II Urban Trail Firefighters of Tavira Race Report

by Judy Andrew Piel

The Short Version:

When we travel we always look for a race to include in the trip. On a recent trip to the Algarve area of Portugal Harold and I found the II Urban Trail Firefighters of Tavira.  It was a bit of a drive, but it was well worth it. I have raced for many years, and in many places, this was one of the most fun races I have ever done.

Longer Version:

The race was called an “Urban Trail Run” and it started at 8:00 pm. A headlamp or a flashlight were mandatory and the course was 11 km long. That was about all we knew when we paid 10 euros each and signed up online before leaving home. The map showed a race in a historic town with lots of turns. It definately looked more Urban than trail. We did not really have room for extra running shoes so we would both have to run in the trail runners we use for hiking. Not ideal but it was just for fun anyway.

On race day we drove to the town of Tavira, a historical town between Faro and Spain. We knew the race was put on by the fire department and when we drove past the fire station we saw an inflatable arch in front so we went in and asked about race kits. We found someone who spoke English. He told us the pick up was in the square and pointed . We had no idea where that was, but a couple of expats from the UK walked by and helped us find the square.

We picked up our race kits which included: a race shirt; two lanyards; a key chain with a float; a very nice book on flowers of the Algarve:  and a bag to put it all in.

We had time so we checked out the town, found some Flamingos, and had a pre-race pizza at a local restaurant. We noticed caution tape and barriers all over the place.

The race started in the square and pre-race activities included shining our headlamps at a drone and a pre-race warm-up with some dancing. Everyone except us appeared to know what they were doing. There were lots of instructions, but it was all in rapid Portuguese so we could not understand a thing. 

There were some very fit, serious looking runners. There were also some not so serious looking runners, but there was a 5k so our fear was they were all doing that and we were going to be dead last. When the race started, the really fast guys took off but the rest of us proceeded at a reasonable pace which was a relief.

The race started in a cobblestone square and proceeded down streets and alleys of cobblestone and dirt. We turned many corners, but the course was very well marked with tape and there were volunteers at almost every turn telling us helpful things or possibly encouraging us in Portuguese?  We had no idea what they were saying!

We turned a corner and arrived at the fire station. The doors were wide open and we ran right through the station past the fire trucks and firefighters. It was so unexpected I laughed out loud. We ran up a hill and turned onto a single track through fields, up and down some pretty steep hills. Then we ran down the first of many sets of stairs back onto a paved road. 

The race continued like this for all 11 km. Every time we turned one of the many corners there was a new surprise. A set of stairs to go up or down, a bridge to cross, pavement, dirt or cobblestone, a street or small alley. There was something for everyone.

Some highlights other than the fire station included the first water stop which was in the entrance to a fancy hotel. We ran right up to the door where hotel staff gave us water bottles. Running through the town castle and running along the dikes between the salt flats just outside of town in the moonlight. The race really was an urban  trail run and it turned out that trail runners were the correct choice.

At the finish there was hot soup and bread. We each received a finishers medal, two oranges (the local oranges are outstanding),  a bottle of water and a ham and cheese sandwich! Pretty great deal for 10 euros! 

The race results were available on line and I discovered that I placed second in my age group and would get a medal. We stuck around for the medal presentation, but I did not hear my name and I could not understand much. Someone from the race came by who spoke English and asked if everything was OK. We assured her it was a fabulous race. I did ask if you had to be a member of the federation to get a medal because I thought I finished 2nd in my age group and I did not hear my name, but it could be because we could not understand the Portuguese. I said it was not really a big deal and I did not need to be recognized, but it would be nice to have the medal. She took my bib and confirmed I was second in my age group and told me to stay and they would give it to me.

We waited and at the end of all the presentations they got all the volunteers and firefighters up on stage for a photo. Much to my embarrassment they then called me up. The only reason I knew it was me they wanted was the kind woman waving to me to come up. I did not recognize what was said in Portuguese as anything close to my name. They then presented me with my medal. 

Overall this race was as much fun as you can have running a race. We never knew what would be around the next corner. A great adventure which we highly recommend if you are in Portugal next March!