Atlantic beaches, fishing villages

The Atlantic Ocean is the backdrop to the races. Cascais Bay accepts both elite and amateur athletes in the half marathon (on 4 February starting at 09:20), in the Cascais 10km (4 February, 09:00) and in the Cascais 5km (4 February, 09:20). There is also a children’s race (held on 3 February at 16.00). Since 2017 more than 25.500 runners have taken part in these events which offer a challenging weekend in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

The half marathon starts at Cascais Bay and offers the athletes an amazing race through the centre of town and along Guincho Road, with the Atlantic Ocean right alongside them. The race passes by important local monuments such as the Farol da Guia and the Forte São Jorge de Oitavos. The course has a maximum elevation of 54m and a total ascent of 130m. There will be seven water stations along the route: six on the course (5km, 7.5km, 10km, 13km, 16km and 18km) and one at the finish line. Solid food is on offer at 13km and at the finish.

HMS Sports designed a long-sleeved technical jersey for the half marathon runners with female and male versions. The athletes will be able to choose the style and the size in the registration form, available at the official website. At the end of the race runners are awarded finisher medals and are handed a kit including food and drink.

For runners who think the half marathon distance is too much for them it’s possible to run the Cascais 10km or Cascais 5km in the centre of the town. All those who complete either of these distances receive a medal.

For the little champions, born between 2011 and 2019, there will be children’s races. The kids run between 300m and 1000m according to their age and they will receive a gift after the finish line and a food kit.

In 2023, the organisation decided to introduce the official Montepio Cascais Half Marathon wind jacket. Those who signed up for the 21.1km, 10km or 5km races could choose a kit that included the registration and the wind jacket. The initiative will be repeated in 2024.

The Montepio Cascais Half Marathon has made great efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the event. The 3 R’s (reduce, recycle, reuse) policy meant that 100,000 fewer plastic bags were used than in 2018. The organisation also encourages the use of public transport and provides free parking facilities for bicycles.

Montepio Half Marathon of Cascais 2023 welcomed runners of 40 nationalities: 15% of registrations were foreigners. Cascais has excellent conditions for family tourism. A 30km seacoast includes beaches of wild nature and some urban ones. It combines the blue of the Atlantic Ocean with the green of Serra de Sintra in an unique picture-postcard landscape. The area maintains fishing activity from ancestral roots, which every day brings the highest quality fish and seafood to the local villages and restaurants. The sea is a playground, even for adults, which offers everyone the chance to take boat trips and do 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 waiting to be discovered (within a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The village is always filled with music, gastronomy, culture or sporting events; the most important thing for everyone is getting out on to the streets.

Cascais awaits your visit and your participation in the Montepio Cascais Half Marathon on 3–4 February 2024.