
Maratona do Algarve
Vilamoura, Faro District, Portugal
Overview
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.
Maratona do Algarve is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Maratona do Algarve 2026 race day
The next Maratona do Algarve is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Maratona do Algarve course route
Starts and finishes in the Vilamoura resort area. The route passes marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Maratona do Algarve elevation profile
The Maratona do Algarve course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Maratona do Algarve uses open online registration at algarvemarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the November 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 Maratona do Algarve elevation profile?
- The Maratona do Algarve has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Maratona do Algarve?
- The Maratona do Algarve is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starting and finishing in the Vilamoura resort area.
- What time does the Maratona do Algarve start?
- The 2026 Maratona do Algarve starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on algarvemarathon.com/en/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Maratona do Algarve start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in the Vilamoura resort area. Updated course maps are published at https://algarvemarathon.com/en/ each year.
- When is the Maratona do Algarve and how do I register?
- Maratona do Algarve is typically held in November. Registration opens through https://algarvemarathon.com/en/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Maratona do Algarve course flat?
- Yes. Maratona do Algarve is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Maratona do Algarve pass?
- The route passes marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery.
- What weather should runners expect at Maratona do Algarve?
- Usually mild with sun, dry air, and some coastal breeze.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Vilamoura.
Lisbon Marathon
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

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
Maratona da Europa
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.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
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