Messenger18th Benfica Race, António Leitão
Event summary
The 18th Corrida do Benfica António Leitão is a running event held on March 29, 2026, in Lisbon, Portugal. This road race features a 10 km distance officially measured by CNEC, starting at Avenida Machado Santos near the Estádio da Luz and finishing at Praça Centenário.
The race is open to all participants aged 18 and above, with no nationality or sex restrictions, and requires registration within the deadline. Participants are organized into starting blocks based on their previous 10 km race times, ensuring a fair and competitive atmosphere.
The event also includes the Caminhada António Leitão, a roughly 5 km walk, and the Corrida da Pequenada, races for children of various age categories with shorter distances, creating a family-friendly and festive environment. The course runs through iconic areas around the Estádio da Luz, offering an urban race experience in Lisbon.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Juvenis (16-17, only Caminhada)
• Juniores (18-19)
• Seniores (20-34)
• Veterans M35 (35-39)
• Veterans M40 (40-44)
• Veterans M45 (45-49)
• Veterans M50 (50-54)
• Veterans M55 (55-59)
• Veterans M60 (60-64)
• Veterans M65 (65-69)
• Veterans M70+ (70 and over)
Start/finish locations: Start at Avenida Machado Santos (near Estádio da Luz), finish at Praça Centenário (Estádio da Luz)
Start times per category/distance:
• 10 km race 10:30 (divided into 4 waves: Elite+Sub40+Sub45, Sub50+Sub55+Sub60, +60min, Walk at 11:00)
• Caminhada António Leitão (approx. 5 km) 11:00
• Corrida da Pequenada (children’s races) on March 28 at 10:30 onwards
Cut-off times: Maximum duration for main race and walk is 2 hours, finishing by 12:30
Bib pick-up time and location:
• March 26, 10:00–20:00
• March 27, 10:00–20:00
• March 28, 9:00–20:00
• Location: Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Participants limit:
• Corrida do Benfica António Leitão (10 km) and Caminhada António Leitão: 12,000
• Corrida da Pequenada: 1,500
Registration deadline: March 27, 2026, or until full
Surface types: Asphalt urban roads around Estádio da Luz
Course format: Loop course with multiple returns, passing iconic urban landmarks
Race routes:
• 10 km: Avenida Machado Santos, Rotunda behind Repsol, Avenida Condes de Carnide, Avenida Marechal Teixeira Rebelo, Estrada da Correia, Avenida Lusíada, Estádio da Luz underground parking and relvado, finishing at Praça Centenário
• Caminhada: approx. 5 km on similar but shorter route
• Corrida da Pequenada: short laps around the stadium pitch
Timing method: Electronic chip timing integrated into bib, activates at start line
Toilets and aid station placement:
• Aid stations at 5 km and finish for 10 km race
• Aid stations at 2.3 km and finish for walk
• Aid station at finish for children’s race
Prizes:
• Technical t-shirt and sponsor gifts for all registered
• Medal and additional offers for finishers
• Electronic participation diploma available for download
• Trophies for top 3 general male and female finishers
Location
get directionsRaces
Road Running 10 km Associates
Walking 5 km Associates
Kids Race Associates
Road Running 10 km Non-associates
Walking 5 km Non-associates
Kids Race Non-associates
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: technical t-shirt, bib with integrated chip, sponsor gifts
🏅 Finisher prize: medal, electronic participation diploma
⏱️ Timing + live results with chip timing activated at start line
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance by Hospital da Luz with ambulances and emergency teams along course and finish tents
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance with coverage for death, disability, treatment, and funeral expenses
🥤 Aid stations: two points for hydration and nutrition at 5 km and finish
📸 Image rights ceded to organization for event coverage
🏆 Podium awards for top 3 overall male and female finishers
