The Baja Portalegre 500, held for the first time in April 1987, was the pioneer of off-road competitions in Portugal, based in the city of Portalegre. The initiative began in 1982 with non-competitive activities between José Megre and friends, inspired by Megre’s participation in the Paris-Dakar. Megre, with his friend and navigator Pedro Vilas Boas, organized the first edition of the event, initially called the Portalegre – Finicisa Marathon Rally, with 130 cars and more than 69 motorcycles.

The 400 km route was marked by heavy rain and mud, creating significant challenges. The event grew rapidly, doubling the number of entries in the following editions and reaching 219 cars and 232 motorcycles in the third edition. Baja Portalegre soon gained international recognition, attracting renowned drivers such as Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz.