Half Marathons in Portugal 2027: Where to Race 21K and How to Prepare
21.0975 kilometres. A distance that’s long enough to demand proper preparation, yet achievable for runners who already have some experience and are ready for their next challenge.
For some runners, a half marathon represents the first big milestone after completing a 10K. For others, it’s the perfect distance to chase a new personal best (PB), explore different courses, or simply have a goal that keeps training consistent.
But preparing for a successful half marathon starts long before race day. It begins with choosing the right event, understanding how much time you have to train, and planning the weeks leading up to the start line.
If you’re thinking about running a half marathon in Portugal in 2027, we’ve selected some races worth considering, along with a 12-week training plan to help you arrive ready.
How to Choose the Right Half Marathon
Not all half marathons offer the same experience.
A flat course might be ideal for runners chasing a PB, while a race with hills or uneven terrain requires a different approach to pacing and preparation.
Before registering, consider four important factors:
- Course and elevation: If you’re aiming for a personal best, look at elevation changes, turns, and the overall course profile.
- Time of year: Temperature, wind, and the possibility of rain can make a significant difference to your race experience.
- Training time: Choose a date that gives you enough time to build fitness progressively without rushing the process.
- Personal goals: Completing your first 21K, improving your time, or exploring a new city through running are all different goals, and all equally valid.
The best race isn’t necessarily the biggest or most famous. It’s the one that matches your goals and preparation.
5 Half Marathons to Run in Portugal in 2027
1. Funchal Marathon — Half Marathon
January 31, 2027 | Funchal, Madeira
Starting the year with a half marathon in Madeira is a great way to turn a running event into a weekend getaway.
The Funchal Half Marathon is part of the Funchal Marathon event and takes runners through different areas of the city, combining urban roads with the island’s coastal scenery.
The event offers several distances, including a marathon, half marathon, and mini marathon.
It’s an interesting option for runners looking for an early-season goal, especially those who enjoy discovering new destinations through running.
When to start your 12-week training plan: November 8, 2026.
Explore the Funchal Marathon on RaceFinder
2. Montepio Cascais Half Marathon
February 7, 2027 | Cascais
Running alongside the Atlantic Ocean is one of the biggest attractions of the Cascais Half Marathon.
Starting and finishing near Cascais Bay, the race offers a scenic coastal route with beautiful ocean views. However, despite the inviting scenery, the course includes some elevation changes that require careful pacing.
The event also features 10K and 5K distances, making it accessible to runners with different goals.
It’s a particularly appealing choice for those who enjoy coastal races and aren’t necessarily looking for the flattest possible course.
When to start your 12-week training plan: November 15, 2026.
Explore the Cascais Half Marathon
3. EDP Lisbon Half Marathon
March 7, 2027 | Lisbon
Few races in Portugal offer an experience as iconic as running across the 25 de Abril Bridge.
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon attracts runners from around the world and is part of the international SuperHalfs series.
Its course and competitive atmosphere make it one of Portugal’s most popular choices for runners aiming to improve their personal bests.
However, demand is extremely high, so planning ahead is essential. Entry for the 2027 edition has involved a lottery system, making it important to confirm your registration status before building your entire training calendar around this race.
When to start your 12-week training plan: December 13, 2026.
Explore the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon
4. Lisbon Eco Marathon — Half Marathon
April 11, 2027 | Lisbon
Not every half marathon needs to take place on wide city streets.
The Lisbon Eco Marathon offers a different experience for runners looking to connect with nature without leaving the city.
The 21K race takes runners through Monsanto Forest Park, with the event starting and finishing near Parque Eduardo VII.
With trails and elevation changes, this race is quite different from a traditional road half marathon.
If you choose this event, consider including hill training and runs on similar terrain in your preparation.
It’s an excellent option for runners who enjoy nature and want a different kind of challenge.
When to start your 12-week training plan: January 17, 2027.
Discover the Lisbon Eco Marathon 2027 on RaceFinder
5. European Marathon — Aveiro Half Marathon
April 25, 2027 | Aveiro
Aveiro is another option worth considering if you’re looking for a spring road half marathon.
The European Marathon brings together several distances during a weekend dedicated to running, including the marathon, half marathon, and 10K.
