Question 1

Do I need to be experienced to enter?

Accepted Answer

No. Every station has a lighter option, and in Doubles or Relay you share the work — in a Relay of four you only cover part of the course. A large part of the field in Portimão were racing their first hybrid event, including volunteers who worked the morning and raced the same afternoon.

Question 2

What is included in my entry?

Accepted Answer

Your race entry, chip timing, your official result, and access to the arena and event area for the whole day. Add-ons such as a photo package can be selected at checkout.

Question 3

Can I change my ticket later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Entries can be transferred to another athlete up to seven days before the event. Message us and we will sort it out — there is no fee.

Question 4

What if I get injured or cannot make it?

Accepted Answer

Tell us as early as you can. Up to seven days before the event we will move your entry to another athlete free of charge. Inside seven days the start list is locked for timing, so get in touch before then if you can.

Question 5

What ages can take part?

Accepted Answer

Ages 8 to 15, in three groups: 8–10, 11–13, and 14–15. The 14–15 group races in separate girls and boys waves. Distances, weights and station options are scaled per group — the full breakdown is in the race format section on this page.

Question 6

Do parents need a ticket?

Accepted Answer

Only to watch from inside the arena. A spectator ticket is €4.99, and children under 13 come in free. If you would rather race with your child than watch, choose the Kid + Parent combo instead — you both run, together.

Question 7

Is it competitive?

Accepted Answer

Every child is timed and finishes with a real result to take home. But the course is built to be fun first: eight rounds, a station after every run, and a sprint to the line. Plenty of kids treat it as a challenge rather than a race, and the arena cheers the last finisher as loudly as the first.

Question 8

What should my child bring?

Accepted Answer

Trainers, sports clothing and a water bottle. Every station is set up and sized for their age group, so there is no equipment to bring.

Question 9

Can my child race with a friend, or with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there are three ways to race. Solo, as a pair with another child, or as a Kid + Parent combo. Nobody has to race alone.

Question 10

Can two children of different ages race as a pair?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the two children fall into different age groups, the pair enters in the older child's age group — the younger one moves up. This keeps the competition fair between pairs.

Question 11

How does the Kid + Parent combo work?

Accepted Answer

The race follows the child, not the adult. Loads and weights are set to the child's age group, so the parent races at the child's level. It is designed for the two of you to do it together, at their pace.

Vortex December 2026 Vila Real de Santo António – Saturday

Spectator

There is a second day

Vortex December 2026 Vila Real de Santo António – Sunday

Race the whirlwind.

Built for every level

Race with your gym

Solo, doubles or relay

Timed and ranked

Stay for the main event

Eight rounds. One finish line.

Race formats

Complexo Desportivo de Vila Real de Santo António

Why they're racing.

Before you enter

See you on the start line.