Maratona Do Porto

Location: Porto

Country:  Portugal
Website:  https://www.maratonadoporto.com/
2025 Marathon Date:  02/11/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  08/11/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:13:17

% Sub-3s:  5-10%
# Sub-3s:  100-499
Total Runners: 3-10k

The Porto Marathon is Portugal’s largest and most internationally recognised road race, offering a flat, fast and scenic course along the Atlantic coastline and the Douro River. First held in 2004, the event has grown from an inaugural field of just over 300 runners into a major fixture that attracts thousands of national and international participants each autumn. Its combination of speed, scenery and mild conditions has earned it a strong reputation as a personal-best course.

The marathon takes place across the neighbouring cities of Porto, Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia. The start and finish lines are located at the Queimódromo beside Porto’s expansive City Park, creating a spacious and well-organised launch point for the race. From the start, runners head north toward Matosinhos, following long, straight roads along the Atlantic. This opening coastal section allows participants to find their rhythm early on, supported by wide avenues, cool sea air and largely uninterrupted terrain.

After reaching Matosinhos, the course turns south and begins to follow the Douro River, transitioning into a scenic riverside stretch that defines much of the race’s character. The route passes under several of Porto’s iconic bridges and skirts the colourful Ribeira district, offering glimpses of the historic waterfront without disrupting the flow of the race. Its out-and-back design keeps elevation to a minimum, enabling even splits and consistent pacing for runners aiming at qualifying standards or personal records.

Crossing into Vila Nova de Gaia, the river views widen, with the return leg offering a steady, predictable profile back toward Porto. The final kilometres guide runners once again along the Douro before turning inland for a fast, controlled finish at the Queimódromo.

In addition to the full marathon, the event weekend features a 10 km Family Race and a 6 km Mini Marathon, broadening participation while maintaining a strong community feel. Over its two decades of growth, the Porto Marathon has become a defining event in Portuguese distance running — reliably fast, visually striking and accessible to runners of all levels. Its blend of oceanfront roads, riverside passages and favourable autumn weather make it a compelling choice for athletes seeking a smooth, performance-ready course.