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. Harbor roads and cliff-backed boulevards climb across Atlantic island scenery on Madeira, giving Portugal one of its most distinctive road marathons.
Funchal Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Funchal Marathon 2027 race day
The next Funchal Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 3 January 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Funchal Marathon course route
Starts and finishes on Funchal's seafront. The course passes harbor roads, cliff-backed boulevards, and Atlantic island scenery on Madeira. Coastal climbs above the harbor test tired legs, while Madeira spectators cheer along the marina and cliff-top lookouts.
Funchal Marathon elevation profile
The Funchal Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
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.
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 moderate climbs, 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, 3 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.madeiramarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Funchal Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes on Funchal's seafront. Updated course maps are published at https://www.madeiramarathon.com/ each year.
- When is the Funchal Marathon and how do I register?
- Funchal Marathon is typically held in January. Registration opens through https://www.madeiramarathon.com/ and 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 https://www.madeiramarathon.com/ 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 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
