Evento - Maratona do Centro de Portugal 2026

The 2026 edition of the Marathon of Europe, taking place this weekend, starts with a record number of participants and reinforces the international projection of the region. The Marathon of Europe was officially launched today in Aveiro, signaling the start of a historic edition taking place this weekend, with record numbers and a reinforced ambition: to establish itself as one of the main anchor events for sports tourism in the Center of Portugal and a growing reference on the international scene. In this sixth edition, the race reaches a new participation record, with 21,686 athletes registered, from 82 countries, which confirms its rapid affirmation in the World Athletics calendar and the mobilization capacity of an event that, in just six editions, has achieved global scale. The Marathon of Europe is today a strategic asset for the territory. Integrated into the MOVE Centro Portugal – The Sports Region brand, the event asserts itself as one of the region's major platforms for international affirmation in the active and sports tourism segment, alongside events such as Oh Meu Deus by UTMB, the Motocross World Championship, or the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, among others. This framework reflects the strategy of Turismo Centro de Portugal, which aims to transform major sporting events into engines of economic development, international projection, and territorial cohesion. The Marathon of Europe materializes this strategy on the ground, combining a sport with high participation, a differentiating tourist experience, and strong community involvement. With a direct economic impact already exceeding 5 million euros and significant growth potential, the Marathon of Europe contributes to attracting national and international visitors, energizing sectors such as hospitality, catering, commerce, and services, while promoting longer stays and the discovery of the territory. The 2026 edition also features a high-level competitive field, with elite national and international athletes in various distances, reinforcing the event's sporting credibility. In parallel, it maintains a strong inclusive and social component, with initiatives such as the “Rodas Solidárias” project and the involvement of local institutions, consolidating its identity as the “Marathon of a Thousand Emotions”.