Cambotas Trail Fest delivers mountain challenge and community spirit
The 2026 Cambotas Trail Fest once again brought Brazil’s trail running community together for a weekend of challenging mountain racing, local pride, and shared adventure in the Serra da Cambota. From elite athletes chasing podium positions to families, children, and first-time trail runners embracing the event atmosphere, the festival showcased the unique connection between sport, nature, and the community that calls these mountains home.
Alongside some of the biggest names in Brazilian trail running battling across the rugged terrain for hard-earned podiums, athletes hailing from Barão de Cocais competed for exclusive awards highlighting the strength of local runners and celebrating the event’s deep connection with the community that hosts it.
Racing unfolded across the region’s steep climbs, forest sections and fast descents that shaped conditions for all categories. While this year the routes for the longer categories were adjusted for safety reasons, the challenge remained through significant elevation gain, technical terrain, fast descents and the rugged mountain conditions that define Cambotas Trail Fest.
The 45K race produced the most decisive winning margin of the weekend. André Luiz Mapa took the men’s victory in 5:05:00, finishing nearly 20 minutes ahead of Whanderson Assis Ramos (5:23:54) and Victor Eugênio de Resende (5:26:19). In the women’s race, Maria Aparecida da Cunha won in 6:06:23 with a similar lead ahead of Diana Bellon and Isabel Campos Coelho, who completed the podium after a closely contested finish separated by less than a second.
Despite the technical course, the 27K race featured tight winning margins from fierce competitors. Bruno Bullé Costa Esteves won the men’s race in 2:35:50 ahead of Rafael Moreira da Cruz Silva and Josemar Lazaro Ferreira. In the women’s race, Thais de Jesus Arcanjo took victory in 3:24:38, narrowly holding off Izabela Tiago Germano, while Marnie da Rocha Fortes placed third.
Beyond competition across the 6K, 11K, 17K, 27K and 45K categories, the youth and children's races brought energy, smiles and excitement, reflecting a growing passion for trail running among the next generation.
Following a weekend of competitive racing, community celebration and unforgettable mountain experiences, Cambotas Trail Fest once again demonstrated why it holds a special place on Brazil's trail running calendar, bringing together everyone who shares a genuine affinity for the mountains.
For full results across all categories, visit the event website.
