Are you ready for the longest run of the 2022 World Cup?

One-Hundred Douro Pavia is the competition with the largest distance of the silver label this year. The race will be on the 3rd of July, and it will take athletes into breathtaking landscapes along 45 km of the famous Port Wine Route. 

The One-Hundred Douro Paiva will be part of the series of races to crown Women's and Men's World Cup Champions. The Cup is divided into Gold and Silver Label Races. This year, the last-mentioned category consists of five competitions. During these dates, the athletes can gain lower points than in the Gold Label; however it still contributes to their overall score.

Portugal is the destination of the second meeting of this year's silver races. The competition consists of 45 km with an elevation gain of more than 2100 meters. If this is not challenging enough, bear in mind the 30 degrees temperature forecasted for that weekend. Additionally, the event will host more than 100 participants. This race is designed for lovers of challenges. Marcel Martin Konecny will be the official representative of the WMRA during this competition. He believes this event is particular because it "takes place in a unique environment in the interior of Portugal with charming nature, nice people and dedicated organizers". 

The main scenario for this race will be Cinfães, a village of about 3500 inhabitants surrounded by mountains on the south bank of the Douro River. This region has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2001 and is the home of Port Wine production. The closest airport to the village is one hour away, in Porto. 

The runners can pick up their kits from the 1st of July at the Museu Serpa Pinto. The runners can already check the route and download it to GPX from the race's web page. The starting point will be at Fonte Dos Amores at 8h00. Athletes should be 30 minutes earlier for the welcoming. From this spot, runners will have to complete a course accompanied by the landscapes of Sierra de Montemurro. Rivers like Rio Bestança will traverse the circuit. It will have asphalt zones and pass next to high peaks such as Serra de Saõ Pedro. From his runner perspective, Marcel Maintain advises the racers to "be very well prepared because the weather conditions won't be easy due to sun fatigue; they should think about hydration". The expected time of the first arrival is around 13h15 at the same starting point.

In addition to the victory in the race, the winners will take 20, 17, and 14 points for the first, second and third place, respectively to the World Cup classification. The local organizers will offer money prizes ranging from 500 euros for the first place and 100 euros for the fifth place. 

We are sure that we can expect surprises from new athletes joining this race. Among the signed competitors is Lucinda Sousa. She had the best qualification in the feminine category representing the Portuguese team in the Maxi Race and the top position in the world circuit of ultra trail.

For now, as a warm-up, we remind you that you can check the results of the previous World Cup races on our web page and follow the race through our social media.

Written by María Ávila for WMRA, photos courtesy of the LOC.