Hyundai Porto Half Marathon Sells Out Ahead of Race Day
The 2026 edition of the Hyundai Porto Half Marathon, scheduled to take place on September 13, is now officially sold out. Once again, the event confirms its status as one of Portugal’s most iconic road races, bringing together thousands of national and international runners along the banks of the Douro River.
A total of approximately 14,000 participants are expected to take part in the 21km race, an event that combines athletic performance with the promotion of physical activity and the city of Porto as a premier destination for sports tourism.
This figure represents a significant increase compared to last year's edition, which welcomed approximately 12,500 participants, further strengthening the Hyundai Porto Half Marathon's position as one of the largest and most popular road races in Portugal. In 2025, the half marathon attracted around 10,000 runners, while the 5 km Mini Marathon welcomed 2,500 participants. With the 2026 edition featuring only the half marathon distance, the event is set to welcome 14,000 runners, a particularly significant increase that highlights the growing appeal of the main race among both national and international participants.
The race's growing international appeal has been a key factor behind its continued growth. In 2025, international runners accounted for 45% of all participants, representing 81 nationalities. This increasing global reach is also driven by the organisation's continued investment in promoting the event at major running expos across Europe, including Paris, Castellón, Madrid and Belgrade, helping to position the Hyundai Porto Half Marathon as one of the continent's most attractive running events
The high demand for entries highlights the growing appeal of the Hyundai Porto Half Marathon, which year after year attracts participants of different ages, nationalities and levels of experience, offering a unique course distinguished by the stunning scenery of Porto and Gaia’s waterfront.
The history of the race has been marked by world-class performances. The men's course record still belongs to Eritrean athlete Zersenay Tadesse, who completed the 21.097-kilometre distance in 00:59:30 in 2011, a remarkable achievement on the global half marathon stage. In the women’s race, the course record is held by Ethiopian runner Enatnesh Tirusew, who crossed the finish line in 01:07:13 in 2023.
On September 13, the banks of the Douro River will once again be filled with energy, enthusiasm and sporting spirit, in an edition that promises to become another memorable chapter in the history of the Hyundai Porto Half Marathon.
