“I'm very excited, especially with the good weather, which will make it a point to celebrate 20 years with us. The expectation is that we will continue trying to break records, not only for the race but for participation. We currently have around 7,000 registered for the marathon alone”, the general director of Runporto told the Lusa agency.

Jorge Teixeira was speaking on the sidelines of the presentation of the 20th edition of one of the most popular national marathons, at Alfândega do Porto, where he announced the return to the 2022 route, which replaces the passage from Vila Nova de Gaia to Leça da Palmeira, making the crossing impossible over the Douro River via the D. Luís I Bridge.

“The reason is the construction of the D. Antônia Ferreira bridge. The works are starting now and for at least two years, we will not be able to cross to that side. The route doesn't lose beauty, because we have many kilometres to cover in Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira and it will get even faster. The conditions are in place to have a great event”.

Endorsed by World Athletics, the Porto Marathon starts at 08:00, next to Sea Life, on the Castelo do Queijo route, simultaneously with a 10-kilometre solidarity run and a 6,000-metre walk, which is non-competitive and aimed at any age group.

The three races bring together “more than 12,000 people from 83 nationalities”, and ends at Queimódromo, with Runporto awarding cash prizes of 3 thousand euros for renewing the absolute marathon record and 5 thousand euros for victories in the respective men's and feminine races.