Porto Marathon

Porto Marathon course route

The Porto Marathon is a Douro city loop starting and finishing at City Hall, crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge and passing the Ribeira along the riverfront. The riverside sections are the easiest because they stay mostly flat and scenic, while the bridge climb and cobbled Ribeira passages are the tougher moments; spectators line the Ribeira, gather on the bridge approaches, and cheer the final run back to City Hall.

Porto Marathon elevation profile

The Porto Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations 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.

Entry requirements

The EDP Porto Marathon uses open online registration at porto-marathon.com with no ballot for the general field. Sign-up for the November race typically opens in spring and can sell out given strong European demand for the Douro riverside course. Charity bibs are available through official partner organisations.

Porto Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Percurso EDP Maratona do Porto (42 km) - EDP Porto Marathon course

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Porto Marathon elevation profile?

The Porto Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.

How long is the Porto Marathon?

The Porto Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the City Hall.

Is the Porto Marathon flat?

Yes. The Porto Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations with 50 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

What time does the Porto Marathon start?

The 2026 Porto Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.porto-marathon.com/en/home.html confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What does the Porto Marathon course look like?

The Porto Marathon follows the Douro River through Portugal's second city and Port wine capital. The course passes the UNESCO-listed Ribeira waterfront district, the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and the famous Port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia on the southern bank, before heading to a coastal finish near Foz do Douro where the Douro meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Does the Porto Marathon finish at the coast?

Yes. The course heads west along the Douro towards the river's mouth at the Atlantic, finishing at Foz do Douro — one of Porto's most elegant seafront neighbourhoods. The coastal finish is a memorable climax to the race, with the ocean in view for the final kilometres.

When is the Porto Marathon held?

The Porto Marathon is typically held on the second Sunday of November each year. November in Porto is mild autumn weather — temperatures of 10–17 °C — with the city's famous azulejo tile facades at their most atmospheric in the softer autumn light. Check www.porto-marathon.com for confirmed dates.

Can runners see the Port wine lodges on the course?

Yes. The southern bank of the Douro — Vila Nova de Gaia — is home to the great Port wine lodges of Taylor's, Sandeman, Graham's, and others, their names emblazoned on the hillside warehouses. The route along the Douro offers direct views of this unique wine landscape.

Is Porto a good destination for a marathon trip?

Porto is consistently rated one of Europe's most rewarding city-break destinations — compact, beautiful, famous for its food, wine, and azulejo tile heritage. The marathon offers a wonderful excuse to explore the city's UNESCO-listed old town, sample francesinha sandwiches and Vinho Verde, and take a boat trip up the Douro Valley wine country.