About the European Marathon

The European Marathon – Aveiro is one of the great references on the international athletics scene, recognized by the World Athletics with the Road Race Label since 2023. In 2025, the race reached 95th place in the world ranking of the 100 best marathons, becoming the third Portuguese marathon to join this distinguished group, alongside Lisbon and Porto.

An event for all walks of life.

Since 2019, the event has celebrated personal achievement every year with four disciplines:

Marathon (42.195 km)

Half-marathon (21.0975 km)

Mini marathon (about 10 km)

Solidarity walk (5 km), open to all ages and inclusive in nature.

Fast route, unique landscapes

The course is one of the flattest in Portugal (+165 m / -165 m over the full distance), ideal for athletes looking for exceptional marks or just to beat their personal record. Along the way, runners experience the beauty of Aveiro’s canals, the authenticity of Art Nouveau architecture and the serenity of the estuary, surrounded by vibrant local hospitality.

A structure designed for athletes
The organization, led by GlobalSport and Aveiro City Council, has the support and involvement of the Centro de Portugal Regional Tourism Authority and Ílhavo City Council.

On the day of the test, the services available include:

– Specialized medical support, provided by the Red Cross and volunteer firefighters
– Hydration points, energy gel, fruit and isotonic drinks
– Recovery massages for finishers of the main distances
– Luggage storage and time recording by laser, with punctuality and technical rigor

In addition, the Aveiro 2025 European Marathon was the first zero carbon marathon in Portugal, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Inspiring ambassadors

The race is emotionally sponsored by two athletics icons:

Aurora Cunha, three-time world champion and winner of international marathons, who symbolizes excellence and tradition in Portuguese sport.

João Neto, known as the “marathoner of impossible things” and whose career emphasizes inclusion and resilience, has been running in Aveiro pushing a chair with children with special needs, promising to repeat the feat in 2026.

Impact and strategic vision

The European Marathon is not just a sporting event: it’s also a project for territorial development and economic development. In 2026, it will bring together more than 20,000 athletes from around 73 countries, uniting running, culture and the strengthening of the Aveiro Region as a tourist and sporting destination of excellence.

The active involvement of Turismo Centro de Portugal and the local authorities highlights the commitment to the transformative power of sport to promote the brand, innovation and the territory.

Why take part?

The European Marathon is ideal for both experienced runners aiming for elite times and beginners looking for a welcoming, inspiring and visually stunning experience. The event combines emotion, performance, inclusion and sustainability on a single stage: Aveiro, the city of a thousand emotions.