Porto Marathon 2025: Costume, Cold Start & The Joy of Running Twice in 8 Days
Two marathons. Eight days. One pair of tired legs… and a dinosaur suit.
After Lisbon the previous weekend, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this marathon in Porto. Lisbon had been intense, emotional, and exhausting. Porto, on the other hand, was meant to be something else entirely: no chasing a personal best — just pure enjoyment.
A rare moment where the goal wasn’t time, but joy.
The Calm of Experience — And a Frosty Start
A year ago, this race was filled with the unknown: the logistics, the course, the pre-start nerves.
This year? Returning to it felt like visiting a familiar friend. Same bridge, same atmosphere, same excitement — but way less stress. I knew the start. I knew the finish. I knew where the doubts would show up… and where they’d disappear.
The alarm went off ridiculously early (as always on race day), and the adventure started with a metro ride — except the metro stop isn’t exactly at the start line. So, an extra little walk in the freezing morning air. Porto was quiet, almost asleep. My fingers were numb. My legs were stiff from Lisbon. I questioned a few life choices.
And then… like every year… my Lidl guy appeared.
With his magical, steaming, lifesaving coffee.
There are aid stations, there are gels, and then there is MY Lidl guy with a coffee.
8:00 AM — Go Time
The gun went off. I won’t lie — my legs remembered Lisbon. Each stride reminded me that I was running my second marathon in eight days. I wasn’t here to be fast. I was here to soak it in.
And what a day.
Perfect weather.
Cool air.
Sun rising over the Douro.
Little by little, the temperature warmed up, and I found my rhythm. The kilometers passed smoothly along the river… until the return toward Ribeira. Out of nowhere, clouds appeared, humidity spiked, and suddenly it got cold again. Porto has a sense of humor.
Kilometer 32 — The Dinosaur Awakens
I had a mission at kilometer 32.
My running group — Porto Expats Running Club — was waiting for me.
And with them… my dinosaur costume.
That moment changed everything.
I stopped, slipped on the costume (half inflated, half deflated depending on the wind and the chaos of running with it), and suddenly I wasn’t just a guy running a marathon…
I was a running dinosaur.
Kids screamed.
Spectators laughed.
Runners applauded.
I lost count of the number of photos and videos being taken — at some point I think I became part of the official entertainment.
My legs were dead, but my soul was flying.
Aid Stations, Beer, and Finish Line Happiness
The aid stations were, as always, excellent — well placed, consistent, efficient.
Maybe a tiny lack of “solid” food (that’s my trail runner stomach speaking), but everything was smooth.
The last stretch toward the finish line felt like a huge celebration. At the arrival zone: food, snacks, beer, smiles… pure joy. And yes, I crossed the finish line as a dinosaur. Not everyone can say that.
Obrigado RunPorto ❤️
Once again, an impeccable race organized by RunPorto.
Great logistics, great volunteers, great vibe — every single time.
Whether you want to challenge yourself, run your first marathon, or simply enjoy one of the most beautiful urban races in Europe, I 100% recommend any event they organize.
Two Marathons. Eight Days. Mission Accomplished.
It was a personal challenge.
A physical one.
And a mental one.
I wanted to prove to myself that I could run two marathons in eight days.
And I did it.
Now that this challenge is crossed off the list…
2026 will bring new ones. Bigger ones. Scarier ones.
And I can’t wait to chase them.
Until then: keep running, keep smiling, and don’t underestimate the motivational power of a dinosaur costume. 🦖