Lisbon Half Marathon: 25 de Abril Bridge or Vasco da Gama Bridge?

After more than 100 half marathons on my race résumé, I can say one thing: Lisbon has two of the most iconic and challenging races in the Portuguese calendar.

And believe me, each one has its own unique personality and requires specific preparation.

EDP Lisbon Half Marathon (25 de Abril Bridge)
This race is usually held in March.

This is the race that made me fall even more in love with the half marathon distance. I remember perfectly the first time I crossed that bridge with the Tagus below me, and without paying tolls.

My heart was pounding, but not only because of the effort. It was pure emotion, running on one of the most beautiful race courses in the world. The views are surreal. I really enjoyed it, and I have already brought many people along to do this race.

What makes this race special:

Running across the 25 de Abril Bridge is incredible, with one of the best views I have ever had, even if the starts can be disorganized.

The descent into Alcântara, where you already know that from that point onward it will be flat until the finish.

Passing by some of Lisbon’s landmarks, such as MAAT, the Monument to the Discoveries, and Jerónimos Monastery.

How to prepare:
Your preparation should include hill training, because before reaching Alcântara there is a section where you will need to climb, and you do not want your pace to drop there.

I used to do my long Sunday runs with at least two or three climbs included in the session.

If you live in a flat area, use a treadmill with incline or stadium stairs. The bridge will test you in the first kilometers, so you need to arrive prepared.

The secret is to manage your pace during the first 10 km. Do not try to hold your normal pace. Accept that you will slow down, keep your effort controlled, and save energy for the second half of the race. I have seen many people blow up and drag themselves to the finish.

Pay attention to hydration. Water and electrolytes are very welcome to replace the minerals we lose through sweat, especially because in recent years it has been hot.

Lisbon Half Marathon (Vasco da Gama Bridge)
This one takes place in October, together with the marathon distance, which starts in Cascais and finishes in the same place as the half marathon.

It is mostly flat, but it has its own challenges. The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a lesson in patience and mental management.

What makes this race special:

A mostly flat course, which is very good for personal records.

Crossing the longest bridge in Europe, 17 km, is a unique experience.

Wind. The wind can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

How to prepare:
Because the course is flat, you can work more on steady pacing in training.

I always included specific half marathon pace sessions, those workouts where you run 8 to 10 km at goal pace. This also applies to preparing for the 25 de Abril Bridge half marathon.

The big trick here is mental preparation. Running on a bridge for kilometers can be monotonous, so practice running in places with little variation in scenery.

I used to do repeated loops on the same circuit to get used to the monotony.

And the wind? Train on windy days. Learn how to adjust your pace when you are running into a headwind and how to take advantage when you have a tailwind. On the bridge, wind is a constant.

I have done both races, and I can say that each one taught me something different about running. The 25 de Abril Bridge taught me patience and energy management. The Vasco da Gama Bridge taught me consistency and mental endurance.

If I had to choose only one for a first experience, I would choose the 25 de Abril Bridge. It is more predictable and allows for a steadier race. In fact, it was the one I repeated the most, and it fits well into my preparation for triathlons and marathons.

Practical tips for both races
Nutrition: Test everything during your long Sunday runs.

In Lisbon, aid stations are now better organized, but nothing replaces knowing your own body.

Gear: Golden rule, nothing new on race day.

And do not forget petroleum jelly on friction areas, which is even more important with Lisbon’s humidity.

Race day: Arrive early, especially for the 25 de Abril Bridge race, which has more participants and is part of the SuperHalfs circuit.

And prepare yourself for the crowds. The atmosphere is amazing, but it can feel intimidating the first time.

Recovery: After either of these races, give your body time to recover.

A week of alternative training, such as cycling, swimming, or walking, is perfect.

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