Hyundai Porto Half Marathon
Sunday, September 13, 2026, starting at 09:00 · Freixo Bridge area, Porto
TL;DR. The Hyundai Porto Half Marathon 2026 is the 19th edition, running on September 13 with a 09:00 start near the Freixo Bridge. The course is flat and crosses the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Porto Ribeira, Foz do Douro and Gaia quay. The 2026 edition is already sold out at around 12,500 runners. September offers ideal PR conditions (14 to 24C). One gentle climb between km 5 and 7, flat everywhere else.
Fueling strategy in September: a PR window
September in Porto offers almost ideal PR conditions: 17 to 19C at the start, max 22C, humidity 70 to 80%, moderate Atlantic wind. Carb target 60 to 90 g/h, sodium 400 to 600 mg/h. For runners projecting above 1h45, average 70 g/h with 1 to 2 gels works. Caffeine 1 to 2 mg/kg pre-race or via a gel at 30 to 40 minutes.
Carb loading on the two days before (September 11 and 12) is lighter than for a marathon: 6 to 8 g/kg/day. Pre-race meal at 06:00 (T-3h), with oats or white bread, banana and coffee. Take a pre-start gel at T-15 minutes with 200 ml of water. The gentle climb between km 5 and 7 asks for a conservative stride.
Course: an epic Douro crossing
The start sits in the eastern part of Porto (Freixo Bridge), heading west. You cross the Douro on the Dom Luís I Bridge early in the race, run along the Gaia quay, hit the turnaround at Afurada, recross the Douro to the north bank, follow Foz do Douro along the Atlantic seafront and finish in central Porto. Gentle climb between km 5 and km 7 (around 30 m total) is the only section with meaningful gradient.
September weather: the best month for a half in the north
September in Porto sees lows of 14 to 16C and highs of 22 to 24C. At the 09:00 start, typically 17 to 19C. Rain probability fairly low (4 to 6 rainy days). Humidity 70 to 80%. Moderate Atlantic breeze, around 10 to 15 km/h. This is among the best halves for a PR in Portugal. For runners above 2h, push sodium to 500 to 600 mg/h.
Logistics: Porto metro and packet pickup
Reach the eastern Porto start preferably by metro (orange or green line). Parking limited; shuttle buses may be available (to be confirmed for 2026). Packet pickup at an expo in central Porto across the 2 to 3 days before (Friday and Saturday). Bag drop provided with transfer to the finish. Central Porto finish well served by metro (Aliados or Trindade).
Sold out: how to enter the next edition
The 2026 edition sold out in 2025. To secure a spot in 2027, follow the official site and the @portohalfmarathon Instagram. Entries for the following edition usually open in January or February. As alternative, consider the Lisbon Half Marathon in March with comparable PR conditions.
Pairing the Porto half with the November marathon
The Hyundai Porto Half in September fits as a tune-up race 8 to 10 weeks out from the EDP Porto Marathon in November. Use the half to validate marathon pace (rule: marathon = half pace + 25 to 35 seconds per km), confirm race-day fueling, do a test of the official gel.
Relevant guides for this race
Frequently asked questions about Porto Half Marathon
How do I enter if 2026 is already sold out?
Track the waiting list at meiamaratonadoporto.com and the @portohalfmarathon Instagram. Entries for 2027 typically open January or February 2027. As alternative, the Lisbon Half in March or the Douro Half in May offer comparable scenery.
Is the climb between km 5 and km 7 brutal?
No. It is a gentle rise of around 30 m of total gain over 2 km, easily handled with a conservative pace. After km 7, the final 14 km are flat.
Can I travel from Lisbon to Porto on race morning?
No. The Alfa Pendular from Lisbon takes around 3 hours, with the first reaching Porto after 10:00. You need to travel up the day before. Lodging near the city centre keeps logistics simple.
Can I race the half plus the marathon in Porto in the same autumn?
Yes. The 8 to 10 weeks between the September half and the November marathon leave room for 2 to 3 long runs between 28 and 32 km before the taper. Use the half as tune-up at 80 to 85% effort.
What day does packet pickup open?
Typically Friday and Saturday before the race, 10:00 to 20:00. Exact venue and hours for 2026 published on meiamaratonadoporto.com about 2 months out. No race-day pickup.