More than a race

An unforgettable journey across Madeira.

From rugged peaks to ancient forests and coastal trails, MIUT® invites you to discover the island in the most intense and breathtaking way.

Madeira Island

In the middle of the Atlantic, Madeira blends mountain and sea, with trails, levadas and the magical Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.

A Unique Land

Madeira is beauty and challenge. Seeing it is enchanting — but living it, step by step, is a rare and unforgettable experience.

The Challenge

MIUT® crosses the island from end to end, from Porto Moniz to Machico, connecting sea, peaks and history in one intense adventure.

Phase 1: The Brutal Start

Between Porto Moniz and Encumeada, expect steep climbs, technical descents and lush trails through the Laurissilva forest.

Phase 2: Toward the Peaks

Long ascents to Ruivo and Areeiro reveal epic views and the nesting site of the rare Zino’s Petrel, Madeira’s endemic seabird.

Phase 3: Onward to Machico

The final stretch mixes coastal trails, levadas and viewpoints before finishing in Machico — the epic end of a legendary journey.
It all started in 2008 but ….

Our History

It all started in 2008, in what was also the first trail running event ever organized in Madeira. But the truth is, since 2004, there was already a group of members of the Clube de Montanha do Funchal who, every year, had the habit of attempting to cross the island in less than 24 hours. Some of those elements are still today the basis of the executive team of MIUT®.
MIUT® began in 2008 with 141 brave runners crossing Madeira from Ponta do Pargo to Machico. In 2009, the start moved to Porto Moniz. After a pause in 2010 and a circular edition in 2011, the island-crossing format returned in 2012, this time in reverse.
Since 2013, MIUT® has followed its now-iconic route: from Porto Moniz to Machico. That year also marked its entry into Portugal’s Ultra Trail Championship and the National Circuit.
The event grew quickly — from 449 participants in 2013 to over 1,300 in 2015, when it joined the prestigious Ultra Trail World Tour (UTWT). In 2016, MIUT® welcomed over 2,000 runners. By 2019, it reached a record 2,724 participants from 57 countries, becoming one of the world’s most international and respected trail events.
the event
Sustainability at MIUT®

Protecting Madeira, Trail by Trail

Committed since 2008, MIUT® actively nurtures Madeira’s environment—from trail care and waste reduction, to carbon offsetting and support for local communities—ensuring our race leaves a positive legacy.
01

Trail Maintenance

Every year, we clean and restore trails, removing invasive plants and repairing erosion or damage caused by weather and foot traffic.
02

Trail Clean‑up

During course marking and dismantling, our teams pick up any litter left along the route—runners’ or visitors’—to keep trails pristine.
03

Waste Reduction

Plastic cups are gone. All remaining materials are sorted for recycling or correct disposal, minimizing our ecological footprint at aid stations.
04

Sustainable Transportation

Since the start, we’ve provided bus transfers for participants to the starting line, cutting private car use, pollution, and carbon emissions.
05

Carbon Offsetting

Runners can opt to plant trees instead of taking the race t‑shirt—helping reforest Madeira, offset carbon and boost biodiversity.
06

Sustainable Purchasing

We prioritise buying from Madeiran suppliers to support the local economy and cut emissions linked to imported goods and services.
Learn more about MIUT

Learn more about our Madeira Island

World Trail Majors

Who are our partners

Changes to the route

MIUT® Route Evolution

The MIUT® course has shifted and expanded over the years. Starting in 2008 from Ponta do Pargo, it soon moved to Porto Moniz and adopted a linear format across Madeira. After a few years of circular and reversed routes, the iconic northwest-southeast crossing—from Porto Moniz to Machico—became standard. Over time, new aid stations, safety reroutes, and trail adjustments have reflected both environmental concerns and logistical improvements. Today’s map showcases these changes and highlights the race’s commitment to preserving Madeira’s unique mountain paths.