
Lisbon Half Marathon 2026 – Dates, Registration and Course Guide
Lisbon Half Marathon 2026: Dates, Registration, Course Map and Complete Guide
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon returns on Sunday, March 8, 2026, drawing thousands of runners to one of Europe’s most celebrated road racing events. Scheduled for a 9:30 AM start, the race crosses the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge before winding along the River Tagus and finishing at the Jerónimos Monastery in the Portuguese capital.
Organised by Run Lisboa and awarded the World Athletics Gold Label, the event ranks among the world’s fastest half marathons. It forms part of the SuperHalfs series and pairs with the Vodafone 10K, bringing the combined participant total to more than 27,000 runners across all distances.
When Is the Lisbon Half Marathon 2026?
The 2026 edition is confirmed for Sunday, March 8, with the start time set for 9:30 AM. Runners have a maximum of three hours to complete the 21.1-kilometre course, which begins mid-span on the 25 de Abril Bridge and ends at the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district.
No qualifying times are required to enter. The event draws up to 19,000 to 21,000 half marathon participants, making it one of the largest single-distance road races in southern Europe.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- The race has been held annually in March since its inception, consistently attracting international fields.
- World records were set on this course in 2000, 2010, and 2021, highlighting its reputation for fast times.
- The current men’s world record on the course stands at 57:31, held by Jacob Kiplimo. The women’s record is 1:05:30, set by Almaz Ayana.
- World Athletics granted the event its Gold Label, placing it among elite road races globally.
- Registration remains open, with the participant cap set at 19,000 for the half marathon distance.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Run Lisboa / Marathon Clube de Portugal |
| Start Location | Mid-span, 25 de Abril Bridge |
| Finish Location | Jerónimos Monastery, Belém |
| Course Label | World Athletics Gold Label |
| World Records | Men: 57:31 (Kiplimo, 2021) | Women: 1:05:30 (Ayana, 2021) |
| Combined Events | Over 27,000 runners across all distances |
How to Register for the Lisbon Half Marathon 2026
Entries are accepted through the official event website managed by the Marathon Clube de Portugal. Registration opens in waves, with fees varying by the period in which a runner signs up. Specific fee amounts are published directly on the registration platform and can change between waves.
For international runners based in Canada, guaranteed entries are available through the SuperHalfs programme via Race Roster. This option requires a deposit of CAD$350 plus additional fees in euros, and is restricted to participants aged 18 or older on race day. Runners from other countries may need express permission from SuperHalfs to use this channel.
No qualifying times are required for any entry pathway. At the time of writing, the event had not reached its 19,000-participant limit, though registration can fill quickly as race day approaches.
Registration Options
- Direct entry via maratonaclubedeportugal.com, open to all ages where permitted by law.
- SuperHalfs packages via Race Roster, primarily targeting Canadian runners with guaranteed entry.
- Charity places available through partners such as Cancer Research, which set a separate fundraising minimum.
- Travel packages offered by SuperHalfs include entry plus accommodation coordination.
The event’s official site provides full details on wave-based pricing, entry deadlines, and package inclusions. Prospective participants are advised to check for the most current information before committing, as fee structures can shift between registration periods.
Lisbon Half Marathon 2026 Course Map and Details
The course follows a largely flat riverside route along the Tagus River, beginning mid-span on the 25 de Abril Bridge and concluding at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. Runners remain close to the river for most of the distance, benefiting from sea and river views throughout.
The event is widely regarded as a personal-best-friendly course due to its minimal elevation profile. No detailed public elevation data has been published by organisers, but the course description consistently emphasises its flatness and scenic waterfront setting. A full course map is available on the official SuperHalfs page.
Participants receive their race bib and official t-shirt during the Sport Expo, held at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa. Bib collection is in-person only and requires presentation of the registration confirmation email. Nominee pickup is permitted provided the nominee carries the relevant documentation. No race-day pickup is available.
Sport Expo and Packet Pickup Times
- Thursday, March 5: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (hours may vary slightly by source)
- Friday, March 6: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, March 7: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
The Sport Expo takes place at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa, the same venue referenced on the Finishers event page and official channels.
World Records Set on This Course
| Year | Men’s Record | Women’s Record |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Course record set | Course record set |
| 2010 | Course record improved | Course record improved |
| 2021 | 57:31 – Jacob Kiplimo | 1:05:30 – Almaz Ayana |
How to Follow the Lisbon Half Marathon 2026
No official live stream has been confirmed for the 2026 edition. Race-day tracking options, if available, tend to be announced closer to the event through the official website and associated social media channels.
Runners and spectators are encouraged to monitor maratonaclubedeportugal.com and the SuperHalfs event page for updates on timing, tracking tools, and any changes to the event schedule. There are no qualifying time requirements for this event, which simplifies participation for runners of all abilities.
