Algarve Marathon 2026: Race Guide in Vilamoura
The first Algarve Marathon takes place on December 6th in Vilamoura, featuring 42K, 21K, and 10K races, as well as a 5K walk.
Vilamoura hosts the first edition of the Algarve Marathon on December 6, 2026. Starting and finishing at the Vilamoura Marina, the event brings together four distances and aims to close the year with thousands of steps by the Atlantic.
The race also features two great icons of Portuguese athletics: Carlos Lopes as the godfather and Aurora Cunha as the godmother.
Algarve Marathon 2026: essential information
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Start time: 08:30 AM
Location: Vilamoura Marina, Loulé
Distances: 42K, 21K, 10K, and 5K Solidarity Walk
Four distances for different participants
The Algarve Marathon is not limited to the traditional 42.195 km. Four races will take place on the same day:
Marathon: 42.195 km
Half Marathon: 21.0975 km
Race: approximately 10 km
Solidarity Walk: 5 km, non-competitive
All distances have their start and finish at the Vilamoura Marina.
How much does registration cost?
Registration is open, and prices increase as the race approaches. Until October 31, the announced fees are:
42K: €55
21K: €30
10K: €25
5K: €12
Processing fees apply to these amounts. A new pricing phase begins on November 1.
Carlos Lopes and Aurora Cunha in Vilamoura
The debut of the race features two historic names in national athletics. Carlos Lopes, Olympic marathon champion in Los Angeles 1984, is the event's godfather.
Aurora Cunha, three-time world road champion between 1984 and 1986, takes on the role of godmother.
The event begins before Sunday
On December 4 and 5, between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, the Tivoli Marina Hotel will host the race office and the Marathon Expo, where participants can prepare for their participation before the morning of the race.
A marathon in December in the Algarve
The organization is betting on the Algarve as a running destination outside the high season. The course has an undulating profile and starts from one of the most well-known areas of Vilamoura, combining sport, active tourism, and the region's coastal environment.
For those who do not wish to tackle a full marathon, the 21K, 10K, and 5K options make the event accessible to different levels of preparation.
Registration and updated information are available on the official Algarve Marathon website.
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