MIUT — Madeira Island Ultra-Trail

MIUT — Madeira Island Ultra-Trail Countdown

16

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

22

Sec

Next Race

April 25, 2026

17

days to go

A World Trail Majors race that crosses Madeira Island from Porto Moniz to Machico through ancient laurel forests, volcanic ridges, and dramatic ocean-view clifftops. With 7,200 meters of climbing over 115 kilometers, MIUT is one of Europe's most demanding mountain ultras, offering relentless vertical combined with the subtropical beauty of the Atlantic archipelago.

ITRA 6 Endurance Points

Est.

2008

Distance

115km / 71mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Mountain Trail

Elev. Gain

7200m

Elev. Loss

7200m

Field Size

~1,500

When

April

Time Limit

34h

THE COURSE

Gain

+7200m

Loss

-7200m

MI 0

KM 0

Porto Moniz Start

The race starts at sea level in Porto Moniz on Madeira's northwest coast, famous for its volcanic rock swimming pools. Runners immediately face a steep climb out of the coastal town into the mountains above.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 15

KM 25

Paul da Serra Plateau

After the initial massive ascent, runners cross the Paul da Serra, a high-altitude plateau at roughly 1,400 meters. The wide-open moorland feels otherworldly — exposed to wind and fog, with views stretching to the Atlantic when skies clear.

ELEV: 1400ft

MI 37

KM 60

Pico Ruivo Summit Approach

The route climbs toward Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak at 1,862 meters. The narrow trail hugs steep volcanic ridgelines with sheer drop-offs on both sides, passing through the UNESCO-protected laurel forest (Laurissilva) along the way.

ELEV: 1700ft

MI 50

KM 80

Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley)

Runners descend into the dramatically steep Curral das Freiras, a hidden valley surrounded by towering cliffs that once served as a refuge for nuns fleeing pirates. The descent and subsequent climb out of the valley are among the most technically demanding sections.

ELEV: 350ft

MI 71

KM 115

Machico Finish

The final descent drops from the mountain ridges to the historic coastal town of Machico on Madeira's eastern shore. Runners finish near the waterfront with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, completing their traverse of the entire island.

ELEV: 10ft