The organisers of POM 2026 have received numerous requests from Spanish athletes to have their starts in the Long Distance stage on 15 February as close as possible to the zero hour, allowing them to return home earlier on Sunday.
Being mindful of the long journeys by car or campervan to Spain, the organisers will schedule the FEDO clubs at the front of the Long Distance start list, while renewing the invitation to all Spanish athletes to take part in POM 2026, even if only for the weekend.
As previously announced, POM 2026 will feature three WRE stages: one Sprint race and two Middle Distance forest races.
This assignment clearly demonstrates the confidence that the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) places in the quality of the selected terrains, the mapped areas, and the high-level courses we are preparing for the World’s Elite athletes.
Within the 2026 WRE calendar, the IOF has chosen to distinguish a number of events with the status of Gold World Ranking Event — a mark of excellence that elevates these races far beyond a standard WRE.
We are extremely proud to announce that the Elite Sprint in Praia de Mira on 13 February, as well as the Middle Distance races on 14 and 16 February in Mira Norte, have been officially designated as GOLD WRE stages.
This distinction further strengthens the organisation’s commitment to delivering the best event possible and serves as a special invitation to all Elite athletes to register and compete for the prize money that will be awarded.
| Classification | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | 250 euros |
| 2nd Place | 150 euros |
| 3rd Place | 100 euros |
For each of the GOLD WRE stages, a monetary prize will be awarded to the top three athletes in the Men Elite 1 and Women Elite 1 classes.
This will be the third time that the largest annual orienteering event is held in Mira, following the editions of 2000 and 2015.
POM 2026 will take place from 13 to 17 February.
The pleasant weather, delicious regional cuisine, beautiful coastline and magnificent pine forests are sure to attract thousands of athletes to POM 2026.
Start planning your trip now!
Would you like to train in the POM 2026 area?
Do you need accommodation for POM 2026?
Visit the page of our official partner for training camps and accommodation at www.o-portugal.pt
Other international events in the winter of 2026
Combine your participation in the Portugal “O” Meeting with the international events taking place in Figueira da Foz (6–8 February) and Sátão (21–22 February).
You can also visit the beautiful island of Madeira for the Madeira Orienteering Festival 2026, which will open the 2026 orienteering season from 9 to 11 January.
