Oh, the Portuguese coast! 🇵🇹 The soothing breeze, the stunning landscape, and above all, the breathtaking city of the seven hills. What better way to enjoy such views than by participating in the Half Marathon in Lisbon 🏃. And what do you know, it's 32nd edition is just around the corner.
Sunday, March 17, 2024 🗓️ marks the day of the iconic EDP Lisbon Half Marathon (Meia maratona de Lisboa)! Feeling like dancing the Vira? So do we, but let's focus on the race for now. The half marathon kicks off at 10 AM 🕝 and the Vodafone 10km runners at 10:45 AM! Since its inception in 1991, Lisbon's half marathon has set a high bar. The 21.0975 km circuit is recognized as one of the top 5 “majors” in the Super Halfs series, alongside its counterparts in Valencia, Copenhagen, Cardiff, and Prague, so it's no surprise that it’s a record-breaking race. Speaking of records, one exists; 57'31" is the time set by the young Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo in 2021, astonishingly at 19 years old he broke the best half marathon time ever. But don't worry hobby runners, with 35,000 participants there's something for everyone. It's not just about setting records; there's plenty of room for you too. The city's organization has it all planned out, no need to worry about climbing those notorious Lisbon hills.😜
This half marathon course is designed to let you enjoy the cityscapes. You'll get to admire historical monuments like the Belém district, a symbol of Portuguese explorations ⛵, its Santa Maria de Belém Tower listed as a Unesco World Heritage site since 1983, or the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) up to the Champalimaud Foundation, a symbolic place for research and medical advancements. The venue also hosts the National Palace 👑, a.k.a. the home of the Portuguese president. And what a privilege to finish at the Empire Square Garden (Jardín de la Plaza del Imperio, Praça do Império), where the Lisbon Half Marathon's sporting adventure concludes, a breathtaking site constructed for the great Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940, a commemorative event for Portugal's 800 years of Independence. The course is also open to your cheering squad, unless they've snuck away to enjoy the traditional pastel de nata 🥮 at Confeitaria Nacional (and no, for the locals these are not just custard tarts!)
So, lace up your best sneakers and head over to Lisbon!📍
Still here wanting to know what awaits you? We get it, so rest assured, after reading this, you'll know the race like the back of your hand.
The Lisbon Half Marathon course is straightforward, going from point A to point B, but of course, with some must-see highlights. The race kicks off on the 25th of April Bridge, and yes, just that is a big deal – it's kind of our European Golden Gate Bridge, if you catch our drift. Nearby, you'll find the iconic 110m tall Santuário de Cristo Rei, a statue of Christ reminiscent of Brazil's Corcovado.
On your marks… Get set… Go!! We told you, crossing is sheer joy, pleasure after pleasure. The first water station is at the 5km mark, and then every 2.5km. Continue onto João de Oliveira Miguens road, race alongside the old railway, and marvel at the 25th of April Bridge from below. Starting at the 6th kilometer, you'll begin to run along the coast, where you might even catch the sound of the sea and boats. The Lisbon Half Marathon turns around at the Duque da Terceira statue!
The challenge picks up until the 12th km, and that’s where it gets serious, as you finally enter the Belem district, a highlight of the competition. At the 17th kilometer, you'll enjoy some refreshments, and, icing on the cake, if you missed anything the first time, you get to enjoy it again during the final turnaround before the finish line.
Once you've crossed the finish line, all that's left is to catch your breath and indulge in the city's culinary delights!! 🍹
For the 10K runners, the organizers have set up the typical highlights of the half-marathon. The Vodafone 10K is an ideal distance whether you're a seasoned runner or someone looking to dive into new experiences. Meet at the 25th of April Bridge for an extraordinary start. After crossing the bridge, the race continues on the highway for about 2.5 km before turning back towards the port! Once you hit João de Oliveira Miguens road, you'll have 3 km left to beat your personal best, and the terrain is perfectly flat for it. Just before reaching the garden at the Empire Square, you'll get to explore the beginning of the Belém district where you can catch a glimpse of the Monument of Discoveries.
All that's left is to conquer the final kilometer and wait for your half-marathon buddies to relish the post-race celebrations! 🎊
The EDP Half Marathon will start on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 10:05 AM. The Vodafone 10K will start at 10:45 AM.
Participants must finish within a maximum time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, including for the 10k Vodafone race.
Water, isotonic drinks, and fruits will be available, starting from the 5km mark then every 2.5 km and after the finish line. Checkpoints: There will be checkpoint zones for runners, any athlete will be disqualified who:
- is not properly registered
- does not wear the assigned bib number
- has not completed the entire course...
Starting corrals will be assigned based on the best time reported during registration.
< 01h30 / < 01h45 / < 02h00 and > 02h00
Pace setters:
04'00 Km / 04'15 Km / 05'00 Km / 05'30 Km.
Pacer markers will be visible in the starting area. Please align accordingly.
Bibs will be distributed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 14, 15, and 16 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Seaside SportExpo, located at Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon. The bib will be handed over upon presentation of the registration proof sent by email. Bibs can be collected by someone else, provided they present the registration proof.
Access to the start line for the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon and the Lisbon Vodafone 10K is limited to the Fertagus trains, Pragal Station.
To reach the start, all participants must use Fertagus trains to get to Pragal Station.
To access Fertagus stations, participants can use Lisbon public transit for free (by showing their bibs) including Subway, Bus and trains.
Access to the other side of the bridge is only possible using public transportation. Participants can also take a free shuttle to the finish line (in front of Pastéis de Belém) from Fertagus Campolide Station starting at 07:15 AM.
The race results will be available on our website.
If you're the organizer of this race and want to enhance your page's content, claim it here.
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