Lisbon Marathon
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Elevation Gain
30m
Elevation Range
32m
Avg Temperature
60°F / 16°C
Course Profile
flat
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A point-to-point course from seaside Cascais to downtown Lisbon along the Tagus River estuary, with only 30m total elevation gain concentrated in a single gentle climb between km 33-36. The one thing that makes Lisbon unique is the 32km of dead-flat coastal running that lulls you into a false sense of security before the only meaningful climb arrives at the cruelest possible moment.
Key Segments
Cascais to Estoril Coast
Terrain: Flat coastal highway (Estrada Marginal) at sea level, exposed to ocean wind, river estuary on left
Challenge: Early crowding in Cascais and potential coastal headwinds from the west. Easy terrain tempts aggressive opening pace.
Tactic: Stay patient through crowded Cascais start. Settle into goal pace by km 3. If headwind, tuck into a group early and share effort.
Carcavelos to Alges Waterfront
Terrain: Continuous flat waterfront through Oeiras and Cruz Quebrada, 2-6m elevation, wide road
Challenge: The long flat stretch with thinner crowds can be mentally monotonous. Easy to drift 5-10 sec/km slow without realizing it.
Tactic: Lock into goal pace. Keep cadence high and effort honest. Stay internally focused. Pass through Belem landmarks (km 25) for a mental boost.
Alcantara Climb
Terrain: Gentle climb away from the waterfront gaining about 15m elevation, topping out near the 25 de Abril Bridge approach area
Challenge: After 33km of flat running, this modest climb feels significant on fatigued legs. This is where the race is decided.
Tactic: If you paced well, you will pass dozens of runners here. Shorten stride, maintain effort, do not chase flat-ground pace on the rise.
Descent to Praca do Comercio
Terrain: Gentle downhill and flat through Santos, Cais do Sodre, and the Baixa historic district to the waterfront square finish
Challenge: Maintaining pace through the final 6km when energy reserves are depleted, despite the favorable terrain
Tactic: Use the descent and electric crowd support through Baixa. The finish at Praca do Comercio is wide, open, and fast — lean into it.
Race-Specific Training
- •Long runs at marathon pace on flat terrain to build the aerobic endurance and pacing discipline this relentlessly flat course demands
- •One weekly session of gentle hill work (3-5% grade for 400-800m repeats) to prepare specifically for the km 33-36 Alcantara climb
- •Practice running the final 10km of long runs at goal pace or slightly faster to simulate the late-race effort required after 32km of flat running
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Entirely at sea level (2-18m). No altitude concerns.
Weather
October race. Typical 15-22C (59-72F). Some years are cool and overcast (ideal), others bring 22C+ with sun. Comfortable but warm enough that hydration discipline matters.
Sun & Wind
Coastal headwinds from the west are common along the exposed Marginal road. Morning light on the estuary is spectacular but the road offers little wind shelter. Sun exposure increases in final 10km.
What to Wear
Singlet and shorts for most years. Sunscreen regardless. If cool and overcast, light arm warmers you can shed at halfway.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-10 | Goal pace | Navigate crowded Cascais start. Settle into rhythm along the coast. Tuck behind groups in headwind. |
| km 10-33 | Goal pace | Long flat waterfront stretch. Stay disciplined and internally focused. Do not drift slow through the quieter middle miles. |
| km 33-36 | 10-15 sec/km slower than goal pace (effort-based) | The Alcantara climb. Run by effort, accept slower splits. This is where patient runners pass dozens. |
| km 36-42.195 | Goal pace or faster | Downhill and flat into Baixa. The crowd through Praca do Comercio is electric — let it carry you. |
Race Day Tip
The early-morning bus transfer from Praca do Comercio to Cascais departs starting around 5:30am, so plan your race-morning routine to arrive at the bus queue early. Bag drop is at the finish area before boarding. The wait in Cascais is shorter than most point-to-point races, but bring a throwaway layer for the coastal morning air.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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