MIUT LEGEND begins in Porto Moniz, on the north coast of Madeira Island, with a start time of 23:59 on April 24th. The route leaves the town center with a short but steep climb along the slopes surrounding the village. At the top of this ascent begins the well-known zigzagging descent toward the mouth of Ribeira da Janela, illuminated at night by the athletes’ headlamps.

From that point, the first major climb begins, heading toward Fanal (at 1150 meters altitude). Fanal hosts the first aid station, intended for a quick stop. This is followed by the first technical descent, along the Vereda das Voltas, toward Chão da Ribeira.

The second major climb takes place along the long Vereda da Terra Chã, up to Estanquinhos on the Paul da Serra plateau, where the second aid station is located. Along the northern edge of the plateau, the route continues via a connecting trail to Bica da Cana, the starting point of a descent through the Laurissilva Forest, on the island’s north side, leading down to the valley floor in the municipality of São Vicente.

Next comes a relatively short climb to Chão dos Louros, located in the heart of the Laurissilva Forest — classified as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site — where the third MIUT Legend aid station is found. Just above, at the windy Boca da Encumeada, the Vereda da Encumeada trail begins, running along a rocky ridge connecting to Pico Jorge. At this peak, the main trail is left behind, entering the Vereda dos Currais, which leads to Pico Grande, followed by the descent to Curral das Freiras, home to the next aid station.

From this point, the route crosses the central mountain range, climbing to Boca das Torrinhas and continuing along the ridgeline that separates the north and south of the island, passing through Pico Ruivo (aid station) and Pico do Areeiro.

After conquering the peaks, the final stage of the route begins — still long and mostly downhill — passing through Chão da Lagoa, Portela, and Larano (all with aid stations) before reaching Boca do Risco.

From here, the route descends to the Levada do Caniçal, with a final detour to Pico do Facho, offering a descent with panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. The finish line finally comes into sight at the Fórum Machico square, on the island’s eastern coast.