Oh Meu Deus by UTMB joins the UTMB World Series in 2026, celebrating sport, community and recovery in Portugal’s Serra da Estrela

From its base in Seia, at the gateway to Portugal’s highest peaks, Oh Meu Deus by UTMB will offer 20K, 50K, 100K and 100M race distances, traversing the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, and into the Serra do Açor and Serra da Lousã mountains. Along the way, runners pass through the region’s famous Schist villages – clusters of old stone settlements built from surrounding rocks – as well as mountain towns and landscapes which have been shaped by ancestral traditions and local shepherds, artisans and farmers.

Its name, meaning ‘Oh My God’, reflects the sense of awe felt by those who experience the Serra de Estrela Mountains. A feeling runners will experience for themselves as they climb to Torre, mainland Portugal's highest peak (1,993m), and pass through glacial valleys and high-altitude lakes such as Lagoa Comprida.

Pedro Pontes, Director of the Strategy, Planning and Promotion Department of Turismo Centro de Portugal, spoke of the importance of the event and the significance of seeing it join the UTMB World Series:

“This trail running experience is one that transcends competition, becoming an emotional and physical journey that connects runners to nature and personal challenge, while evoking a feeling of deep introspection and connection with the environment. The support of local communities is essential and inspiring, reinforcing a sense of unity between athletes and residents who share an enthusiasm and love for the event. The economic and cultural impact of “Oh Meu Deus” will be remarkable. It will bring visibility and promote sustainable tourism over a very long period of time.”

As the Serra da Estrela region continues to recover from severe wildfires that reshaped its landscape and communities, the event team and partners at Oh Meu Deus by UTMB, led by Race Director Paulo Garcia, have committed to using the UTMB World Series platform as a force for visibility, connection and solidarity but also sustainable recovery, in partnership with local associations. There will also be collaboration with rural hosts, artisans and farmers to strengthen local tourism and economic activity.

Oh Meu Deus by UTMB stands as a tribute to resilience, an event that honours those who bring this land to life and a collective effort to move forward together and with community and nature at its core.

“Having a UTMB World Series race here in the heart of central Portugal is more than just another race. It’s a moment that transforms our land. For us, who live among mountains and villages with soul, seeing athletes running on our trails is incredible. Because they don’t just come to run... they come to feel what we feel. They come to smell the earth, the silence of the mountains, the sound of the rivers, the warmth and welcome of the people.” said Bruno Santos – resident in Seia

Célia Gonçalves - Executive Secretary of the Mountain Villages Network added:

“The inclusion of Oh Meu Deus in the UTMB World Series circuit is a huge achievement for the region and has a direct impact on the visibility and revitalisation of the mountain villages of Serra da Estrela. This event not only attracts thousands of athletes and their companions, promoting sustainable and quality nature tourism, but also strengthens the pride and identity of local communities, enhancing the value of their natural and cultural heritage. It is an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate the hospitality and excellence of the tourist offer of the entire region, consolidating our destination as a benchmark for sport, leisure and quality of life.”

Oh Meu Deus by UTMB will authentically contribute to maintaining clean and well-kept trails, with partners such as Lousitânea, Picos do Açor, and Lousa Mountain Club promoting responsible practices and protecting nature. The event will also champion inclusion within the sport, encouraging first-timers, adaptive athletes and women to be part of this unforgettable experience, as they share the trails and stand alongside professional trail runners.