Organisation only guarantees personalised race bibs for athletes who complete the registration transfer by 18 October 2026.

By registering, the participant freely and unconditionally authorises the transfer to Sintra Town Council, HMS Sports Consulting, Lda. and their partners of the rights to use their image as captured in filming taking place during the event, authorising its reproduction in supporting communication materials.

Sintra Town Council and HMS Sports Consulting, Lda. reserve the right to use the database containing information provided by participants in their promotional activities.

Participants are given the option not to authorise the transfer of personal data collected at registration by selecting the option provided in the form.

The event may be cancelled due to factors beyond the Organisation's control: natural disasters, strikes, demonstrations, inability to use traffic routes, inability to use telecommunications, government restrictions, new legislation.

In these cases, the Organisation reserves the right, within 30 days following the scheduled date of the event, to issue a statement on the actions to be taken resulting from the seriousness of the cancellation.

These website Terms & Conditions are governed by the Portuguese legislation in force at the time.

Any conflict or dispute of interpretation shall be submitted to the territorially competent court. If the User resides outside Portugal, the Portuguese courts are hereby agreed as the competent courts.

The Organisation provides support channels for athletes' questions.

• Entity: HMS SPORTS Consulting Lda.
• Website: sintratrail.pt
• Email: suporte@hmssports.pt
• Phone: +351 214 574 405
• Mobile: +351 926 695 128

Contacts available from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

For route questions:

• Email: desp.actividades@cm-sintra.pt
• Phone: +351 219 236 140 (Monday to Friday - 9:00 AM-5:00 PM)