Regulations Index
Art.º 1.0 – Organization
The Fanal Vertical Kilometer is organized by the Clube de Montanha do Funchal in close collaboration with the Portuguese Federation of Camping and Mountaineering (Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal – FCMP). It also has the strong support of the Porto Moniz Municipality and other public and private institutions. The Fanal Vertical Kilometer will take place on October 11, 2025, with the first participant scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m.
Art.º 2.0 – Definition
Vertical Kilometer (Vertical Kilometer®) – This is a discipline within the sport of Skyrunning, consisting of an ascent of 1000 meters with significant inclination and not exceeding 5 km in linear distance. The Vertical Kilometer is divided into three altitude levels (±200 meters variation): 0-1000 m, 1000-2000 m, and 2000-3000 meters, with a 5% tolerance.
Art.º 3.0 – Description
The Fanal Vertical Kilometer is a competition contested on a predominantly uphill course, with a positive elevation gain of 1000 meters and an approximate distance of 3,980 meters from start to finish. It starts in the locality of Ribeira Funda, at about 78 m altitude, and finishes near Lagoa do Fanal, at 1,078 m altitude.
Art. 4.0 – National and Regional Championships and Circuits
National Vertical Championship
National Clubs Championship – Vertical
Madeira Skyrunning Championship
Madeira Clubs Championship
National Youth Trophies (age groups: Iniciados, Juvenis, Juniores, U23)
Art. 5.0 – Classifications – Categories
Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female athletes overall, as well as the following age groups:
- Iniciados (M/F) – 15–16 years (must not turn 17 in 2025)
- Juvenis (M/F) – 17–18 years (must not turn 19 in 2025)
- Juniores (M/F) – 19–20 years (must not turn 21 in 2025)
- U23 (M/F) – 21–23 years (in 2025)
- Seniors (M/F) – 24–39 years (in 2025)
- Veterans M40/F40 – 40–44 years (in 2025)
- Veterans M45/F45 – 45–49 years (in 2025)
- Veterans M50/F50 – 50–54 years (in 2025)
- Veterans M55/F55 – 55–59 years (in 2025)
- Veterans M60/F60 – 60+ years (in 2025)
As per FCMP Skyrunning Competition Regulations, categories are defined by the athlete’s year of birth within the calendar year. Thus, the relevant age is that on December 31, 2025.
Art. 5.1 – Prize Money
Prize money will be awarded to the top 3 overall male and female finishers:
1st – €125
2nd – €75
3rd – €50
Winners entitled to prize money will be contacted after the event with instructions for prize reception.
Art. 6.0 – Competitiveness and Respect for the Environment
The Fanal Vertical Kilometer is celebrated with absolute respect for the environment. Participants who engage in violent or xenophobic behavior, harm other competitors, or litter anywhere along the course will be disqualified. It is mandatory to respect the areas surrounding the course and private properties in general. Participants will be responsible for any damages and associated compensations that may be imposed.
Art. 7.0 – Registration, Requirements, and Obligations of Participants
Art. 7.1 – Registration and Payment:
Registrations are only accepted via the event website: kvfanal.com, and are only valid once payment is completed.
Each participant must correctly fill in their personal data.
The number of participants is limited to 200, with some reserved spots for organizational commitments.
| Price | |
| FCMP Menbers: | 15€ |
| Non-Menbers: | 17€ |
| Late Registration ( extraordinary period ): | 50€ |
– The registration fee covers all services described in these regulations, however it does not include the platform commission on the registration price, which will be charged at the time of payment.
Art. 7.1.1 – Registration Includes:
Personal accident insurance;
Transport from the concentration area to the starting area;
Participation kit (Chip, Bib, and gift);
Liquid supplies at the finish line and solid supplies at the secretariat;
Meal after the Prize Ceremony;
Art. 7.1.2 – Registration Deadlines:
Regular period: August 24 – September 23, 2025
Extraordinary period: October 1–8, 2025 (€50, without souvenir)
Art. 7.2 – Participation Requirements
Be 16 years old on the date of the race (only FCMP-affiliated athletes in the Iniciados category may be younger);
Know and accept the conditions of these regulations;
Complete the registration correctly.
Art. 8.0 – Physical Condition
Participation in the race is entirely the responsibility and risk of the participants. By registering, participants declare they are physically prepared to complete the course.
