The Pocinho High Rowing and Canoeing Centre was the logistics base for the event. Athletes from 12 countries have made the Douro and Foz Côa region their home. They lived a dream for 7 days that made them enjoy a unique experience: to run in three World Heritage Sites.
They were guided through the steps of such emblematic places as Porto, Lamego, Moncorvo Tower, São João da Pesqueira, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Marialva and Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
They ran between hundreds of years old walls, between beautiful vineyards and in Portugal's only private natural park - the Faia Brava Reserve.
The second edition of “Foz Côa Douro Trail Adventure” ended in a gathering atmosphere, companionship, friendship, with a lot of emotion and a few tears to the mix. The longing and the desire to return next year were clearly visible on the participants' faces.
It was from 5 to 11 October that this fantastic adventure unfolded, bringing together, in this edition, about 80 athletes from 12 nationalities, representing countries such as Singapore, Switzerland, Brazil, Netherlands, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, Belgium, Hungary and Portugal spread over 3 continents.
The event was organized by Carlos Sá Nature Events and the Municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, with the support of several sponsors and other municipalities of the Douro region, such as; Lamego, Moncorvo Tower, São João da Pesqueira, Pinhel, Mêda, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
Throughout the week, the athletes travelled much of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro Region, running each day a certain distance, longer or shorter, depending on whether they had chosen the Advanced or Starter version, respectively.
“The event was designed so that the participants could enjoy the landscapes of one of the most beautiful and emblematic regions of Portugal - the Alto Douro Wine Region (doubly recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, both for the vineyards and the rock engravings in the region. But It was also the organization's objective to make known a little of the history, culture and gastronomy of the region, complementing every race day with a cultural moment and tasting typical flavours”, said the organization.
The event started with a non-competitive race stage on Saturday, October 5th, in the Historic Zone of Porto. At this stage, the participants, guided by their host Carlos Sá, were able to appreciate the picturesque streets and monuments of interest of the city, which was recognized by UNESCO in 1996 as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and to experience the energy and bustle of the city so well characterize today.
Over the remainder of the week, participants were able to challenge each other along the Douro Valley trails, interspersing longer and technical stages with shorter and less harsh ones. A journey that also took them through the remote history of Portugal, transported them through the landscapes and flavours of the region and made them experience the warmth and welcome of Portuguese people.
The event ended on October 11 with a stage that began at the charismatic Côa Museum and ended in the center of Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
The results of this “adventure” were:
Advanced Version (Male):
Vicente Juan García (ESP) – 13h17m05s.
César Picinin (BRA) – 13h28m16s.
Antonio Villegas (ESP) – 13h41m58s.
Advanced Version (Female):
Cláudia Nogueira (BRA) – 17h40m20s.
Maria Gerber (BRA) – 18h47m51s.
Liz Bailey (GBR) – 20h21m32s.
Starter Version (Male):
Bart-Jan Westerhof (HOL) – 11h23m00s.
Daniel Grenha Fonseca (POR) – 11h48m59s.
Garrad Bailey (GBR) – 19h27m07s.
Starter Version (Female):
Flávia Silva (BRA) – 13h17m33s.
Claudia Fasol (HOL) – 14h07m16s
Luciana Valle (BRA) – 18h15m24s.
The organization is already working to grow the family of the “Foz Côa Douro Trail Adventure”. The dates for the 3rd edition of this “adventure” are already set: from October 3rd to 9th, 2020 and registration is now open.
More information and registration at: www.carlossanatureevents.com
Source: CSNE
