Marathon races near Prior Velho

The EDP Lisbon Marathon begins on the Carcavelos seafront and proceeds 42 km into Lisbon, ending at Praça do Comércio next to the Tagus River. This October road marathon in Portugal’s capital, held annually since 1986, has a six-hour time limit and attracts approximately 15,000 participants. The race weekend also features the Hyundai Half Marathon, the EDP 8K, and youth races; the half marathon starts on the Vasco da Gama Bridge and uses the same downtown finish line. The marathon follows the Atlantic coast and the Tagus River, rather than heading inland, passing the Oeiras gardens before reaching historic Lisbon. Its level terrain offers a fast course for competitive runners, and the field comprises elite athletes alongside thousands of international participants. Live music is present along the course, and the finish area hosts a concert post-race. The marathon also functions as the Portuguese championship and is a founding event of the European Marathon Classics, alongside Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Rome, Vienna, and Warsaw.

The Maratona de Lisboa is a race weekend centered on a 42.195 km marathon. The main marathon is held on Saturday, with a half marathon and an 8K race taking place on Sunday. The marathon begins in Carcavelos and concludes in Praça do Comércio, following a point-to-point route from the coast into the city. It holds a World Athletics Elite Label, and organizers state the course is fast. The event attracts elite athletes and thousands of amateur runners globally, distinguishing it from a small, local city race. Participants can select the EDP Lisbon Marathon, the Hyundai Half Marathon, or the EDP 8K, accommodating marathoners, shorter-distance runners, and those attending with companions. The race is also known by translated names such as Lisbon Marathon, Marathon de Lisbonne, Maratón de Lisboa, and Lissabon-Marathon, reflecting its international participation. Finishers have the option of personalized medal engraving.

The Hyundai Meia Maratona is a 21.1-kilometer half marathon in Lisbon, running from the Vasco da Gama Bridge to Praça do Comércio. It holds a World Athletics Elite Label and is listed on the World Athletics international calendar. The route is described by the organizers as fast, with runners starting on one of Lisbon’s biggest landmarks and finishing in the city’s main riverside square. The field includes world-class elite athletes alongside thousands of other participants, providing both a competitive front end and a broad mass-participation character.

GRIFO24h is a long-duration endurance running event held at the GNR Intervention Unit. The name reflects the main 24-hour format; the same race weekend also includes 12-hour and 3-hour options plus a Night Marathon, allowing runners to select anything from a shorter endurance test to a full day of running. The event supports a charity cause. Through Fundação Galp’s “Todos os Passos Contam” initiative, kilometers covered by participants are converted into meals for vulnerable families. The race also collaborates with the Food Bank. Each registered runner must bring a non-perishable food item when collecting their bib, with all donated items sent to the Food Bank.

The Meia Maratona dos Descobrimentos takes place in November in Belém, Lisbon. All races begin at Praça do Império and conclude near the Museu da Marinha. The primary event is a 21 km half marathon on a flat course, open to participants over 18. A 10 km race, a 4 km walk for all ages, and a 500 m children's race for those up to 12 are also offered. The course winds through Lisbon streets significant to the Portuguese Discoveries. The Belém location places runners near historical monuments and museums. Thousands of participants attend, including half-marathon competitors aiming for personal bests on the flat terrain, families on the walk, and children in the race. The 21 km race provides water from 2.5 km onwards at 5 km intervals, with medical support at similar intervals and the finish. The 10 km race offers water and medical aid at the 5 km mark and the finish.

The Lisbon Eco Marathon, held in spring in Lisbon, Portugal, focuses on sustainability, community, and time spent in the city’s green spaces. It includes a full marathon, a 21.4 km race, a 12.8 km race, an 8 km race, and a walk, catering to a range of participants beyond just marathoners. The event takes place at Parque Eduardo VII, the large park in the city center, serving as both the start and finish point with Lisbon visible in the background.