Lisbon Half Marathon reaches 35 editions

The presentation of the 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon, which will take place this Sunday, March 8, International Women's Day, was attended by Rosa Mota, the first, and so far only, Portuguese woman to win the race, precisely in the inaugural edition.

The "challenge", 35 years ago, "was very interesting, because I don't think anyone believed it would be the success it has been, and will continue to be". The athlete, then European champion and defending Olympic champion, accepted "the challenge of the half marathon in Portugal. And it was a dream of a group of people who wanted to make this race a reality, a success. Whether it would be a success or not, we didn't know. But it was a lot of work, because nobody wanted us to cross the bridge," he recalled.

More than three decades later, "the passion for running and training remains". Running, walking and exercise are "an asset for all of us. To keep us active and healthy, both physically and mentally".

When we started, recalled Carlos Móia, founder of the Maratona Clube de Portugal, "few would have imagined that the bridges, avenues and public spaces of Lisbon would be transformed, year after year, into scenes of collective celebration, individual overcoming and international affirmation".

"I don't think there are any events in Portugal that are more transversal than the two big half marathons we organize in the capital. They are open to everyone, young and old, elite athletes, amateur runners, those who train every day and those who are just looking for a different experience." In 1991, he recalled, 3,400 athletes took part. Today, around 30,000 athletes take part in all the races. "It's a remarkable change," said Carlos Móia.

The Lisbon Half Marathon is a "record breaker", said Carlos Moedas, at the presentation of the race, in the Salão Nobre of the Paços do Concelho. Over the course of 35 editions, "it has broken records and brought to Lisbon the best, who have made Lisbon the global center of sport". Of the 30,000 or so participants, "around 40% are foreigners. That's almost half, they're people who visit us and become our ambassadors for life," concluded Carlos Moedas.

The 25 de Abril Bridge, the starting point, has become the symbol of the Lisbon Half Marathon, now "a unique event in the world", said the mayor of Lisbon.

After the success of the SuperHalfs, Lisbon is once again making a name for itself on the international stage by joining the European Marathon Classics circuit, announced the Maratona Clube de Portugal. The marathon circuit "is an initiative designed to connect people and provide the joy of a shared journey across Europe. One of the fundamental pillars of the project is the promotion of responsible participation in sporting events, combined with respect for the environment."

Find out where traffic will be restricted this weekend during the various races included in the Half Marathon.