AXtrail® will take place during the weekend of the 20 to 22 October. This year’s edition includes trail running, walking, the AXtrailKids (for children) and AXtrail of Inclusion (for people with physical disabilities).
The UTAX (Aldeias do Xisto Ultra Trail) is once again the main race of the event, with a total of 112 km and 6000 metres of actual climbing. The course stretches over the 5 municipalities of the Serra da Lousã (Miranda do Corvo, Lousã, Castanheira de Pêra, Góis and Penela), and goes through 9 Aldeias do Xisto. This will be the 5th edition of UTAX, which has become a reference point in the national Trail Running calendar.
Each of these places preserves stories, experiences and knowledge that enriches those who pass through them. The connecting trails between villages, streams and viewpoints are veritable paradises for trail running. And, with a bit of luck, there is the possibility of running alongside a deer or spotting another type of fauna particular to this mountain range. The vegetation, both lush and low growing, offers unique sceneries and each kilometre will reveal its own charm.
Besides the competitive races, there will also be two races with a strong social flavour, those being AXtrail Kids and AXtrail of Inclusion. This will be the second edition of these 2 events.
AXtrail Kids is aimed at young people from 6 to 16 years old, and its main goal is to promote sports and contact with nature among the younger generations, thus attracting new athletes to the sport.
AXtrail of Inclusion will be disputed by teams composed of one person with reduced mobility (who will be carried in a joelette) and 2 to 4 companions (athletes, family or friends). The joelette is a single-wheel all-terrain chair, which makes hiking and access to mountainous areas or areas with uneven surfaces possible for all people with reduced mobility. From a sporting point of view, the joelette allows any person with a motor, sensory or mental disability to take part in a sporting competition, taking the lead role, and walking along otherwise inaccessible trails.
During the three days of the AXtrail, athletes and their companions will come into contact with a heritage rich in traditions, culture, gastronomy and history. During the three days of the event, a Technical Equipment, Handicraft and Regional Products Fair will be held at the Praça José Falcão, where local people and economic agents will promote their products.
AXtrail® 2017 is organised by Go Outdoor, Aldeias do Xisto Official Partner, which this year is holding the 10th edition of the AXtrail®series, and the 5th edition of the UTAX. The event is supported by the Turismo Centro de Portugal, the Aldeias do Xisto and the brands Suunto, Salomon, Prozis and Floema.
Find out more at www.axtrail.com
