Maratona do Funchal 2027

January in Madeira is something special. While much of Europe is deep in winter, Funchal wakes up to mild temperatures, the Atlantic on one side and the island's green mountains on the other. At 7:00, as the sun begins to rise over the ocean, hundreds of runners from around the world set off on the Funchal Marathon, 42.195 kilometres through the capital of the "island of eternal spring".A marathon that grows every yearIn 2027 the Funchal Marathon celebrates its 12th edition on Sunday 31 January. It is organised by the Madeira Athletics Association with the support of public and private institutions, and has become one of the most appealing events on the Portuguese calendar: the last edition brought together almost 2,000 athletes across all distances, many of them travelling from outside the island and from abroad. Funchal has also hosted the Portuguese Marathon Championship, a sign of the race's quality.A course between the sea and the cityThe start is on Rua do Gorgulho, in the Lido hotel district. The first major section of the race is an out-and-back circuit along Estrada Monumental and Avenida do Infante, between the Assicom roundabout and the Madeira Congress Centre, which runners cover several times with the Atlantic Ocean as their constant companion. After this stretch the race drops into the heart of Funchal: Avenida Arriaga, Rua do Aljube, Largo do Chafariz, Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas and Praça da Autonomia. The final phase runs along Avenida do Mar e das Comunidades Madeirenses, the city's great seafront promenade, with turns at Avenida Sá Carneiro, the Almirante Reis Garden and the Ponte do Mercado, before crossing the finish line by the Casa da Luz. The looped sections with several turning points let runners see each other again and again and feel the crowd's support throughout the race.Everything designed for the marathonerThe time limit is 6 hours. Refreshment stations are no more than 5 kilometres apart, and every 2.5 kilometres if the weather is warm, with water and isotonic drinks plus bananas, dried fruit and energy bars. Official pacers run target times of 3:00, 3:30, 4:00 and 4:30, and along the course there is entertainment and first-aid points at the Madeira Casino and the finish.Registration includes sports insurance, a personalised bib with MyLaps timing chip, a premium T-shirt exclusive to marathon runners, free access to Saturday's Pasta Party and a finisher's medal. The organisers transport your bag from the start to the finish area, and Horários do Funchal city buses are free to reach the start. After the race you can download your certificate and see the photos in the official gallery. There is prize money for the top three men and women, and trophies for the top three in each category.RegistrationAthletes in the under-23, senior and masters categories can take part. Prices rise in tiers: €70 until 31 October, €75 until 30 November and €90 until 31 December 2026. You can register online or at the AARAM headquarters at the Câmara de Lobos Stadium.A January marathon by the Atlantic, with mild temperatures and the charm of Madeira: the Funchal Marathon is the perfect way to start the season on an island you will fall in love with.