How to register for the Lisbon Marathon?

The city of Lisbon, the sun-soaked capital of Portugal, hosts a marathon that truly deserves its place among Europe’s great races. With 15,000 runners starting from the coastal town of Carcavelos, the Lisbon Marathon attracts more than twice that number across all race formats combined. The course is known for being flat and fast, ideal for both elite athletes and recreational runners chasing a personal best.

While it stands among Europe’s major marathons, the Lisbon Marathon offers a key advantage when it comes to registration.

✓ Wondering how to register for the Lisbon Marathon and secure your bib? Here’s what you need to know.

| No Lottery, No Waiting List

Unlike many major marathons — particularly the World Marathon Majors such as London, New York, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo, or Sydney — the Lisbon Marathon doesn’t use a lottery or ballot system.

In recent years, around 15,000 runners have taken on the full marathon, with a total of 33,000 participants across all distances. The process couldn’t be simpler: just register online once entries open. It’s first come, first served, until all bibs are gone.

In 2025, spots were still available just days before race day — but it’s highly recommended to register early to guarantee your entry. Registration is done entirely online and includes several perks: a technical race T-shirt, bib with timing chip, insurance, on-course refreshment stations, finisher’s medal, runner’s bag, free public transport on race day (metro and CP trains within Lisbon), and various race-day activities.

| Entry Requirements

To run the Lisbon Marathon, you must be at least 18 years old on race day and finish within the 6:00:00 time limit. Cut-off points are enforced at several checkpoints along the course.

This event has an international atmosphere — in some editions, up to 80{929902e1ae24fbd41363c9a1c32dfbb627114431c099f6444c46d2492cf1e17f} of participants come from abroad. The race starts in Carcavelos, a seaside town west of Lisbon, and finishes in the heart of the city, at the stunning Praça do Comércio square.

The route follows the scenic Estoril Coast, passing through Cascais, Estoril, and Oeiras, before entering Lisbon along the Tagus River. The marathon is famous for its mild October temperatures (between 12°C and 17°C / 54°F and 63°F) and fast, coastal profile.

The men’s course record belongs to Andualem Belay Shiferaw of Ethiopia with a time of 2:05:45 (2022), while the women’s record is held by Sarah Chepchirchir of Kenya in 2:24:13 (2016).

| Charity Bibs Through Partner Organizations

Although the official organizer doesn’t offer its own charity bib program, it’s still possible to run for a good cause through partner charities and fundraising organizations.

These groups reserve bibs directly with the race and redistribute them to runners who commit to fundraising. To enter this way, you’ll need to contact a charity that offers Lisbon Marathon entries. They’ll let you know the minimum fundraising target, and once that goal is reached, your bib and registration are confirmed.

In most cases, these charity packages include extras such as a race T-shirt, refreshment access, and special support areas.

For runners looking to combine performance and discovery, or simply to experience a marathon in one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, the Lisbon Marathon is an outstanding choice.

Bonus: registration is straightforward and remains accessible — a refreshing change in today’s marathon world.

✓ Find all the details on how to register for the Prague Marathon

Alanis DUC
Journaliste