AIMS · Tromsø · 18–20 June 2026
Candidate · Board of AIMS Election 18–20 June 2026 · Tromsø, Norway

A Modern Vision for the Future of Global Running Events

Supporting race organizers. Strengthening global events. Shaping the future of running.

20 y
In international athletics
460+
AIMS member races
130+
Countries reached
Porto · PortugalRace Director · Maratona do PortoAIMS Member Since 2006Scroll ↓
01 Profile

A race organizer
with a global outlook.

International race organizer, sports tourism strategist, and founder of one of Portugal's leading running events, Maratona do Porto.

Dedicated to building stronger global connections between sport, cities, tourism and community impact.

I have been a member and delegate at AIMS since 2006, an Event Label Delegate for World Athletics since 2018, and a 5-Star Event Delegate for European Athletics since 2017.

Through Runporto.com — the company I founded — I have built and directed Maratona do Porto and Meia Maratona do Porto into two of Iberia's most respected road racing events.

Tiago Teixeira
Tiago Teixeira Race Director · Founder · Porto
01·B Background
Born
  • December 1983
  • Porto, Portugal
Education
  • Augusto Gomes Secondary School — Matosinhos
  • BSc Accounting & Marketing — ISCAP, Polytechnic of Porto
  • Cambridge School — First Certificate in English
  • Intensive German — Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Porto
Also
  • Speaker · International Sport Conferences
  • Invited teacher · ISAG European Business School
  • Former Vice-President · Porto Academic Federation
  • Former Board member · Oporto Academic Federation
On the Start Line
  • Paris Marathon
  • Berlin Marathon
  • Valencia Marathon
  • Sevilla Marathon
  • New York Marathon
  • Lisbon Half Marathon
02 The Vision

Three pillars
for what comes next.

A platform built on legacy, sharpened by innovation, and connected at every scale — from the world's largest marathons to growing regional events with international ambition.

01

Innovation & Digital Transformation

Modern tools, smarter operations, stronger member value.
Equip AIMS members with the digital infrastructure, data, and operational tools the next decade demands — from registration platforms and timing standards to AI-assisted course design and runner experience.
02

Sustainability & Responsible Growth

Environmental leadership and long-term event impact.
Push sustainability beyond carbon offsets — toward circular event operations, responsible city partnerships, and a measurable, shared standard for every AIMS-certified race in the world.
03

Global Connection & Member Support

More collaboration, stronger representation, better opportunities.
Strengthen the network that makes AIMS unique — supporting emerging races and developing markets while amplifying the voice of established events on the world stage.
03 The Manifesto

Why AIMS needs
the next step.

Running events are no longer just races. They are powerful platforms for health, tourism, economic development, sustainability, and international connection.

As race organizers, we are not only delivering finish lines — we are shaping cities, inspiring communities, and building the future of global sport.

AIMS has played a fundamental role in this journey, creating standards of excellence and connecting race organizers across the world. But the future demands more.

It demands innovation.

It demands stronger international cooperation.

It demands sustainability.

It demands new leadership prepared for the next generation of challenges and opportunities.

My candidacy for the Board of AIMS is built on this belief:

We must protect the legacy of our sport while building a stronger, smarter, and more connected future for running events worldwide.

My Commitments

Strengthen the voice of race organizers.
Create greater value for AIMS members.
Support emerging races and developing markets.
Promote innovation and digital transformation.
Reinforce sustainability as a strategic priority.
Connect sport with tourism, economic impact, and destination development.
Help position running events as essential drivers of healthier societies and stronger communities.

Having led major international projects and developed one of Portugal's most recognized running events through Maratona do Porto, I understand both the challenges and the opportunities our industry faces.

I believe leadership must be practical, collaborative, and global.

Not focused only on the biggest races, but on strengthening the entire ecosystem — from major marathons to growing regional events with international ambition.

AIMS must continue to be the global home of race organizers.

  • A place of knowledge.
  • A place of innovation.
  • A place of opportunity.

This is not simply a candidacy.

It is a commitment to the future.

Together, we can build the next chapter of global running.

Stronger. Smarter. More connected.

And ready for what comes next.

04 The Network

AIMS connects
the world's road races.

460+
Race organizations
130+
Countries & territories
1982
Founded
Millions
Runners reached annually

AIMS — the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races — is the world's leading global network for road race organizers, connecting the marathon and distance running industry across continents.

Founded in 1982, AIMS today brings together more than 460 race organizations in over 130 countries and territories, representing some of the most prestigious marathons, half marathons and road races in the world. Its members range from major international events to emerging races with strong regional impact.

Through its members, AIMS indirectly impacts millions of runners every year, while also influencing cities, tourism economies, sports industries and local communities worldwide. Every race is more than a competition — it is a platform for health, international visibility, destination promotion and economic development.

In partnership with World Athletics, AIMS also plays a critical role in course measurement standards, race quality, and the global credibility of road running events, helping ensure excellence and trust across the sport.

The future potential of AIMS is even greater.

As running events continue to grow as drivers of sports tourism, sustainability, city branding and community engagement, AIMS has the opportunity to become not only the global home of race organizers, but also the leading strategic voice for the future of international running.

With stronger innovation, deeper member support, digital transformation and greater global collaboration, AIMS can shape the next generation of running events worldwide — stronger, smarter, and more connected than ever.

05 The Host City

Through the streets
of Porto.

33 moments
Porto · Portugal
Where the marathon lives
06 Credentials

Two decades inside
international athletics.

2006 →
Member & Delegate, AIMS
2017 →
5-Star Event Delegate, European Athletics
2018 →
Event Label Delegate, World Athletics
Founder
Runporto.com — CEO
Founder
Maratona do Porto — Race Director
Founder
Meia Maratona do Porto — Race Director
07 Connect

Let's build the future together.

Strong leadership starts with shared vision. I welcome dialogue, ideas and collaboration for the future of AIMS.