A Month of Sport, Solidarity, and Spectacle!
Autumn is here, and Portimão is kicking off the season with a packed sports agenda for October! This month is all about bringing people together, with a special focus on solidarity and inclusion, alongside some thrilling international competitions.
The Municipality of Portimão has curated a fantastic programme that truly embraces a “Sport for All” ethos, offering free activities for all ages and abilities. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the local community to get involved, celebrate sport as a cornerstone of well-being, and enjoy some quality leisure time. At the same time, these events cement our town’s reputation as a top destination for major international sports.
So, whether you’re an elite athlete or just looking for a fun day out with the family, here’s what’s in store this October.
Community, Scenery, and Solidarity
International Canoe Ascent of the Arade River
Kicking off the month, the iconic International Canoe Ascent of the Arade River returns on Sunday, 5th October. This isn’t just about the competition; it’s a social event that showcases the stunning natural beauty of the river and its banks. The traditional 12-kilometre race starts at the Clube Naval de Portimão and finishes in the historic town of Silves. A nautical tourism event is scheduled to start at 10:00, followed by a competitive race at 10:30, bringing together professional athletes, amateur paddlers, and families. The event is a joint effort by the municipalities of Silves, Lagoa, and Portimão, and attracts clubs from across Portugal and beyond, with a strong showing from Spanish athletes.
“Pink October” Charity Walk and Run
On Sunday, 12th October, the focus shifts to a vital cause: raising awareness for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. As part of the “Pink October” celebrations, the Portuguese League Against Cancer is organising a charity walk and run.
Participants can choose between a 5km and an 8km route, both starting at 10:00 from the Largo da Antiga Lota in the riverside area and passing by the Portimão Marina. The day’s schedule is:
- 9:00: Registration opens
- 9:15: A demonstration by the “Portimão Rosa” Municipal Project
- 9:40: A warm-up session led by Gymnasium by VivaGym
The event is free, but registration is mandatory and can be done online. You can also support the cause by purchasing a “Pink October” charity t-shirt for a minimum donation of 5 ‘laços’ (ribbons). For more information, please email grupoapoiofaro@ligacontracancro.pt or call 910 449 978.
Celebrating Inclusive Sport
7th International Adapted Handball Tournament
Inclusion takes centre stage from the 16th to the 18th of October with the 7th International Adapted Handball Tournament at the Boavista Sports Pavilion. This free-to-attend wheelchair handball tournament has become one of the most significant events of its kind in Portugal since its inception in 2019 as part of the “Portimão European City of Sport” initiative. This year’s edition will feature the national teams of Spain and Portugal, as well as club teams Lyon Metropole HandFautenil and Casa do Povo de S. Bartolomeu de Messines, promising three days of fantastic fair play, talent, and inclusion.
World-Class International Events
Triton World Final
The end of the month sees a truly innovative triathlon come to town. The Triton World Final at the Portimão Marina spans three challenging days, from October 24th to 26th, separating the three disciplines, allowing athletes to give their all in each event.
- Friday, 24th: Swimming
- Saturday, 25th: Cycling
- Sunday, 26th: Running
Athletes can compete individually or in teams across three different distances:
- Short: 1km swim, 50km cycle, 10km run
- Medium: 2km swim, 100km cycle, 20km run
- Long: 3km swim, 150km cycle, 30km run.
- For more details, head over to the official Triton World Series website.
Motorsport, Footgolf, and Dance
The action doesn’t stop there! The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will be buzzing with the European Le Mans Series (17th-18th October), featuring a thrilling four-hour endurance race, and the Algarve Classic Festival (23rd-26th Oct), a fantastic dive into the past with historic racing cars.
For something different, the Penina Hotel & Golf Resort hosts the Open de Portugal de Footgolf (23rd-26th October), one of Europe’s most popular events for top names in the sport. Meanwhile, aspiring dancers can showcase their talent at TEMPO for the Portugal a Dançar competition (24th-26th October), with a chance to qualify for the national final.
And There’s More!
The month is also packed with other great local events, including:
- Fun Cup at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (10th-12th)
- Youth Tennis Tournament at the Municipal Tennis and Padel Complex (18th-19th)
- “Good Autumn” Walk in Mexilhoeira Grande (19th)
- Portimão Beach Tennis Club Anniversary Tournament at Praia da Rocha (23rd-26th)
- “Active Sunday” Functional Training at the Alvor Sports Complex (26th)
This incredible line-up demonstrates the Municipality of Portimão’s commitment to providing a diverse range of sporting opportunities for the whole community.
Looking ahead, November promises to be just as exciting, with highlights including the MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal (7th-9th November) and the World Beach Ultimate Championship (16th-22nd November).
For the latest information on all these events, please check the council’s official social media channels and visit www.vivaportimao.pt.
