Porto Half Marathon 2025 – Mist, Smiles & a Personal Best
Last Sunday I ran the Porto Half Marathon, one of the flagship races organized by RunPorto. As with every RunPorto event I’ve taken part in, the organization was flawless: smooth logistics, clear signage, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel part of something special. And of course, the legendary Mister Lidl with his coffee machine was there again – a tradition I never get tired of! (Yes I am coffee addicted)
Running in a giant mist machine
The weather was unusual: no heavy rain, but a constant humid mist that felt like running inside a giant vaporizer. Refreshing at times, but also tricky, since the ground was a bit slippery in certain spots. You had to stay focused to avoid sliding.
A course I know by heart
The route itself is beautiful along the Douro River, but for me, it’s my daily training ground. I run there almost every day, so I know every corner by heart. That makes it less surprising, but also a real advantage: I knew exactly where to push and what to expect at each kilometer.
Chasing the clock
At halfway, I didn’t really believe a personal best was possible. I hadn’t specifically trained for this race and thought it would just be a steady effort. But step by step, I realized the PB was within reach… so I pushed hard in the final kilometers. In the end, I crossed the line in about 1h27, improving my record by 15 seconds. A small but very satisfying victory!
Post-race traditions
As always, one of the best parts was meeting friends at the finish line. I shared the classic arrival beer with my running buddies from the Porto Expats Runners, and I also caught up with friends from the Can Run Club Porto. These post-race moments really capture the spirit of the running community in Porto.
Why I recommend the Porto Half Marathon
For anyone looking for a half marathon in Portugal, this is one of the best choices. It’s flat, easy to access, perfectly organized by RunPorto, and takes place at a great time of year. Whether you’re chasing a PB or simply want to enjoy running in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, it’s a fantastic race to add to your calendar.
Discover Porto through running
Beyond races, Porto is an amazing city to explore while running. That’s exactly why I created The Crazy Runner Porto, where I organize running tours of the city. It’s a fun way to discover hidden streets, iconic monuments, and even local food traditions while staying active. On request, I can also recommend running routes for those who prefer exploring on their own.
Next up: Porto Marathon in November
Looking ahead, the next big event is the Porto Marathon in early November, also organized by RunPorto. It’s one of the highlights of the year, and of course, I’ll be on the start line. Stay tuned – that will be another story worth telling! And if you want to discover the track with me let me know !
A giant thank you for RunPorto which gave me the opportunity to do this race ! There website with all the race HERE