9.0 – Cancellation or Transmission of Registration
Once the registration fee has been paid, however, it is considered final, however, in any case you will not be able to participate, the registration fee will not be refunded. As registered, they are not transmitted or transmitted and cannot be used by any other weight of the registered user. In any case, for reasons of force, you cannot participate and you know that you will occupy or be left alone, you must contact the organization within 15 days from the date of providing the data.
Art. 10.0 – Liability Waiver
By registering, the participant declares that they have read and agreed to the regulations and assume full responsibility for their participation. The organization is not responsible for any accidents or damages that occur during the event. Minors must present a liability term signed by their guardians.
Art. 11.0 – Image Rights
The organizing entity reserves the exclusive right to the image of the Fanal Vertical Kilometer and the exploitation of audiovisual, photographic, and journalistic content of the event. Any project or advertising support must have prior consent from the organization.
Art. 12.0 – Race Program
Sunday, August 24, 2025
10:00 – Opening of Registrations
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
23:59 – Closing of Registrations
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
17:00 – Official Presentation of the Event – to be defined
Thursday, October 9, 2025
11:00–19:00 – Check-in and Bib Collection
Friday, October 10, 2025
11:00–14:00 – Check-in and Bib Collection
Saturday, October 11, 2025
08:30 – Fanal – Shuttle departure to the starting area (Ribeira Funda)
09:30 – Ribeira Funda – Start of the first athlete
11:30 – Ribeira Funda – Start of the last athlete
12:00 – Fanal – Estimated arrival of the last athlete
13:00 – Fanal – Awards Ceremony
13:30 – Fanal – After race lunch for all runners
Art. 12.0 – Race Office (Secretariat)
October 9, Thursday – 11:00 to 19:00 (Funchal, Cooperativa Agrícola, Bloco D, 2nd floor, Room E)
October 10, Friday – 11:00 to 14:00 (same location)
Bib collection on race day will not be allowed except in justified and pre-approved cases (via email: [email protected]).
ID is required. Minors must provide signed waiver. Athletes may collect bibs for others with ID copies. Clubs may collect their members’ bibs with prior notice.
Art. 13.0 – Timing System and Control Points
The timing system used will be the Clube de Montanha do Funchal’s “CMoF Timing System”; along the course, times will be recorded at each kilometer and at the finish line.
Art. 14.0 – Start
The clock starts counting at the designated time, with or without the participants being present. Participants who are not present up to 15 minutes after their start time will be disqualified. Participants will begin their race individually or in groups of up to 4 members, with a 60-second interval between each. No gathering of athletes near the starting line will be allowed. There will be a corridor before the starting line with the appropriate marked distancing, where athletes will line up in their order of departure. After 50 athletes have started, there will be a 10-minute interval to reduce the number of athletes on the course. Wearing the bib provided by the organization, which must always be visible, is mandatory throughout the entire race. The start order of all participants, along with their respective times, will be announced up to 48 hours before the competition date.
Art. 14.1 – Start Order
The start order of the participants in the Fanal Vertical Kilometer will be completely random. Bib numbers will be assigned according to the order of registration, with only bibs 1 and 2 reserved for the previous year’s male and female winners, respectively. After assigning numbers to each athlete, the start order will be drawn using the “random.org” application, which uses “atmospheric noise instead of a pseudo-random algorithm for a truly random list of results.” Depending on the number of registrants, starts may occur individually or in groups of 2 athletes, always with a 1-minute interval between each start. On the recommendation of the FCMP, two separate draws will be conducted, one for members and one for non-members. The draw will be recorded and published on the event website and social media as proof.
Art. 15.0 – Means of Progression in the Competition
Walking is the only means of progression allowed throughout the course, with any type of aid, other than physical ability and poles, being prohibited. Participants must be sufficiently trained to perform continuous physical activity along a course with significant positive elevation gain and be able to recover without problems after completing their race.
Art. 16.0 – Conduct and Safety Rules
Participants, upon realizing the approach of a faster athlete, must facilitate their passage. Athletes intending to overtake a slower athlete should notify them when close enough.
For good communication between faster and slower athletes, the organization advises against the use of headphones during the race.
Participants must assist another participant in difficulty. In case of an accident during the race, if unable to continue, the participant should immediately contact the organization or ask someone to report their situation; otherwise, they should try to reach the finish where they will be assisted.
