São João Race 2026

Shuuu! 🫡 Cristiano Ronaldo can leave his cleats in the locker room 👟, because it's you who will shine today!

Do you know Porto? You will get to know its gentle sister: Vila Nova de Gaia. Opposite the second city Portuguese 🇵🇹, Vila Nova de Gaia welcomes you in the month of June, for its famous Corrida de São João 🏃‍♀️, and it's not about bulls... This time you won't dance with the animal 🐃, but with the wind from the Atlantic coast! 🌬️ Choose between the 10 km 🏃‍♂️, or swap the timer ⏱️ for hiking shoes, and embark on 7 km of countryside walk 🚶. And you will find no excuse to miss it 🙂‍↔️. The Corrida de São João of Vila Nova de Gaia, always takes place around the Saint-Jean ✝️, giving you the opportunity to excel in the country of small flan 🍮 (of pastel de Nata, we're just kidding 😅), while partying 🎊.

Indeed, our dear Portuguese friends are very attached to their traditions, and everything is an excuse to party! Immerse yourself in the good mood of the locals and their warm support 🫶 during this sporting and cultural experience 🤓. There, the wind lashes and the smiles warm... ☀️ Located on the south bank ⬇️ of the Douro River, right on the seaside 🌊, Vila Nova de Gaia is a charming city often overshadowed by Porto. Yet! This picturesque piece of land hosts one of the oldest races in the country during a cult traditional festival! ⏳ Perfect for your checklist of atypical races 😉. Indeed, the setting is magnífico! Accessible from the famous Dom Luís I Bridge 🌉, which connects the capital to Vila Nova de Gaia, the race will take you through the pedestrian streets of Canidelo, the Continal de Corrida de São João or along the Praia de Miramar! 🌴 A rather pleasant city tour in a few kilometers: É canja! 🐓 On top of that, the Saint-Jean is the typical festival of the region... Little culture moment, Jamy: the festival originated in the summer solstice ☀️, and was a pagan tradition. It celebrated the fertility of the lands 🌾, and the abundance of the long months of the summer season ⛱️. It was later that the Church transformed this festival into a religious celebration ✝️. Today it is a moment when everyone gathers in the streets for barbecues 🍖, street concerts 🪇, dance 💃, and... hammer blows! 🔨 No, no, you read that right, the tradition is to gently tap the heads of everyone: with leeks for women's heads 👩, and lemongrass for men 👨. But times have changed, and fruits and vegetables 🥬 have been replaced by small plastic hammers! So don't worry if they gently tap your head to motivate you at the start of your race 🤪.

And after the effort, the comfort! 🙌 Promise us not to miss the wonders around you ✨. Just an hour's drive 🛣️, dive into the excitement of Porto... But that's not all! The region is also famous for its wine cellars 🍷, and the expertise of local winemakers - (excessive drinking is dangerous, consume with moderation). The Portuguese rank eighth among the world's leading vineyards! 🌍 For art and history lovers, the Monastery da Serra do Pilar will open its doors for worthwhile visits! ⛪️ End your tour of the country with beautiful seaside walks from the fishing village of Afurada 🎣, and follow the pedestrian trail to Praia de Lavadores.

Make your sporting getaway a real moment of pleasure alone, as a couple, or with family! 😍