Maratona Clube de Portugal and London Marathon Events Announce Historic Partnership

Maratona Clube de Portugal (MCP) announced today a strategic partnership with London Marathon Events (LME), the organizer of the iconic TCS London Marathon. This agreement marks a historic moment for the EDP Lisbon Marathon and aims to elevate the event to the global stage, with a target of reaching 22.500 entrants in upcoming editions.

The TCS London Marathon is the most popular marathon on the planet, with a world-record 840,000 people applying in the ballot for 2025, and the world’s biggest one day annual fundraising event which has raised more than Euros 1.5 billion for charity since its first edition in 1981. LME will bring its extensive world-leading expertise in event promotion and logistics to the partnership over the next five years. This collaboration will include international marketing campaigns, positioning Lisbon as a premier destination in the global running community and attracting athletes from all continents.

Carlos Moia, president of the Maratona Clube de Portugal, highlighted: “The partnership with London Marathon Events represents an extraordinary milestone for the EDP Lisbon Marathon. This agreement not only cements the event on the international stage but also strengthens our mission to promote sports and position Lisbon as a leading destination for major events and top-tier competitions.”

Nick Bitel, CEO of London Marathon Group, added: “The EDP Lisbon Marathon is a wonderful event with huge potential for national and international growth. We look forward to working together to inspire thousands of runners from Portugal and around the world to Lisbon to take part in the event and to enjoy exploring the amazing city and further afield.”

With this boost in national and international visibility, the EDP Lisbon Marathon has the opportunity not only to solidify itself as one of Portugal’s most iconic sporting events but also to significantly enhance its economic impact on the country. The anticipated increase in participants is expected to generate direct benefits for Lisbon, Cascais, and Oeiras‘ tourism sectors, driving growth in hospitality, transportation, and local commerce. This is expected to lead to a substantial increase in spending, with an immediate financial impact estimated at 60 million euros.

This partnership reflects the MCP’s commitment to taking the EDP Lisbon Marathon to new heights, solidifying Lisbon as a prime destination for major sporting events. The union of these two internationally renowned competitions promises to drive not only sports but also the economy and Portugal’s global prominence.