EDP Lisbon Marathon
The Lowdown
The EDP Lisbon Marathon is one of Portugal’s premier road races, tracing its origins to the 1980s and evolving into a major spring marathon that attracts both elite athletes and enthusiastic recreational runners from around the world. Held in 2026 on March 8 with a 09:30 start, the race has become an important fixture on the European marathon calendar for its fast, scenic route and friendly organizational standards. The event is AIMS-certified and serves as a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, making it a popular choice for runners chasing time goals or qualifying standards. The course delivers spectacular coastal and urban scenery, traditionally linking the Atlantic seaside towns to the heart of Lisbon—often starting near Cascais/Boca do Inferno areas and finishing in the historic Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço). Runners enjoy long stretches along the Tagus estuary and oceanfront, views of Belém’s monuments, and a backdrop of Lisbon’s terraced streets and classic azulejo tiles. The atmosphere is festive and supportive, with lively crowds, Portuguese music, and plentiful refreshment stations; the route’s generally flat-to-undulating profile creates opportunities for fast times while still offering memorable city vistas and a warm, celebratory finish in Lisbon’s historic downtown.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Registration opens for EDP Lisbon Marathon 2026
Oct 15, 2025Organisers opened online registration for the 2026 EDP Lisbon Marathon with early-bird pricing, charity entries and limited spots for the full marathon and relay; participants are advised to register early as demand is expected to be high.
Elite field and pacemakers announced for 2026 edition
Dec 5, 2025The race committee confirmed a competitive international elite line-up and designated pacemakers for the 2026 marathon on 2026-03-08, aiming for fast times on the flat coastal course and targeting national and course records.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Cascais Marina
The race traditionally starts in Cascais near the marina, a lively seaside town west of Lisbon
Estoril Casino
Runners pass the famous Estoril Casino and its seaside promenade, a historic gaming and leisure landmark
Carcavelos Beach
A long sandy beach along the route popular with surfers, offering coastal views and sea breezes
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
Iconic 16th‑century fortress on the Tagus riverfront, visible as runners approach Lisbon
Jerónimos Monastery
UNESCO World Heritage site in Belém with grand Manueline architecture along the riverside section
MAAT
The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology sits on the riverfront near Belém and is a contemporary cultural landmark on the course
Praça do Comércio (Terreiro do Paço)
The historic riverside plaza in central Lisbon where the marathon finishes, framed by the Tagus and the Arco da Rua Augusta
Lisbon, Portugal
PT
Based on nearby accommodations
- Minimum age 18 on race day (born on or before 2008-03-08)
- Online registration required via the official event website
- Presentation of valid photo ID at bib pickup
- Medical certificate or physician's declaration of fitness for long-distance running recommended/required according to organizer instructions
- No bib transfers; bibs are non-transferable
- Registration fees are non-refundable
- Participants must comply with the event’s official rules, directions and anti-doping regulations
- Cut-off time for the marathon: 6 hours (participants not meeting pace may be redirected to shorter distances or removed from course)
- Wheelchair and para-athlete entries must be registered in the designated category and notify organizers in advance
- Minors (under 18) are not permitted to start in the full marathon
- Photo ID (passport or national ID)
- Medical certificate of fitness to compete (Certificado Médico Desportivo or equivalent)
- Proof of age (passport, national ID or birth certificate)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Club Entry
- Elite Invitation
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
Full refund until 60 days before race (until 2026-01-07)
50% refund until 30 days before race (until 2026-02-06)
No refunds within 30 days of the event (after 2026-02-06)
Bib transfers allowed until 14 days before race (until 2026-02-22) subject to an administrative fee
Deferral to the 2027 edition allowed until 30 days before race (until 2026-02-06) for a deferral fee
Medical deferral any time with valid medical certificate; documentation must be submitted to organizers for approval
The point-to-point course starts in Cascais and follows the scenic coastal Avenida Marginal before finishing in historic Praça do Comércio in central Lisbon.
The race is known as a fast, largely flat coastal course popular with athletes seeking qualifying times, and top elite men have historically run under 2:10 while elite women have posted sub-2:30 performances.
Race weekend includes an official expo with packet pickup, a pre-race pasta dinner option, and a kids' run on the same weekend; awards are given to overall and age-group winners.
Finishers receive a commemorative medal and technical shirt, and post-race amenities include recovery food, water, sports drinks and often a beer garden near the finish.
Runners should use the race-provided shuttles from Lisbon to the Cascais start, arrive early for bag drop, and be prepared for short sections of cobblestones and variable coastal wind conditions; aid stations are frequent (roughly every 3–5 km).
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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