Art. 17.0 – Penalties or Disqualification
A participant may be penalized or disqualified for the following reasons:
Arrives at the finish line after the time limit for completing the race (2h00) – disqualification;
Causes damage to the course – penalty of 3 minutes up to disqualification;
Disrespects general forest protection rules – disqualification;
Throws litter on the ground – disqualification;
Violates other rules established by the organization – penalty of 3 minutes up to disqualification;
Fails to assist another participant in need of help – penalty of 3 minutes up to disqualification;
Requests help without necessity – disqualification;
Intentionally does not wear the bib, or does not keep it visible (on the front) – disqualification;
Does not wear shoes or does not wear minimum appropriate clothing for a mountain race – disqualification;
Does not carry the timing chip until the end of the race – disqualification;
Does not follow the marked course – disqualification;
Does not facilitate the passage of a faster athlete – penalty of 3 minutes up to disqualification;
Receives outside assistance during the race – penalty of 3 minutes up to disqualification.
Art. 18.0 – Mandatory Equipment
It is mandatory to always have the bib visible and to carry the chip provided by the organization. Appropriate footwear and minimum clothing for a mountain race are also mandatory.
Article 19.0 – Refreshments
No aid stations during course.
Water available at finish line.
Solid refreshments at race office (Fanal Forest Station).
Article 20.0 – Competition Jury
The Competition Jury is composed of the Race Director and the referee judges, one of whom will be the President of the Jury. The President of the Jury and the referee judges are appointed by the FCMP Arbitration Council.
Article 21.0 – Race Insurance
Participants in the Km Vertical do Fanal will be covered by personal accident insurance with the following coverages:
-Death or Permanent Disability: €32.437,50
-Funeral Expenses: €2.595,00
-Treatment, Medical Transport, and Repatriation Expenses: €5.190,00 ( Insurance franchise: 75.00€ )
In the event of an accident, the participant must first contact the organization, which will arrange for their transfer to the medical institution most appropriate for their health condition, along with a copy of the corresponding accident report. Given the urgency/gravity of some accidents, it may sometimes be impossible to fill out the report at the time of the accident. In such circumstances, the report can be handled after the participant has received first aid. In any case, the accident report must always go through the organization, which is responsible for sending it to the insurance company. The organization will not assume the expenses of accidents of which it was not timely informed to activate the insurance.
Article 22.0 – Data Protection
The data of participants indicated on the registration form will be recorded by the organizing entity for event processing purposes, specifically for the insurance company, list of participants, news, and classification. All participants can exercise their right to access, rectify, or delete their personal data by sending an email to [email protected]. If the participant is registered with the FCMP – Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal, the act of registration implies authorization for their data to be transmitted for the purposes of classification and ranking for various cups, a process managed by that Federation. Upon registration, all participants accept that their email contact will be provided to potential event partners for marketing purposes.
Article 23.0 – Event Cancellation
The event organization may suspend, reduce, or stop the event for safety reasons or force majeure beyond its control. The event will not be suspended if the intensity of rain and/or wind is considered low or moderate and therefore does not present a significant risk. At any time, the organization may have to cancel the event due to bad weather or unsafe conditions, weather alerts at orange and/or red levels, landslides, fire, earthquake, natural disaster, lack of water, power outage, closure of local parks, roads or parts of the course, protests or blockages along the route, riot, strikes, outbreak or escalation of diseases or epidemics or pandemics (including Covid-19), imposition of quarantine or travel bans, acts or threats of terrorism, blockades or disorder, other industrial action, civil commotion, and any legislation, regulation, decision or omission (including failure to grant any necessary permission) by any government, court, competent national authority, or administrative body.
Article 24.0 – Complaints
Any complaint must be submitted in writing, using a form provided by the Competition Jury, accompanied by a deposit of €50.00 (which will not be refundable if the complaint is denied), and delivered to the President of the Jury within 15 minutes after the official publication of the classifications, following the time limit for the last competitor’s completion of the competition. The Competition Jury, which will analyze the complaint, consists of the President of the Jury, the Race Director, and the referees present. Decisions made by the Jury can be appealed according to the Skyrunning Competition Regulations of FCMP
Article 25.0 – Unforeseen Cases
Any omissions in this regulation will be resolved by the Jury of the competition. The President of the Jury has ultimate authority and will make the best decision for the smooth running of the competition, taking into account the opinions of the panel of judges and the Race Director. These decisions may be subject to appeal, in accordance with the Skyrunning Competition Regulations of the Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation.