EuropePortugal

Lisbon Marathon

A fast, scenic Tagus-side tour past Lisbon's monuments in mild autumn air.

Good for Debut
4.5/10 Difficulty
189m Elevation Gain
1986 Founded

Course Map

Elevation Profile
km
mi

Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.

About this Race

The EDP Lisbon Marathon is a fast, scenic course through the Portuguese capital, running largely along the banks of the Tagus past the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the city's waterfront monuments. The mostly flat, gently favorable profile makes it a reasonable personal-best target. Held in October, it offers mild autumn conditions and bright riverside scenery. The monument-lined waterfront defines the day. It suits runners who want a fast-leaning, scenic race through a beautiful capital in a mild climate over a fast personal best.

city flat downhill scenic river destination

Course Insight

Lisbon is a mostly flat, gently descending October marathon along the Tagus, scenic and quick with the chance of lingering warmth. The level riverside terrain rewards a controlled start over a greedy one. Manage hydration on a warm day. The waterfront and bridges are a striking backdrop. Pace the early miles with restraint and the flat-to-downhill profile delivers a fast finish.

Pro tip: Take the gentle Tagus-side descent with control and manage any warmth — the flat-to-downhill profile delivers a fast finish.

Difficulty Breakdown

4.5/10

Mostly due to tough late hills.

Elevation
4.5
Hill Placement
6.3
Weather
4.2
Turns
1.4

How we calculate difficulty →

Course Details

Course type
Point-To-Point
Elevation gain
189m
Elevation loss
204m
Highest point
38m
Lowest point
6m
Net elevation
-15m
Start
Starts in Carcavelos, finishes at Praca do Comercio, tracing the Tagus riverside.
Cutoff time
6h 0m

Race History

The EDP Lisbon Marathon grew into its modern form to become a fast, scenic course through the Portuguese capital, running along the Tagus past the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the waterfront monuments. Its mostly flat, gently favorable profile made it a reasonable personal-best target. Over the years it drew a large international field. Held each autumn, it remains a scenic, fast-leaning capital race.

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.

Nearest airport(s)
Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS)
Best area to stay
The Baixa centre for proximity to the route and full hotels, Alfama for atmospheric old-town stays, and Belém for quieter riverside options near the finish.
Getting to the start
The start is up the coast (around the bridge or the Cascais line); take the official transport or the coastal train to the start.

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