IRONMAN may be one of the toughest races in the world for athletes – but it’s set to be a serious challenge for drivers too. Cascais is once again hosting one of the biggest endurance events on the planet, and with it come the inevitable road restrictions. Taking place on October 18, this year’s edition will once more transform the town into a stage for physical endurance – and between October 16 and 19, several roads will be closed to ensure safety for athletes and spectators alike.
Closures begin early on Thursday October 16, when Cascais Bay and the Marina will be closed to traffic from 06.00 to 00.00. The same restrictions apply on Friday, extending across Passeio D. Luís I, Avenida D. Carlos I, Alameda dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra (up to Jardim Visconde da Luz) and Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália, between the Cultural Centre and the Marina. On Saturday October 18, the main race day, expect full closures once again at the Bay and Marina, while Avenida 25 de Abril will be shut from 09.00 to 20.00.
Beyond the town centre, restrictions will be extensive. Between Cascais and Guincho, Avenida da República and Estrada do Guincho up to Cabo Raso will be closed from 07.00 until 02.00 the following morning. In Torre and Areia, restrictions run from 9.30 to 16.00, affecting Rua da Torre, dos Vidoeiros, dos Pinheiros, das Faias, das Narcejas, das Codornizes, Ivone Silva and Rua da Areia. In Malveira da Serra, traffic will be limited between 07.00 and 16.30, affecting the N247 and N247-5, Avenida Nossa Senhora da Assunção, Estrada de Vale Cavalos and N9-1 (Estrada da Serra).
Estoril and Alcabideche will also feel the impact. Around the Estoril Circuit, closures will be in place from 7.00 to 17.00, affecting the N9, Avenida Alfredo César Torres and Rua Terceira Idade. In Alcabideche, traffic will be restricted from 7.30 to 17.30 on Rua Cesaltina Fialho Gouveia, Rua Cascais, Avenida de Alcabideche and Avenida da República. In Estoril, expect disruptions along Avenida D. Nuno Álvares Pereira (between the Condes de Barcelona roundabout and Avenida de Portugal), as well as on Avenida de Portugal and Rua Biarritz. Meanwhile, the Marginal – one of the race’s most iconic stretches – will be closed from 08.00 to 19.30, and in Carcavelos, restrictions will apply from 08.00 to 18.00, covering the N6/7 and Avenida Conde Riba d’Ave.
On Sunday October 19, even after the race is over, Cascais Bay and the Marina will remain partially closed until 17.00. As for parking, the Marechal Carmona car park will be closed from midnight on October 14 until midnight on October 20. During this period, parking will be redirected to the Hipódromo car park, though it too will be closed on race day itself.
To help minimise disruption, the council recommends using the Waze app, which will show alternative routes throughout the event. MobiCascais bus lines will also see temporary route changes, to be announced soon.
The race at a glance
IRONMAN Cascais brings together elite and amateur athletes for a gruelling challenge: 3.9km of swimming at Praia da Ribeira, 180.2km of cycling through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and a 42.2km marathon between the Marina and Cabo Raso.
What’s the route?
The competition kicks off with the swim leg at Praia da Ribeira, a 1.9km loop around the sheltered Cascais Bay, heading towards the Fortaleza do Clube Naval. Next comes the 90km cycling course, which takes athletes along Guincho, through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and even includes a lap around the legendary Estoril Formula 1 Circuit. Finally, the run, split into two loops, takes competitors from the Cascais Marina to Cabo Raso, passing some of the region’s most iconic coastal views along the way.
How long does it take?
It depends on the athlete’s level, but the full Ironman usually takes between 8 and 17 hours to complete, while the Ironman 70.3 typically ranges from 4 to 8 hours. To officially earn the title of Ironman (or Ironwoman), competitors must finish the entire course within the 17-hour cut-off time.
Is it really that hard?
Yes – brutally so. The combination of extreme distances, unpredictable weather conditions and demanding terrain makes the Ironman one of the toughest endurance events in the world. It demands intense physical preparation, careful nutrition strategy and smart pacing from start to finish.
How many athletes take part?
The 2024 edition brought together around 4,600 athletes representing 98 nationalities, reinforcing the truly international character of the event and its importance on the global triathlon calendar.
And for those not competing?
Even if you’re not taking part, it’s well worth showing up. The sunrise start at Praia da Ribeira is an especially thrilling moment – but throughout the course, you’ll find crowds cheering on the athletes, creating an atmosphere that’s as inspiring as the race itself.
Praia da Ribeira, Cascais. 18 Oct (Sat) 8.40