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Best road races to get back into competition (April–May)

Paula Veloso
by Paula Veloso
6 months ago

If you’ve been training over the past few months and starting to feel that competitive itch again… this is your moment.

April and May mark the real start of the racing season in Portugal. The weather is ideal, the race calendar is packed, and there are options for every level — whether you’re easing back in or ready to push your limits.

In this guide, we’ve selected some of the best road races to help you return to competition with confidence.

🌱 Why race in April and May?

  • Mild temperatures → ideal for performance
  • Wide variety of distances and events
  • Perfect timing to build towards summer races
  • Strong race atmosphere across the country

👉 It’s the perfect balance between fitness, conditions, and motivation.

📍 Featured races (April–May)

🏁 April 12

  • Lisbon Eco Marathon
    📍 Lisbon
    Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), Mini Marathon (13 km), Walk (~8 km)
  • 12th Ilha Verde Half Marathon
    📍 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel
    21 km, 10 km, 5 km, walk and youth races

🏁 April 19

🏁 April 25–26

🏁 May: more races, more intensity

🏁 May 17

🏁 May 25

🏁 May 31

🎯 How to choose the right race

Before signing up, ask yourself:

  • Are you coming back or aiming to compete hard?
  • Do you want a short distance or a half marathon?
  • Do you prefer a fast course or a challenging one?

👉 The right choice makes all the difference in your motivation.

🚀 Tips to return to racing

  • Don’t go all-in too soon — build progressively
  • Use your first race as a benchmark
  • Focus on the experience, not just the time
  • Enjoy the race atmosphere

👀 Ready to race again?

If you’re reading this, you already know the answer.

It’s time to choose your next race.

👉 Explore more events in Portugal

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