Angra by Night Race 2026
On 29 August at 10pm, Angra do Heroísmo closes the summer with a night race through the streets of its historic centre. With 10.5 km and 6 km courses, the race starts at Praça Velha and runs past the city's listed heritage.
The Angra by Night Race is one of the most distinctive fixtures on Terceira Island's sporting calendar. Organised by the Terceira Island Athletics Association, it takes place on Saturday, 29 August 2026, starting at 10pm from Praça Velha, in the heart of Angra do Heroísmo's historic centre.
The concept is simple and effective: running through the city streets at night, combining sport, socialising and urban heritage. The course crosses the UNESCO-listed core, with the façades of 18th- and 19th-century buildings lit up and spectators lining the cobbled streets — a very different experience from a conventional daytime road race.
Two distances are planned: a 10.5-kilometre main race, aimed at registered athletes and regular runners, and a 6-kilometre short course, more accessible to occasional runners and walkers. This dual format draws everyone from competitive athletes to residents and visitors who take part purely for the atmosphere.
For anyone visiting Terceira at this time of year, Angra by Night works well in two ways. As a participant, it is an original way to discover the city and join a local end-of-summer tradition. As a spectator, simply pick a point along the route — Praça Velha, Rua da Sé or the waterfront — to watch the field pass by in a lively setting, with music and crowds on the terraces.
Entries are handled by the Terceira Island Athletics Association, which publishes the regulations, age categories and entry fee in the weeks before the race. Contact: +351 295 217 523 or [email protected]; further information at aaitacores.wixsite.com/aait.
Practical notes: the race runs at night, but August temperatures in the Azores are mild with high humidity — hydration and light kit are advised. Traffic restrictions apply in the historic centre during the event, so drivers should plan alternatives. Accommodation in Angra sells out well in advance in August, especially at weekends.
