EDP Porto Marathon
The Lowdown
The EDP Porto Marathon has grown since its inception into one of Portugal’s premier autumn road races, drawing a strong international field and enthusiastic local support. Traditionally held in November, the race celebrates Porto’s rich cultural heritage and maritime history while offering a fast, well-organized marathon experience. Over the years the event has become a showcase for Portuguese distance running and a popular target for runners chasing personal bests and autumn marathon goals. The course takes runners through some of Porto’s most iconic scenery: historic riverside neighborhoods of the Ribeira, sweeping views along the Douro River, and passages across the city’s graceful bridges that link Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. The route features long, flat-to-rolling sections conducive to fast times, with memorable stretches alongside riverfront promenades, past wine cellars, and through charming historic streets lined with cheering crowds. Aid stations, lively music spots, and local volunteers create a festive race-day atmosphere that blends urban energy with the warm hospitality of northern Portugal. Runners can expect a professionally managed event with clear course markings, ample support, and fast chip-timed results. The EDP Porto Marathon is AIMS-certified and serves as a valid Boston Marathon qualifying course; it has also hosted editions recognized by World Athletics in recent years. Whether you’re aiming for a qualifying time, a national record, or an unforgettable city marathon experience, Porto delivers a scenic, runner-friendly race with strong logistical support and enthusiastic crowds.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Avenida dos Aliados
Grand boulevard in the city center where the race traditionally finishes, lined with historic buildings and the city hall
Cais da Ribeira
Picturesque UNESCO-listed riverside district with colorful houses and riverfront cafés along the Douro
Dom Luís I Bridge
Iconic double-deck metal bridge spanning the Douro River offering panoramic views of Porto and Gaia
Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)
Romanesque cathedral on a hill overlooking the river, a historic landmark near the course
Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower)
Baroque bell tower and landmark visible from many points along the route
Casa da Música
Contemporary concert hall and architectural landmark in the Boavista district passed during the race
Foz do Douro
Coastal area where the Douro meets the Atlantic, offering scenic oceanfront views on sections of the course
Porto, Portugal
PT
Based on nearby accommodations
The race offers a booking portal with partner hotel options
- Minimum age 18 on race day (born on or before 2008-11-08)
- Registered participants must complete online registration and pay the entry fee before the published deadline
- Participants in the competitive/elite category must present a valid medical certificate for competition issued by a physician (medical check recommended for all participants)
- Photographic ID (passport or national ID) required for bib collection
- Race bibs are personal and non-transferable; participants must run in the bib assigned to them
- Participants must be able to complete the marathon within the official time limit (6 hours)
- All entrants must agree to and comply with the event rules and the organizer's terms and conditions
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Signed Race Waiver / Liability Release
- Proof of Age (birth certificate or photo ID)
- Emergency Contact Information
- Online Registration
- Tour Operator
- Charity Entry
- Club/Group Entry
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
No cash refunds for cancellations after registration (registration non-refundable)
Bib transfer to another runner permitted until 30 days before race with administrative fee
Deferral to the next edition allowed until 60 days before race with a deferral fee
If the race is cancelled by organizers (force majeure), participants will be offered a full refund or race credit
No transfers between distances on race weekend
The course runs through Porto’s UNESCO-listed historic center along the Douro River, crossing the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and finishing near Foz do Douro on the Atlantic coast, offering varied scenic views.
Finishers receive an official finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and official chip timing is used for all participants.
The race weekend includes an official expo with bib collection, a pre-race pasta party and a shorter family/kids run on race day, and most editions attract elite competitors from East Africa and Europe.
There are well-stocked aid stations approximately every 3–5 km with water, isotonic drink and sponges, and medical support is available throughout the course; pacers are provided for common target times.
Public transportation (Porto Metro and regional trains) is recommended for race morning access, parking near the start/finish can be limited, and typical early-November weather is cool and favorable for fast times (around 10–18°C).
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.