Between blue ocean and green hills

Cascais welcomes both elite athletes and newcomers in the half marathon on 9 February at 10:00 and in the Cascais 5km at 10.10. There is a children’s race on 8 February at 16.00 encouraging families into a more active lifestyle. In the last two years more than 12,000 runners have become part of this challenging weekend event.

The half marathon starts at Cascais Bay and offers runners an amazing route around the centre of the village and out along Guincho Road with the Atlantic Ocean right alongside. The race passes important local landmarks such as Farol da Guia and Forte São Jorge de Oitavos. The route has a maximum elevation of 54m and a total climb of 130m. There are six water stations on the course (approximately every 2.5km) and one at the finish line. Solid foods will also be available at 13km and at the finish line.

A long-sleeve technical jersey will be provided to half marathon runners, in both female and male versions and several sizes which can be selected by checking the registration form. Participants receive medals, food and drink at the finish line.

For runners and families seeking a shorter race distance the Cascais 5km, in the town centre, is ideal. There is a children’s race for the little champions born between 2007 and 2015 who run between 300m and 1000m according to their age. In these two competitions, all who take part receive a gift and a food kit at the finish line.

The Montepio Cascais Half Marathon organisers respect environmental concerns and take measures to minimise the environmental impact of the event. The “3 R’s” (reduce, recycle, reuse) policy got rid of 30.000 plastic bags in the last edition. Use of public transport and cycling is strongly encouraged and a secure space is provided to park the bicycles.

In 2019 10% of the field were foreign runners. Cascais has great advantages for family tourism. Its 30km-long stretch of coastline includes wild natural beaches and more urban ones. The blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the green of the Serra de Sintra combine in a unique landscape. The sea sustains a fishing industry, based on ancestral roots, which delivers the highest quality fish and seafood to local restaurants. The sea is a playground, even for adults, which allows everyone to take boat trips and enjoy board sports. Walking on the streets of Cascais is like taking a trip through history. It lies 20 minutes away from the Portuguese capital Lisbon, an increasingly frantic city, and another 20 minutes from Sintra, an enigmatic mountain range with castles and palaces to discover (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Sintra village is always filled with music, gastronomy, culture or sport events which draw everyone out onto the streets.

Cascais awaits your visit and your participation in the Montepio Cascais Half Marathon.

• www.meiamaratonadecascais.pt