Overview
The Lisbon Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers on an urban road in Lisbon, Portugal. The course starts at Praça do Comércio and finishes at the same square. The route crosses the 25 de Abril Bridge, passes Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, and returns along the Tagus. Hilly with a long climb on the 25 de Abril Bridge in the first half.
Lisbon Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Lisbon Marathon 2026 race day
The next Lisbon Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 85 m of climbing on a hilly with notable climbs layout.
Lisbon Marathon course route
The Lisbon Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes at Praca do Comercio, crosses the 25 de Abril Bridge, passes Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, and returns beside the Tagus. The later riverside sections are easiest, the long bridge climb in the first half is the defining tougher section, and spectator support is strongest in Praca do Comercio, around the Belem monuments, and on the final riverfront miles back into the centre.
Lisbon Marathon elevation profile
The Lisbon Marathon course is hilly with notable climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 85 metres of climbing and 85 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
For the Lisbon Marathon, registration opens at maratonaclubedeportugal.com. Entry fees increase in waves as the race date approaches; early registration gives access to the lowest pricing. International travel packages with guaranteed entries are also available.
Lisbon Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
2025 EDP Lisbon Marathon - NEW COURSE
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Lisbon Marathon elevation profile?
- The Lisbon Marathon has 85 metres of total climbing and 85 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is hilly with notable climbs, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Lisbon Marathon?
- The Lisbon Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From Praça do Comércio to the same square.
- What time does the Lisbon Marathon start?
- The 2026 Lisbon Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.maratonaclubedeportugal.com/e-dp-maratona-de-lisboa/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Lisbon Marathon cross the 25 de Abril Bridge?
- Yes. Crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge — one of the world's longest suspension bridges, resembling San Francisco's Golden Gate — over the Tagus River is the defining spectacle of the Lisbon Marathon. The panorama of the river, the Cristo Rei statue, and the Lisbon hills is breathtaking.
- Is the Lisbon Marathon hilly?
- Yes. Lisbon is famously built on seven hills, and the marathon reflects that — runners encounter several notable climbs along the coastal and riverside roads, accumulating roughly 85 metres of total gain. It is more challenging than flat courses like Berlin, so plan your pace accordingly.
- What is the coastal section of the Lisbon Marathon like?
- The marathon starts along the Estoril coast west of the city, running past the seaside towns of Cascais and Estoril before following the Tagus estuary into Lisbon. This scenic coastal stretch gives the race a distinctive half-road, half-waterfront character.
- When is the Lisbon Marathon held?
- The Maratona de Lisboa is typically held on the first Sunday of October, when temperatures along the Tagus coast average a pleasant 18–22 °C. Check the official website (maratonaclubedeportugal.com) for the exact date.
- How do I register for the Lisbon Marathon?
- Registration opens at maratonaclubedeportugal.com. Entry fees increase in waves as the race date approaches; early registration gives access to the lowest pricing. International travel packages with guaranteed entries are also available.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.