Porto Marathon 2025: What to Expect

Paula Veloso
by Paula Veloso
4 weeks ago

Planning to run the Porto Marathon in 2025? It’s an excellent choice! Known as one of Europe’s most beautiful and fastest marathons, this race offers a unique combination of scenic beauty, a challenging yet rewarding course, and an incredible city to explore.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the 2025 EDP Porto Marathon.

Key Details & Race Vibe

  • Date: The 21st edition of the Porto Marathon is scheduled for November 2, 2025.
  • Race Options: The event offers three distances to suit every type of runner: the full 42k marathon, a 10k race, and a non-competitive 6k fun run/walk.
  • Atmosphere: The marathon is a major event that attracts thousands of runners from around the globe. The vibe is festive and welcoming, with spectators cheering you on from start to finish. You’ll be part of a vibrant, international running community.

The Course: A Runner’s Paradise

The Porto Marathon course is the main reason it’s so popular. It’s renowned for being flat and fast, which makes it perfect for runners aiming for a new personal best.

  • Scenic Beauty: The route is a feast for the eyes, taking you along the banks of the iconic Douro River and the breathtaking Atlantic coastline. You’ll run through three cities—Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Matosinhos—with stunning views of bridges, historic buildings, and ocean waves.
  • Flat Profile: While there are some minor undulations, the course is known for its flat profile. The mostly riverside and coastal route minimizes elevation gain, allowing you to maintain a steady pace.
  • Key Landmarks: You’ll run past famous landmarks, including the Dom Luís I Bridge, the historic Ribeira district, and the Foz do Douro area. The blend of urban and natural landscapes makes the miles fly by.

Practical Information

  • Bib Pickup: Bibs and race kits are collected at the Marathon Expo, typically held in the days leading up to the race. This is also a great opportunity to explore running gear and meet other athletes.
  • Finish Line: The race finishes at Queimódromo, near the city’s Parque da Cidade. The finish line is lively, with music, a finishers’ medal, and a well-stocked recovery area.

Is the Porto Marathon Right for You?

This race is an excellent choice for a wide range of runners.

  • For Beginners: The flat course and fantastic support make it a great first marathon.
  • For Experienced Runners: If you’re chasing a personal best, the fast course provides the perfect opportunity to hit your goal.
  • For Destination Runners: The Porto Marathon is a perfect running vacation. You can combine a fantastic race with a few days of exploring a beautiful and historic city.

Ready to take on the Porto Marathon? Find all the details and registration information for this race on RaceFinder.pt!

More from the blog

Musings on swimming, running and riding for everyday athletes.

Weekend Miles, Lifetime Smiles
3 Oct 2025

Weekend Miles, Lifetime Smiles

There’s something special about weekend training.The early alarm. The quiet roads. The sound of your shoes hitting the pavement — or your wheels gliding through the air. It’s the moment when the week slows down and everything feels simple again: you, the road, and the rhythm of your breath. Whether it’s a long run, a […]

Read More
Recovery is Part of the Plan
2 Oct 2025

Recovery is Part of the Plan

Endurance athletes love the grind.We wake up early, chase numbers, and push through fatigue with that stubborn determination that only runners, cyclists and triathletes truly understand. But the truth is — progress doesn’t happen during training. It happens after. Recovery isn’t a break. It’s part of the plan. 🧘‍♀️ Why Recovery Matters When you train, […]

Read More
Top Trail Running Events in Portugal – October Edition
1 Oct 2025

Top Trail Running Events in Portugal – October Edition

October is one of the most beautiful months for trail running in Portugal. The heat eases, the landscapes turn golden, and the calendar fills with unmissable races across the country. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, discovering new routes, or simply running for the love of nature — these are some of the most exciting […]

Read More
Why We Run, Ride and Swim: The Emotional Side of Endurance
30 Sep 2025

Why We Run, Ride and Swim: The Emotional Side of Endurance

Anyone who has ever lived through an endurance race knows there’s something special about it. That moment when the body starts to fade, but the mind refuses to stop. The silence before the start. The heart racing. The powerful sense of being fully present — suspended between fear and courage, between pain and purpose. It’s […]

Read More