Maratona da Europa
Next race
Sunday, 4 April 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Lagoon and coastal road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
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.
- Typical participants
Approximately 2,500 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Maratona da Europa course
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. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.
The Maratona da Europa course is 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.
- Elevation
Registration
Maratona da Europa entry requirements
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.
Getting there
Maratona da Europa travel
- Best for most flights
Porto (OPO)
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport
67 km / 42 mi
- Closest airport
Viseu (VSE)
Aerodromo Goncalves Lobato (Viseu Airport)
64 km / 40 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Maratona da Europa elevation profile?
- The Maratona da Europa has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Maratona da Europa?
- The Maratona da Europa is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lagoon and coastal road starts and finishes around Aveiro's race district.
- What time does the Maratona da Europa start?
- The 2027 Maratona da Europa starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Maratona da Europa start and finish?
- Starts and finishes around Aveiro's race district. Updated each year.
- When is the Maratona da Europa and how do I register?
- Maratona da Europa is typically held in April. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Maratona da Europa course flat?
- Yes. Maratona da Europa is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Maratona da Europa pass?
- The route passes lagoon channels, salt-flat scenery, and flat roads near Portugal's Venice-like canal city.
- What weather should runners expect at Maratona da Europa?
- Usually mild with ocean-influenced breeze and low spring heat.
Official resources
Maratona da Europa links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Aveiro.
Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon
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, 25 April 2027
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Flat vs Hilly Marathons
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Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.

How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.






