The EDP Porto Marathon 🇵🇹 is an event you don't want to miss towards the end of the year. It takes place annually in Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, nestled in the northern part of the country. The marathon boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast 🌊, the Douro River, and the Gustave Eiffel bridge 🗼.
Since 2004, the "Maradona do Porto" has swiftly become an iconic event in the running world 🏃. It has grown in fame over the years, drawing thousands of national and international runners 🌎. The event unites 15,000 participants across all distances, offering 6 and 10 km races, the Fun Race, and the Family Race, enhancing its friendly atmosphere and making it a perfect occasion to run with your family or friends (and possibly catch a FC Porto match if you're lucky)! The majority of participants gather for the main event—the 42.195 km marathon with 6,300 runners. The appeal is simple: iconic monuments, a fresh perspective of the city, and a range of distances that can convince your friends to join (even the least athletic ones 🫣).
Autumn races often get a bad rap for weather, but this marathon is an exception! The weather is generally favorable, with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 17°C during the day, making it the ideal condition to excel 🏆. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your bib! ⌚ Many runners plan ahead, securing their bibs months in advance due to the marathon's high repute. Bib prices will rise from the end of September, so don't hesitate! 🤑
The event's route is renowned for its beauty and picturesque character. It spans the Atlantic coastline, offering runners spectacular views of the ocean and the city of Porto. Participants will also travel through historic districts 🕍, cross iconic bridges such as the Pont Dom Luís I, Ponte da Arrábida, and the famous Gustave Eiffel bridge 🌉. A detour through the quaint fishing village of Matosinhos will mesmerize you. The course's varied topography features an almost entirely flat out-and-back route.
Another distinguishing feature of the Porto Marathon is its warm atmosphere and the enthusiastic local spectators. The start and finish lines at Praia do Castelo do Queijo (next to the Parque da Cidade do Porto), a large urban park 🌳, provide a magnificent setting to celebrate the race. Runners are welcomed with finisher medals and a sense of unparalleled accomplishment 🥇. Prizes are also awarded to the top male and female runners, as well as age-group categories. This event is the perfect opportunity to share a sporting moment with friends!
Local residents come out in droves to cheer on the runners throughout the course, reflecting the warm Portuguese spirit 🥳. This race positively impacts the local community by promoting sports and attracting visitors to Porto! 🧳 Since the circuit doesn't pass through the city center, you should explore the great city on your own. This benefits local restaurants, ready to cater to thousands of hungry runners post-race! Portuguese cuisine is full of delights, with pastel de nata being among the best-known treats. Don't miss the essential visit to a bar to savor genuine Porto wine, synonymous with a great weekend in the city 🍷. A Fado concert, a typical Portuguese music genre, will be organized for all participants: a chance to sing your heart out all evening before the next day's race 🎤.
This marathon is more than just a running event; it’s an unforgettable experience that combines sport, culture, and authentic landscapes. It draws runners from across the globe thanks to its unique course, festive atmosphere 🍻, and rich history.
And if you're wondering if that's too much, there's also the Porto Half Marathon!
Want to discover the Porto Marathon course? 😉 Eager to know what sights you'll enjoy during your run? Then keep reading, as we take you on a journey through the course! 💪
The race begins between the Parque da Cidade do Porto (Porto City Park) and the coast, near the Praia do Castelo do Queijo beach! 👀 Starting with a loop around the park, you'll head towards the Porto de Leixões. Once at the harbor, you'll pass by the drawbridge, the Ponte Movél de Leça 🌉. After marveling at this medieval-inspired masterpiece, get ready to head south along the coast. A magnificent 20 km stretch awaits, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic to add a touch of charm. Upon reaching the historic center of Porto 🚏, you'll cross the Pont Dom Luis. Hope you're not afraid of heights! From its towering arch 🌁, you'll have a panoramic view of the Douro River! You'll then run on the grounds of Vila Nova de Gaia, with the chance to gaze across at the kilometers already behind you. 6 km later, you'll reach Marina da Afurada, where you'll turn back towards the bridge to retrace your steps 👣. Be careful not to take the Arrábida Bridge by mistake ❌. Yes, the course goes past it, but you'll need to take the next left! Once you're back on the Porto side, don't head straight for the finish line! That would be too easy! Instead, you'll take a small detour inland. For about 5 km, you'll catch glimpses of the Pont Infante Dom Henrique and two other small bridges, as well as the Quinta da China, a historic site surrounded by stunning gardens. Try not to linger too long admiring the scenery! 🎍 You still have 20 km to go, the same distance you've already covered! Once you're back at the Parque da Cidade, don't circle it again! Instead, push harder until you reach the finish line, located right next to the Queimódromo! 🎊
If you're lining up for the 10 km race in Porto, you'll definitely be interested in the course description! You're in the right place to get a sneak peek of what's in store for your run 🏃.
For this distance, the start will be at the same place and time as the marathon: 8am at the Praça de Gonçalves Zarco. However, make no mistake, you won't be heading in the same direction as the marathon runners! 🧭 The route is a straight out-and-back loop (perfect for setting a new PR 🏆). After circling the starting square, you'll hit the pavement of Avenida do Brasil 🇧🇷. Aim for your best time while enjoying the views of the Atlantic coast, the Douro estuary, and finally a view of the iconic Ponte Arrabida 🌉.
You will turn around before this bridge to head back to the square where your race kicked off. Same route, same straight line. For the finish, the atmosphere will be electric 🎉 and you'll have the chance to cross the finish line 🏁 in the Parque da Cidade 🌳.
For the Fun Race of 6 km, don't worry: you'll be following the marathoners at the very start of their course (a great way to get a taste of the day's main event).
Your race will also kick off at Praça de Gonçalves Zarco at 8 am. After circling the square, you'll take the straight road alongside the Parque da Cidade do Porto 🌳.
At km 3, you'll make a quick detour into the heart of Matosinhos, a little there-and-back straight stretch to pick up some more speed before the finish line ⚡.
You will then cross the finish line in the park, which you will have had a good view of for most of your race! The vibe at the finish line is guaranteed to be electric 🥳.
Marathon 42 km: 8:00 AM at the Queimódromo
10 km Race: 8:00 AM at the Queimódromo
Fun Run 6 km: 9:30 AM at the Queimódromo
The Porto Marathon provides runners with a clean space to store your clothing.
The main event, the 42,195 km marathon, has a maximum duration of 6 hours. The 10 km race must be completed within 2 hours, and the 6 km race within 2 hours of competition.
In Porto, the temperature in November ranges between 14°C and 18°C, fluctuating by only about 3°C throughout the day. You can expect quite a cool temperature for running!
There will be refreshment stations every 5 km, offering the following:
5km: Vitalis water
10km: Vitalis water
15km: Vitalis water + sponges + restrooms
20km: Vitalis water + sponges + Powerade + 25g Energy gel + Fruits + Marmalade + restrooms
25km: Vitalis water + sponges + Powerade + Fruits + Marmalade + restrooms
30km: Vitalis water + sponges + Powerade + Fruits + Marmalade
35km: Vitalis water + sponges + Powerade + Fruits + Marmalade
40km: Vitalis water + sponges + Powerade + Fruits + restrooms
Race kits can be picked up on November 1st or 2nd, 2024, between 10 AM and 7 PM at the Marathon Expo taking place at the Porto Customs Congress Centre.
You can find the official results after the race on our website.
If you're the organizer of this race and want to enhance your page's content, claim it here.
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