The Hyundai Half Marathon takes place on October 11, 2026, starting from the Vasco da Gama Bridge. It is a distinct event with a separate course and its own registration process. Runners should ensure they are signing up for the correct date and organiser.
Race Day Timeline
- Race week: Course preparation and final briefings by organisers.
- Thursday, March 5: Sport Expo opens at Centro de Congressos de Lisboa; bib and t-shirt collection begins.
- Friday, March 6: Expo continues; final registration enquiries handled before race day.
- Saturday, March 7: Expo open all day; last opportunity for in-person packet pickup.
- Sunday, March 8, 8:00 AM: Race village opens; corrals prepare for the start.
- Sunday, March 8, 9:30 AM: Lisbon Half Marathon begins on the 25 de Abril Bridge.
- Sunday, March 8, 10:05 AM: Vodafone 10K starts.
- Sunday, March 8, 12:30 PM: Course cut-off; final results compiled and published.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear
The following information has been confirmed across multiple sources, including the official Marathon Clube de Portugal site, Race Roster, SuperHalfs, and Wikipedia.
| Confirmed | Unconfirmed or Pending |
|---|---|
| Date: March 8, 2026 | Specific registration fee amounts per wave |
| Start time: 9:30 AM | Live stream availability |
| Distance: 21.1 km | Real-time tracking tool details |
| Start: 25 de Abril Bridge | Expo hours final confirmation |
| Finish: Jerónimos Monastery | Packet pickup nominee document list |
| Participant cap: 19,000 | Charity partner list for 2026 |
Because this is a future event, some operational details may be adjusted as the race date approaches. Checking the official Marathon Clube de Portugal page in the weeks before the event remains the most reliable way to confirm current details.
Event Background and Reputation
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon has earned a place among the world’s premier road racing events since its establishment. Its flat, riverside course, combined with the backdrop of Lisbon’s waterfront landmarks, draws both elite athletes seeking fast times and recreational runners looking for a memorable race experience.
The event holds World Athletics Gold Label status, a designation reserved for races that meet strict criteria around organisation, timing, anti-doping protocols, and international athlete participation. The course’s reputation for producing world records reflects both its favourable conditions and the high-calibre fields it consistently attracts.
As a founding member of the SuperHalfs series, the Lisbon Half Marathon participates in a circuit that links major half marathon events across Europe, offering runners incentives to complete multiple races within the series.
Sources and Official References
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon is one of the world’s fastest half marathons. World records were set here in 2000, 2010, and 2021.
— Marathon Clube de Portugal / SuperHalfs
Information in this guide is drawn from the official Marathon Clube de Portugal website, the SuperHalfs event portal, Race Roster registration pages, and Wikipedia. Where details conflicted between sources, the most recently published official statement was used.
Runners planning international travel should also review local roaming arrangements before departing. A useful resource on data usage abroad is the Vodafone 8 Day Roaming Pass for those using Vodafone services in Portugal.
Summary
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon 2026 is set for Sunday, March 8, starting at 9:30 AM from the 25 de Abril Bridge and finishing at the Jerónimos Monastery. With a flat, fast riverside course, World Athletics Gold Label status, and no qualifying time requirements, the event offers an accessible yet prestigious race experience for runners of all levels.
Entries remain open through the official site, with guaranteed package options available internationally. Packet pickup runs from Thursday, March 5 through Saturday, March 7 at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa. The course cut-off is three hours, and runners are reminded that race-day bib collection is not available. For those managing nutritional preparation alongside training, the guide on How Much Magnesium Per Day may be of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the qualifying time requirements for Lisbon Half Marathon 2026?
There are no qualifying time requirements for this event. Entries are open to runners of all abilities on a first-come, first-served basis up to the participant cap.
What weather is typically expected on race day?
March in Lisbon generally ranges from 10°C to 18°C, with a mix of sun and occasional rain. Runners should check the forecast closer to the event and dress accordingly.
Are there corrals or wave starts at the Lisbon Half Marathon?
The event operates with a mass start from the 25 de Abril Bridge. Specific corral procedures, if any, are communicated via the official registration materials closer to race day.
What is the participant cap for the 2026 edition?
The half marathon is capped at 19,000 participants. At the time of writing, spots remained available.
Can I transfer my entry to another runner?
Entry transfer policies are set by the organiser. Runners should consult the terms and conditions on the official registration platform before the event.
Is the course suitable for a personal best attempt?
The flat, riverside course is widely regarded as one of the world’s fastest half marathon routes, and has produced world records in multiple years. Conditions on the day will ultimately influence individual outcomes.