Known for its urban scenery and road courses, the event offers an appealing setting for both first-time half marathoners and more experienced runners.
It’s also a great opportunity to combine a race with a weekend exploring one of Portugal’s most charming cities.
When to start your 12-week training plan: January 31, 2027.
Explore the European Marathon in Aveiro on RaceFinder
How to Train for a Half Marathon in 12 Weeks
Choosing your race is only the beginning. The next step is making sure you’re prepared to enjoy all 21.1 kilometres.
Having 12 weeks before race day gives you enough time to structure your training progressively, particularly if you’re already running regularly and have developed a solid aerobic base.
Performance Running has developed a 12-week half marathon training plan, based on the physiological principles of endurance training and designed for runners training between three and five times per week.
The preparation is divided into four main phases.
Weeks 1–4: Building Your Aerobic Base
The first goal is to develop aerobic endurance and gradually adapt your body to the training volume.
During this phase, easy runs and long runs play an especially important role.
You don’t need to run fast every day. In fact, learning to control your effort is essential for increasing distance safely and consistently.
Weeks 5–8: Developing Endurance and Pace
As training progresses, workouts become more specific.
Sustained efforts, lactate threshold training, and progressive long runs help prepare your body to maintain a demanding pace for longer periods.
This is also a good time to test your race-day nutrition, hydration strategy, and equipment.
Weeks 9–11: Race-Specific Preparation
At this stage, training starts to resemble the demands of the half marathon more closely.
Long runs and intervals at your planned race pace can help you assess your fitness and build confidence.
The goal isn’t to arrive at race day exhausted. It’s to consolidate the work you’ve done over the previous weeks.
Week 12: Tapering and Recovery
The final week isn’t the time to make up for missed workouts.
Instead, it’s about reducing training volume, maintaining some movement, and allowing your body to recover before race day.
Rest is part of the training process.
For detailed sessions, pacing recommendations, and the full weekly structure, explore Performance Running’s complete 12-week half marathon training guide.
The plan is intended for runners with some previous experience. If you’re completely new to running, you may need to build a consistent training base before beginning this type of preparation.
What Half Marathon Finish Time Should You Aim For?
Your ideal finish time depends on your experience, consistency, and current fitness level.
To give you an idea of what different goals mean over 21.0975 kilometres, here are some approximate average paces:
| Half Marathon Goal | Average Pace |
|---|---|
| 2h15 | 6:24 min/km |
| 2h00 | 5:41 min/km |
| 1h50 | 5:13 min/km |
| 1h45 | 4:59 min/km |
| 1h30 | 4:16 min/km |
These are mathematical references, not targets that every runner should aim for.
If it’s your first half marathon, completing the distance with a controlled and consistent effort may be much more valuable than chasing an arbitrary finish time.
If you’re more experienced, use recent race results and specific training sessions to establish a realistic goal pace.
3 Common Half Marathon Training Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing a Race That’s Too Soon
Signing up for a race at the last minute can be exciting, but motivation doesn’t replace preparation.
If you’re not yet comfortable running longer distances, choosing an event further away may give you the time needed to build endurance properly.
2. Running Every Workout at the Same Intensity
Running at a moderate or hard effort every day can make recovery more difficult.
A balanced training plan combines easy running, specific workouts, long runs, and rest.
Remember: not every session needs to feel challenging to make you a better runner.
3. Ignoring the Course Profile
Preparing for a flat road race isn’t exactly the same as preparing for a half marathon with hills and trails.
Understanding the course helps you choose the right training sessions and develop a better pacing strategy.
The more specific your preparation, the better equipped you’ll be to manage your effort on race day.
Your Next Half Marathon Starts Now
You don’t need to decide on your finish time today.
But choosing a race and setting a clear goal can be the first step towards turning your regular runs into a more consistent and purposeful training routine.
Portugal offers half marathons for every type of runner: scenic coastal routes, major city events, fast road races, and challenges surrounded by nature.
The important thing is to find a race that suits you and give yourself enough time to prepare.
On RaceFinder, you can discover half marathons across Portugal, compare dates, locations, and distances, and explore available registration options.
And once you’ve chosen your next race, you can start preparing with Performance Running’s 12-week half marathon training guide.
Choose your race. Train for the 21K. And enjoy every kilometre to the finish line.
