Portugal was affected by a fire
In Summer 2025,
Portugal was deeply affected by a large-scale fire that devastated vast areas of the Açor, Lousã, and Estrela mountain ranges.
Over several weeks, the fire consumed around 64,451 hectares of forest, according to the provisional report by the Forest Fire Information Management System (SGIF) of the ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests) [LUSA, 2025]. The scars left by the fire have profoundly altered the landscape of these mountains and, in the case of our race, around 43% of the route was directly affected, with several trails and iconic areas undergoing significant changes.
Despite the marks left by the flames, the mountains are already showing remarkable signs of resilience and rebirth, and it is in this capacity for regeneration that we place our trust. In May, we believe that many trails will once again be covered with plants and colors, bringing life and hope to the athletes' path. For safety reasons, some sections of the route have been adjusted, but this edition represents much more than just a race. It is a collective gesture of connection to the mountain, an opportunity to honor what has been lost and, at the same time, celebrate the future that is beginning to dawn, marked by the strength and renewal of nature and its people.
