For the second time in history, Portugal was responsible for organising the 2019 World Trail Running Championships, which took place on 8 June on Serra da Lousã’s trails. Starting and finishing in Miranda do Corvo, the event was part of the Trilhos dos Abutres. This is one of the most emblematic trail running events in Portugal, and already has a presence worldwide.
As expected, the French team dominated in the men's and women's categories. In the men's event, France took first place overall, followed by Great Britain and Spain. In the women's category, France was again the winner, followed by Spain and Romania. In the men’s individuals,the winner was Britain’s Jonathan Albon, followed by France’s Julien Rancon and Switzerland’s Christian Mathys who, surprisingly led the race for much of the course. The reigning world champion, Spain's Luis Hernando, ended up in 11th place.
Follow the international coverage of the race here.
In the women’s category,the race was won by France's Blandine Lhirondel. Second place was another surprise, being taken by New Zealand’s Ruth Croft. Spain's Sheila Aviles came third. Also of note in the women's category was the withdrawal of former World Champion, The Netherlands’ Ragna Debats.
The best Portuguese male athlete was Hélio Fumo, who came 10th overall. Collectively, the Portuguese team was placed 5th. Mary Vieira was the best female Portuguese athelete, and Portugal’s women’s team achieved 10th place.
Find the general classifications here.
However, the real winner was the audience, filling the trails with joy and passion and tirelessly supporting the more than 500 athletes from 52 countries, creating a unique and indescribable atmosphere.
Portuguese athletes stood out in the open race
The open race of the Trilhos dos Abutres took place on 9 June in Miranda do Corvo, with more than 800 athletes from over 100 countries covering the trails trodden the previous day by teams competing in the Trilhos dos Abutres - 2019 World Trail Championships.
Portugal shone, with Pedro Ribeiro, taking 1st place in the men's general classification, followed by Sérgio Sá and João Lopes. In the women's general classification, Susana Rodriguez took the 1st podium position, followed by Nádia Casteleiro and Alexandra Fernandes.
Epic, indescribable and incredible were some of the words used by athletes to describe the course.
See the results of the open race here.
Anticipation for Trilhos dos Abutres’ 2020 calendar lingers. Every year this organisation outdoes itself in terms of its commitment and dedication, producing an event that will certainly continue to attract hundreds of people to the central region of Portugal.