Porto Half Marathon 2026: Everything You Need to Know During Race Week

The countdown is on: the Hyundai Porto Half Marathon takes place this Sunday, 13 September 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m. The event includes the traditional 21.097 km half marathon and a 5 km Mini Marathon.

With entries sold out since June, thousands of runners are now preparing to race alongside the Douro River and experience one of Portugal’s most iconic running events. If you are one of them, this is no longer the time to make up for missed training sessions. It is time to rest, organise the final details and arrive at the start line feeling refreshed.

Reduce Your Training and Trust the Process

During the final week before a half marathon, doing more does not necessarily mean performing better. The most important training has already been completed.

Reduce your overall training volume, keep your sessions light and avoid introducing new exercises or suddenly increasing the intensity. A short run with a few controlled accelerations can help keep your legs active, but the goal is to arrive on Sunday feeling rested.

Don’t Try Anything New

This rule applies to almost everything: running shoes, socks, clothing, breakfast, energy gels and hydration strategy.

Use the same equipment and nutrition you tested during your longer training sessions. Even comfortable new shoes can cause blisters when worn for the first time over 21 km. The same applies to foods or supplements your body is not used to.

Prepare the following in advance:

• Running shoes and socks you have already tested;
• Suitable clothing for the expected conditions;
• Race bib and safety pins or a race number belt;
• Fully charged running watch;
• Energy gels or other nutrition used during training;
• Sunscreen;
• A change of clothes for after the race.

Set a Realistic Pace Strategy

The atmosphere at the start line, the other runners and the adrenaline can make it tempting to run faster than planned. During the opening kilometres, try to control your excitement and follow the pace you practised during training.

One simple strategy is to divide the race into three sections:

• Km 0–7: run comfortably and settle into your target pace;
• Km 7–15: stay consistent and pay attention to hydration;
• Km 15–finish: assess how you feel and gradually increase your effort if you still have energy.

The official time limit for the half marathon is three hours, which corresponds to an average pace of approximately 8:32 min/km.

Plan Your Nutrition and Hydration

During the days before the race, maintain a balanced diet and include carbohydrates in your meals without dramatically increasing your portions. Rice, pasta, potatoes, bread and fruit can all help support your energy reserves.

Drink water regularly throughout the week, particularly on Saturday, but avoid consuming a large amount immediately before the start. On race morning, eat a familiar and easily digestible breakfast around two to three hours before running.

During the race, follow the nutrition strategy you practised in training and use the refreshment stations before you become very thirsty.

Confirm the Practical Details in Advance

Don’t leave the logistics until Sunday morning. Confirm where and when to collect your race kit, plan your journey to the start area and allow additional time for possible road closures and transport delays.

The race begins at 9:00 a.m., so arrive early enough to find your starting area, leave any necessary belongings and complete a short warm-up without rushing.

Enjoy the Course and the Atmosphere

Not every goal needs to be connected to the clock. For some runners, this will be an opportunity to achieve a new personal best. For others, it will be their first experience of the 21.1 km distance.

Whatever your goal, remember to look around, enjoy the atmosphere and take in the experience of running alongside the Douro. A half marathon represents many kilometres of preparation, and race day is also an opportunity to celebrate all that work.

Good luck, and we’ll see you at the finish line!

Still looking for your next challenge? Explore upcoming half marathons, road races and trail events in Portugal on RaceFinder and find the perfect race to keep you moving.