Funchal Marathon

FunchalPortugal

Next race

Sunday, 31 January 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Coastal city road

Elevation

Rolling · 150 m gain

150 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Funchal Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each January on a coastal city road in Funchal, Portugal. The island setting makes it one of Portugal's most distinctive road marathons. The course passes harbor roads, cliff-backed boulevards, and Atlantic island scenery on Madeira. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Funchal Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 1,500 finishers

Weather: Mild and humid winter
15–17°C · humidity 75–85%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Funchal Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts and finishes on Funchal's seafront. The course passes harbor roads, cliff-backed boulevards, and Atlantic island scenery on Madeira. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Registration

Funchal Marathon entry requirements

The Funchal Marathon uses open online registration at madeiramarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the January race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Funchal Marathon elevation profile?: The Funchal Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Funchal Marathon?: The Funchal Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal city road starting and finishing on Funchal's seafront.
What time does the Funchal Marathon start?: The 2027 Funchal Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 31 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Funchal Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes on Funchal's seafront. Updated each year.
When is the Funchal Marathon and how do I register?: Funchal Marathon is typically held in January. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Funchal Marathon course flat?: The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at before setting pace targets.
What landmarks does the Funchal Marathon pass?: The course passes harbor roads, cliff-backed boulevards, and Atlantic island scenery on Madeira.
What weather should runners expect at Funchal Marathon?: Usually mild and humid with spring-like winter temperatures.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Funchal.

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MarrakechMorocco· 850 km away

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The Marathon International Marrakech draws about 3,000 runners each January through Morocco's imperial Red City. The course passes the Koutoubia Mosque, the medina walls, and the palm-lined avenues of the modern Gueliz district with views of the Atlas Mountains on clear days. January mild weather and exotic North African atmosphere make it a popular winter destination marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 31 January 2027

CasablancaMorocco· 873 km away

Casablanca Marathon

The Casablanca Marathon attracts approximately 5,000 finishers each October through Morocco's largest city on the Atlantic coast. The course passes the Hassan II Mosque — one of the world's largest — the Corniche waterfront, and the Art Deco downtown district. October's mild Atlantic weather and flat coastal terrain make it North Africa's premier mass-participation marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Funchal Marathon

Overview

Funchal Marathon course

Funchal Marathon entry requirements

Funchal Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Funchal Marathon links

Websites