Aveiro, Aveiro District, Portugal
The Maratona da Europa draws approximately 2,500 finishers each April on a lagoon and coastal road in Aveiro, Portugal. The low-elevation course is one of Portugal's better flat-marathon options. The route passes lagoon channels, salt-flat scenery, and flat roads near Portugal's Venice-like canal city. The course is very flat throughout.
Maratona da Europa is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Maratona da Europa is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Starts and finishes around Aveiro's race district. The route passes lagoon channels, salt-flat scenery, and flat roads near Portugal's Venice-like canal city. Lagoon-side miles across the Ria stay level, with canal-town spectators cheering at moliceiro-lined channels.
The Maratona da Europa course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Maratona da Europa uses open online registration at europemarathon.eu with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the April 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Aveiro.
The Porto Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers on an urban road in Porto, Portugal. The course starts and finishes at the City Hall. The route crosses the Dom Luís I Bridge, passes the Ribeira district, and follows the Douro riverfront. Mostly flat with a climb on the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026
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.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
The Maratona do Algarve draws approximately 1,500 finishers each November on a scenic coastal road in Vilamoura, Portugal. It is a late-season warm-weather option for European runners. The route passes marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery. Marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery make November's Vilamoura race a late-season warm-weather option for European runners on flat terrain.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
The Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon brings roughly 10,000 runners through Spain's capital each April with live music stages along the course. The route passes the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Plaza de Cibeles, and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium area on largely flat Madrid boulevards. Combining big-city landmarks with the Rock 'n' Roll series' entertainment format makes it one of Spain's most popular spring marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027
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