EDP Lisbon Half Marathon 2026, Lisbon, Portugal
Overview
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon is one of the world’s most iconic and prestigious road races, holding the World Athletics Elite Label and serving as a key member of the SuperHalfs circuit. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and high-speed course, the race offers a once-a-year opportunity to run across the majestic 25 de Abril Bridge. Starting on this iconic suspension bridge, participants are treated to a panoramic 360-degree view of the Tagus River and the Lisbon skyline before descending into the historic heart of the city. The 2026 edition coincides with the event’s 35th anniversary, promising a vibrant celebration of athleticism and Portuguese culture.
The event caters to a massive international field of over 35,000 runners and includes various distances such as the Vodafone 10k and the Hyundai 7k, which share the spectacular bridge start. The course is famously flat and fast, having been the site of multiple world records over the years, making it a favorite for elite athletes chasing times and amateurs seeking a personal best. The finish line is located at the grand Praça do Império in Belém, set against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery, where a festive atmosphere awaits every finisher.
Event Highlights
- The Bridge Start: Enjoy the exclusive privilege of crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge on foot, a moment typically reserved for vehicles, offering unparalleled views of the Christ the King monument.
- A Fast and Flat Course: Benefit from a route with minimal elevation gain, ideal for setting personal records under the mild March sun.
- Riverside Scenic Route: Run alongside the Tagus River, passing through iconic districts like Alcântara and Cais do Sodré before reaching the historic monument-rich area of Belém.
- SuperHalfs Series: Earn progress toward the SuperMedal by completing this race as part of the five-city European series that includes Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff, and Valencia.
Why Attend
Runners should attend the Lisbon Half Marathon not just for the competition, but for the experience of exploring one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful capitals from a unique perspective. The early March timing is perfect for a “runcation,” as temperatures usually hover between 12°C and 17°C (54°F to 63°F), providing a refreshing escape from the colder winters of Northern Europe and America. The race weekend is a city-wide festival, with local bands, cheering crowds, and a large-scale Sport Expo that showcases the latest in fitness and nutrition.
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Beyond the race, Lisbon offers a wealth of post-run rewards, from the famous Pastéis de Belém custard tarts found just steps from the finish line to the soulful sounds of Fado in the narrow streets of Alfama. The organization is well-versed in hosting international guests, providing dedicated transport and a seamless bib collection process at the Lisbon Congress Center. Whether you are aiming for a sub-60-minute finish or walking the 7k for charity, the sense of accomplishment as you cross the line in Belém is an experience that resonates long after the race.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026.
- Start Times: The Half Marathon and 10k races typically begin between 10:00 AM and 10:15 AM from the toll plaza of the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Lisbon, Portugal.
- Venue: Start at Ponte 25 de Abril; Finish at Praça do Império, Belém.
- Google Maps Address: Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is online via the official website or through the SuperHalfs/Active platforms; spots are limited and usually sell out months in advance.
- Admission Type: Separate entries for the 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km Vodafone race, and 7 km Hyundai walk/run.
- Ticket Pricing: Early bird prices for the 21 km typically start around $65.00 (60 Euro) and increase to $105.00 (95 Euro) as the race date approaches.
- Free Admission: Spectating is free and highly recommended in the Belém finish area and along the Avenida 24 de Julho.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Official tour operators like Sports Tours International offer packages that include guaranteed bibs, luxury accommodation, and private race-day transfers.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@maratonaportugal.com
- Phone: +351 916 377 806
- Website: https://www.maratonaclubeportugal.com/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/MaratonaDeLisboa/
- https://www.instagram.com/maratonadelisboa/
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), 7 km from the city center (approx. 20 minutes by metro or taxi).
- Public Transport: Runners can travel for free on the Metro, Carris buses, and CP trains on race day by showing their bib.
- Access to Start: The only way to reach the start line is via the Fertagus train to Pragal station; do not attempt to walk or take a taxi directly to the bridge start.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis and apps like Bolt are affordable in Lisbon, but expect heavy traffic and road closures in the Belém and Alcântara areas on Sunday.
- Other Access: A scenic ferry service connects Cais do Sodré to various points across the river, which is a great way for spectators to navigate the city.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Tivoli Avenida Liberdade (5-star, city center, approx. $280-450/night); Altis Belém Hotel & Spa (5-star, 0.5 km from finish, approx. $320-500/night).
- Mid-Range Options: My Story Hotel Tejo (3-star, historic Baixa area, approx. $140-220/night); Hotel 3K Europa (4-star, near Metro links, approx. $120-190/night).
- Budget Stays: Home Lisbon Hostel (Hostel, award-winning central stay, approx. $45-80/night); Ibis Styles Lisboa Centro (3-star, approx. $90-140/night).
Reviews
- Running across the bridge with thousands of others was surreal; the view of the city as you cross into Lisbon is simply breathtaking.
- The course is incredibly flat, which helped me beat my personal best by three minutes, though the U-turns in the final stretch were a bit tight.
- Be prepared for the trains to the start; they get very crowded, so leave much earlier than you think you need to.
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FAQ's
Where and when can I collect my race bib?
Bib collection takes place at the Sport Expo located in the Lisbon Congress Center (CCL) in Alcântara. The Expo is open from Thursday, March 5, to Saturday, March 7, between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. You must bring your registration confirmation (sent via email) and a valid photo ID. Note that there is strictly no bib collection on the morning of the race Sunday, so you must plan to arrive in Lisbon at least one day early.
How do I get to the bridge for the start of the race?
Access to the starting line on the 25 de Abril Bridge is only possible via the Fertagus train. Participants should take the train to the Pragal station. From there, it is a short, guided walk to the bridge toll area where the start line is located. The journey is free for runners presenting their bib. It is vital to check the special race-day train schedule provided by the organizers to ensure you arrive before the bridge is closed to pedestrian access.
What is the maximum time allowed to complete the half marathon?
The official time limit for the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon is 3 hours. This limit is strictly enforced to allow the city's main arterial roads and the bridge to reopen to traffic. The time is calculated from the moment the last runner crosses the starting mat. If you are unable to maintain the required pace, marshals may ask you to move to the sidewalk or board a sweep vehicle.
Are there bag drop services for my personal items?
Yes, baggage trucks are provided near the start area on the bridge. You will be given an official bag during bib collection which must be used for the drop-off. These bags are transported by the organization from the bridge to the finish area in Belém. It is recommended not to leave valuables like jewelry or expensive electronics in these bags, as the organizers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage.
Will there be water and energy stations on the course?
The race is well-supported with hydration stations approximately every 5 kilometers. These stations provide water, and some also offer isotonic drinks like Powerade and fruit. Given that Lisbon can be surprisingly warm in March, runners are encouraged to stay hydrated. At the finish line in Belém, all participants receive a more substantial refreshment pack including water, snacks, and sometimes even ice cream.
