Half-Marathon of Matosinhos – Rain, Socks & Smiles (English Version)
This Sunday (4th of May 2025), I had the chance to run the Semi-Marathon of Matosinhos, just outside Porto.
A well-oiled machine from the start
I was lucky to be invited by the organizers (thank you again 🙏), and the experience started smoothly the day before with the bib pickup: no queue, great volunteers, and even a small gift pack including a race t-shirt, a pair of socks (always useful!), and of course, a goodie bag.
A rainy ride & a warm welcome
On race morning, I decided to cycle to the start line – a perfect warm-up! Unfortunately, it poured all the way there… but hey, what can you do? Thankfully, the rain stopped just 10 minutes before the start, giving us a much more enjoyable beginning.
Access to the race area was super easy. There was even a bag drop-off area, which I really appreciated. Small suggestion for next time: consider bigger racks or prefabs so the bags fit better on the grids 😉
Pre-race perks and good vibes
The atmosphere was great – Lidl was there with dried fruits, tea, and most importantly… coffee! (Yes, I’m an addict.) The volunteers were lovely, and the whole area felt welcoming.
Scenic course with a touch of wind
The course itself took us along the coast, starting with a stretch by the beach, a turn back with a beautiful view of the lighthouse, and a mix of headwind and tailwind to spice things up. It was mostly flat, apart from the bridge, and while the course had a bit too many out-and-back sections, it had the fun perk of letting us spot the lead runners and say hi to familiar faces along the way!
Smooth hydration & solid support
Water stations were frequent and well-spread, with isotonic drinks starting from the second one. The pack I was in was quite spread out, so I had no trouble grabbing drinks, and the volunteers were plenty and efficient.
A finish line that delivers
Crossing the finish line, we were treated to a solid metal medal, another goodie bag (Portugal never disappoints when it comes to swag 😄), with yogurt, apples, a chocolate bar… everything you need to recharge.
The finish area was spacious and felt calm – no rush to leave, no pressure, which is something I really appreciate, especially compared to bigger races where you’re quickly ushered out.
Oh, and yes: the coffee man was back at the finish! ☕
A race to remember
Overall, it was a really enjoyable event that reminded me a bit of the Porto Marathon, as the course overlaps in places. The volunteers were, as always, incredibly kind. It’s really a pleasure to run in Portugal – the races feel more relaxed and personal than the big-city events like Paris, even if those have their own charm.
I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunity to run today – and being based nearby, I’ll definitely be back (Porto Half, maybe a return to the full marathon? Let’s see…).
Fun Fact
I’ve never seen so many photographers on a race – can’t wait to see the pictures!
Visiting Porto soon?
If you're planning a trip to Porto and love running, why not discover the city with your sneakers on? At The Crazy Runner Porto, I offer personalized running tours that mix sport, culture, and fun. Whether you're into early morning jogs along the river, themed runs (yes, including pastel de nata stops!), or just want a unique way to explore the city, I’ve got you covered. 🏃♂️🌊
I'm also considering extending some tours to Matosinhos, a beautiful coastal area that's sometimes overlooked by tourists because it's a bit further from the historical center. But between the beaches, fresh seafood restaurants, the huge local market, and the Parque da Cidade, there's actually a lot to explore here – and it would be a pleasure to guide you through it.
More information
Events organization RunPorto : https://www.runporto.com