Lisbon Half Marathon 2026: World Record, 30,000 Runners and an Unforgettable Race
The 35th edition of the Lisbon Half Marathon delivered one of the most exciting moments in distance running this year. On Sunday, thousands of runners crossed the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, creating one of the most memorable race mornings in Portugal.
This year’s event was particularly historic thanks to a new world record in the half marathon distance.
Jacob Kiplimo Breaks the Half Marathon World Record
Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo set a new half marathon world record, finishing the race in 57 minutes and 20 seconds.
His performance improved the previous world record by 10 seconds, which had been held since 2024 by Ethiopian athlete Yomif Kejelcha.
The Lisbon course once again proved why it is considered one of the fastest half marathon courses in the world.
Strong Performances in the Women’s Race
In the women’s race, Tsigie Gebreselama (Ethiopia) claimed victory once again with a time of 1:04:48.
Although she dominated the race, her time was 27 seconds slower than the course record she set in Lisbon in 2025.
The women’s podium was completed by:
- Janeth Chepngetich (Kenya) – 1:06:50
- Regina Wambui (Kenya) – 1:07:10
Portuguese runner Mariana Machado, making her debut in the half marathon distance, finished 9th overall and was the best Portuguese athlete, crossing the finish line in 1:10:10.
More Than 30,000 Runners in Lisbon
The Lisbon Half Marathon and the Vodafone 10K race attracted more than 30,000 participants, confirming the event as one of the largest and most popular running events in Portugal.
From elite athletes chasing records to recreational runners enjoying the unique experience of running across the bridge, the race continues to be a highlight of the Portuguese running calendar.
Looking for Your Next Race in Portugal?
If the Lisbon Half Marathon inspired you, the good news is that there are many other running events happening across Portugal in the coming months.
Through RaceFinder, athletes can easily discover upcoming races and plan their season.
Some upcoming events you may want to consider include:
- Trail Mineiro – Aljustrel
- Trilhos Verdes Alpedriz – Alcobaça
- Trail Terras de Oiã – Oliveira do Bairro
- Grande Prémio LXTRIATHLON – Lisboa
👉 Explore upcoming races and find your next challenge on RaceFinder
Whether you’re training for your first 10K, your next half marathon, or your next trail adventure, there are plenty of races waiting for you.
