Porto Marathon

Next race

Sunday, 8 November 2026

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

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.

Porto Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 1,800 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid autumn
12–15°C · humidity 80–90%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:08:58 — Zablon Chumba (2021)Women: 2:26:58 — Monica Jepkoech (2017)

Course & terrain

Porto Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

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 route map

Registration

Porto Marathon 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.

Common questions

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 flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Porto Marathon route map?: This page includes a Porto Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Crosses the Dom Luís I Bridge, passes the Ribeira district, and follows the Douro riverfront.
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 has 50 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — less than 55 metres of gain — which 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 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.
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.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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