Home
Our villas
About us
Services
Owners 
Investors
Join us
About Portugal
Blog
Contacts
The EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa (EDP Lisbon Half Marathon) is one of Europe’s most talked-about road races, and not just because of the finish-line photos. This is a fast, flat half marathon that starts halfway across the 25 de Abril Bridge and finishes beside the Jerónimos Monastery, with Atlantic air, wide avenues, and serious PB potential. If you’re planning to run in Portugal in spring, this race sits right at the top of the list.
The Lisbon Half Marathon and why runners keep coming back
The EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa has earned its reputation properly. Over 30,000 runners take part every year, with a strong international crowd and plenty of elite athletes chasing quick times. It regularly features on lists of the world’s fastest races, and that’s not marketing spin.
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon’s appeal goes beyond the course profile. Lisbon in early March is cool, bright, and lively without being hectic. You’re racing through a historic capital that knows how to host big events, so take in the moment while it lasts.
If you’re weighing up the half marathon Lisbon experience against other European races, Lisbon usually wins on weather, scenery, and post-race plans. You can see why many runners turn it into a long weekend rather than a fly-in, fly-out dash.
Official route and key points of the EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa
The route is where this race really flexes its muscles.
The EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa starts on the south bank of the Tagus, right on the 25 de Abril Bridge. That alone puts it in rare company. You don’t often get to run across a 2-kilometre-long, 70-metre-high suspension bridge that’s usually filled with traffic!
From there, it’s largely flat and forgiving. Long straight sections help you lock into pace, and the gradual approach into Lisbon keeps things smooth rather than punchy. The finish line sits near the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, which makes for a memorable final kilometre even if your legs are starting to flag.
This race is also part of the SuperHalfs series, alongside Berlin, Copenhagen, Prague, Cardiff, and Valencia. That puts it firmly on the radar for runners chasing structured goals rather than novelty medals.
How to register for the EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa and what to know
Registration for the EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa is competitive. For 2026, all 19,000 half marathon places have sold out, along with the 10K entries. If you have a confirmed place, you’re already ahead of the game and can check your registration on the official site.
Bib and kit collection happens at the Sport Expo in the days leading up to race day. You’ll need to plan time for this, especially if you’re arriving late in the week.
Key dates for the EDP Half Marathon Lisbon 2026 include kit collection from 5 to 7 March, with race day on Sunday 8 March. Race morning logistics are well organised, but you’ll want accommodation that makes early starts simple rather than stressful.
Training and weather tips for running in Lisbon in March
March is a sweet spot for running in Lisbon. Expect cool mornings, mild daytime temperatures, and very little risk of extreme conditions. It’s one reason the race is so fast.
If you’re travelling from colder parts of Europe, Lisbon can feel positively friendly. A light long-sleeve or vest is usually enough, and gloves rarely make it past the first kilometre.
Training-wise, the course rewards steady pacing and confidence. Long tempo runs, pace discipline, and comfort on flat terrain matter more than hill strength.
If you’re curious how Lisbon feels around this time of year, you’re in luck. Our guides on Portugal in February and Portugal in March give a good sense of weather conditions and the transition into spring.
What to do in Lisbon after the race
Once the medal is around your neck, Lisbon opens up nicely.
Belém is right there, so you can wander along the river, visit the monastery you just finished beside, or reward yourself with something sweet from a local bakery. The city centre is an easy tram or taxi ride away, and gentle sightseeing works surprisingly well for tired legs.
If you’re staying an extra day, consider proper exploring. Our Lisbon sightseeing guide covers the essentials without turning it into a checklist. For something quieter, the coast west of Lisbon offers beaches and fresh air, ideal for recovery walks.
Many runners also use the race as a gateway to a longer Portugal trip. Depending on timing, guides like Portugal in April or Things to do in Portugal help shape the next leg.
Where to stay near the Lisbon Half Marathon route
Choosing where to stay for the EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa can make or break the weekend.
Many runners prefer areas like Belém, Alcântara, or Santos for easy access to the finish zone. Staying slightly west of the city centre can also help you avoid race-morning bottlenecks.
Your best bet is to find an apartment or villa that suits runners travelling solo, with partners, or in small groups. Having space to stretch, eat properly, get a good night’s sleep before, and recover beats squeezing around a hotel room with damp trainers on the balcony.
If you’re staying longer, it’s worth looking at nearby coastal areas too. Places like Cascais are easy to reach and make a relaxed base once the race is done. Our guide to Cascais is a good starting point.
Why the EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa is worth the trip
The EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa is well-run, scenic, and set in a city that understands how to welcome visitors without fuss. From the bridge start to the Belém finish, it delivers a race experience that feels considered rather than overproduced.
If you’re planning to run Lisbon’s half marathon, choosing the right place to stay matters. Allure Villas offers thoughtfully located apartments and villas that give you space, comfort, and a calmer base for race weekend and beyond. Whether you’re here for the Lisbon Half Marathon alone or turning it into a longer Portugal stay, it’s a solid way to do it properly.
