IRONMAN Portugal – Cascais 2025: Everything You Need to Know — Whether You’re Racing or Watching

Paula Veloso
by Paula Veloso
2 months ago

This weekend, Cascais transforms into the capital of endurance.
Thousands of triathletes from more than 70 countries will swim, ride, and run through one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal landscapes — in a race that’s as emotional as it is demanding.

Whether you’re racing, supporting, or just coming to feel the atmosphere, here’s everything you need to know about the IRONMAN Portugal – Cascais weekend. 👇

📅 Official Schedule

🏊‍♀️ Saturday, October 18 — Race Day

  • 05:30 – 08:00 → Transition Area open (bike & gear check)
  • 07:00 – 07:20 → Swim warm-up in Cascais Bay
  • 07:15 → National Anthem
  • 08:40 → Rolling swim start (IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3)
  • 09:00 – 19:00 → IRONMAN Expo open (Sommer House Garden)
  • 16:50 (approx.) → First finishers expected
  • 19:15 – 02:00 → Bike check-out window
  • Until midnight → Athletes continue to cross the finish line — a highlight not to miss ✨

🏆 Sunday, October 19 — Celebration Day

  • 09:00 – 13:00 → Expo & Info Point open
  • 10:00 – 13:00 → Official Store & merchandise open
  • 12:00 – 14:00 → Awards Ceremony & Kona Slot Allocation (at Centro Cultural de Cascais)

🌊 Best Spots to Watch

  • Cascais Bay: The swim start — pure energy at sunrise.
  • Estoril Formula 1 Circuit: A rare triathlon highlight during the bike segment.
  • Guincho Road: Stunning ocean views and fast sections for great photos.
  • Cascais Marina: Final stretch and finish line — emotional, crowded, unforgettable.

💡 Race Weekend Tips

  • Arrive early: Traffic and parking fill up quickly — use public transport if possible.
  • Pack for all weather: mornings can be cool, afternoons sunny, evenings breezy.
  • Stay hydrated & fuelled: Whether you’re racing or supporting, it’s a long day.
  • Enjoy the Expo: open to everyone, free entry, great vibe.
  • Don’t leave before midnight: the final finishers are the soul of IRONMAN.

💫 Cascais: Where Endurance Meets Emotion

The IRONMAN Portugal – Cascais isn’t just a race — it’s a celebration of courage, community, and human spirit.
Every cheer, every clap, and every “You are an IRONMAN” echo across the Atlantic, reminding us why endurance sports bring people together.

👉 Discover more triathlon and endurance events across Portugal.

More from the blog

Musings on swimming, running and riding for everyday athletes.

What the Strava 2025 Report Reveals About Athletes Preparing for Races
4 Dec 2025

What the Strava 2025 Report Reveals About Athletes Preparing for Races

Every year, Strava publishes the Year in Sport report — one of the most reliable snapshots of global endurance habits. The 2025 edition confirms what many of us already feel on the ground: athletes are training smarter, staying more consistent, and showing a renewed appetite for events, challenges and outdoor exploration. If you’re preparing for […]

Read More
Training During the Holidays: How to Fit Running, Cycling and Workouts Into the Busiest Days of the Year
3 Dec 2025

Training During the Holidays: How to Fit Running, Cycling and Workouts Into the Busiest Days of the Year

December is a special month — but also one of the most chaotic. Between holiday dinners, travel plans, family time, shopping, and shorter days, keeping a training routine feels almost impossible. The truth? You don’t have to choose between “staying active” and “enjoying the holidays.” You can do both — with the right mindset and […]

Read More
Running Pace Calculator: Which Race Really Suits You?
2 Dec 2025

Running Pace Calculator: Which Race Really Suits You?

Choosing your next race isn’t always easy. With so many options — 5K, 10K, short trail runs, half marathons — it’s normal to wonder: “Am I ready for this distance?”or“Which race matches my current level?” Before deciding, there’s a simple tool that helps thousands of runners understand where they are in their training: a running […]

Read More
The Best Year-End Races in Portugal (and How to Choose Your São Silvestre)
28 Nov 2025

The Best Year-End Races in Portugal (and How to Choose Your São Silvestre)

A fresh guide for anyone looking to race in December — even in winter temperatures December is one of the most popular months for runners in Portugal. Between São Silvestre races, festive night runs, 5K events and fast 10Ks, the last weeks of the year are perfect for anyone wanting one final challenge, staying active […]

Read More