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Movistar Madrid Half Marathon 2024

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The event in a few words

10 million. Yes, you read that right, the Spanish capital 🇪🇸 draws a whopping 10 million visitors a year! 😮 Located along the Manzanares River 💦, in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula, it's one of the most popular destinations in Europe 🇪🇺. And do you know why the city captivates so many? Because it perfectly combines an extensive cultural offering, magnificent buildings, and entertainment for every taste. Put on your best sneakers 👟, because the hot 🔥 vibes of the Movistar Madrid Half Marathon are waiting for you! You can choose from two races: a 5.8 km and a half marathon. Passing the city's most stunning historical landmarks 🤩, this is one of the city's most iconic events 💃.

If Madrid shines in the football world 🏟️ with its two iconic clubs ⚽️ (Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid), the city also boasts a vibrant community of enthusiastic runners 🏃🏼‍♂️. Among them, the organizers of the Madrid Half Marathon stand out. Their love for their city and running led them to create an event allowing participants (over 11,000 each year!) to explore Madrid's most beautiful spots… And achieve impressive times! 💣 Accredited by the International Association of Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and certified as a Road Race 2023, the Madrid half marathon has slightly modified its course to further enhance the route's appeal 😎, both from a sporting and cultural heritage perspective. We guarantee: you'll be welcomed with open arms! 😋

If you're aiming for records, note that the time to beat has been set in 2021 by the Kenyan 🇰🇪 Ronald Kiprotich Kirui with 59 minutes and 38 seconds in the men's category 🚹 and by the (unbeatable) Kenyan Winfridah Moraa with 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 22 seconds in the women's category 🚺. They're not here to play; so you better get moving! 😅 The race starts on Paseo de la Castellana, a straight path that passes by the natural science museum 👩🏼‍🔬 and the ministry of agriculture 🐄. Reaching the grand Plaza de Castilla, you'll make a 180° turn (don't sprint too fast, or you'll skid!) then head back down Bravo Murillo Avenue, leading you to Canal de Isabel II. From there, you'll swiftly make your way back to the starting line, before heading towards the beautiful Puerta de Alcala, at the northwest corner of Parque del Buen Retiro. A quick detour will take you away from the park before bringing you back alongside its fences, providing a glimpse of this fabulous urban green lung 🌳. You'll then pass the train station 🚂, and onto Plaza Emperador Carlos V before (literally and figuratively) climbing towards the botanical garden 🪴, the Museo del Prado 🖼️, and the Neptune fountain ⛲️. The coveted finish line 🏁 will then appear before you, just steps away from Plaza Cibeles and Plaza Colon. After enjoying 4 liquid refreshment stations 🧃 along the course (at km 4, 10, 15, and 19.5), you can dive (if your stomach, still reeling from the effort, allows it!) into the finishing line buffet to refuel 💪.

If you prefer shorter and more intense races, or if your training doesn't quite prepare you for the half marathon 🤧, you can opt for the Carrera ProFuturo. This 5.8 km race, which simply circles Parque del Buen Retiro 🛝 with both start and finish 🏁 lines at Puerta de Alcala, serves a great cause: each entry supports a digital education program 💻 promoted by the Fundacion Telefonica and the Fundacion La Caixa. This initiative aims to reduce educational inequalities worldwide 🌍. While the champions complete the distance in 18 minutes and 5 seconds in the men's category 🙋🏻‍♂️ and 21 minutes and 12 seconds in the women's category 🤷🏻‍♀️, many run to support a noble cause while facing a personal challenge in a truly delightful setting 🥰.

​​If you're spending the entire weekend in Madrid, we have some outing ideas you might enjoy 🧐. Some museums are among the world's most visited, including el Prado, el Reina Sofia, and el Thyssen-Bornemisza. You can also explore magnificent monuments such as Plaza Mayor, the impressive Royal Palace, and the Almudena Cathedral. The city also offers leisure activities for every taste, from shopping aficionados 🛍️ to nature lovers 🦎 (Retiro Park, Royal Botanical Garden, Campo del Moro Garden…). As for the famous movida, the creative cultural movement 👨🏻‍🎨 that animates Madrid's nights 🌃, it deserves an entire evening to fully experience this unique atmosphere. Alright, maybe steer clear of the tapas bars the night before the half marathon, but feel free to explore right after the race! You'll surely still have enough energy 🔋 to discover the centenary bistros and the lively narrow streets filled with the aroma of Spanish cuisine and the sound of Iberian cheerfulness 💃🏻.

So, when will you sign up for the Madrid Half Marathon 2024? 😉

4 reasons to join this race

A Lightning-Fast Half Marathon ⚡️
Just take a glance at the results of the recent editions to understand that the Madrid Half Marathon is a quick one... Extremely quick! With its predominantly downhill profile, you're likely to beat your personal best, provided you've done some training. A piece of advice: if you're here to set a record, try not to get too distracted by the local heritage, even though it's truly magnificent! 👏
A Cultural Run 🇪🇸
How many half marathons can boast a course certified by World Athletics that also offers a genuine sightseeing tour? Plus, before and after the race, Madrid presents the perfect opportunity to visit famous museums (the Prado, the Reina Sofia, the Thyssen-Bornemisza...), enjoy concerts, marvel at monuments, or stroll through lush parks 😍.
The Perfect Date 🗓️
In early April, the sweltering heat hasn't yet descended upon Spain, but spring is already in full swing with pleasant temperatures and a shining sun. Shorts and tank tops are essential under Madrid's azure sky, ideal for running your heart out! 😎 Additionally, the timing is perfect: you'll have had enough time to follow a specific half-marathon training cycle and set a great time before tackling new challenges.
A Festive Weekend 🎊
Tapas bars, music cafés, night-time entertainment... The Spanish capital promises lively evenings! 💃 There's nothing like a festive night to unwind after the race. For recovery, you might want to rely on your wisdom upon returning to France...

A distance for every taste

  • Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 9:15 AM
  • 10,000+ runners in the last edition

A few more words

Your race will start 🚩 from Paseo de la Castellana, right in front of Hotel Villa Magna, covering a distance of 21.097 km.

You will pass by the Natural Science Museum and Real Madrid's home ⚽️, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, before reaching Plaza de Castilla. After going through JMD Tetuan, Bravo Murillo street will lead you to the Canal de Isabel II. Then, between the 8 km and 9 km marks, at Fernando el Catolico, and between the 9 km and 10 km marks, at Guzman el Bueno and near the Casa de Mexico 🇲🇽. You'll circle back near the start point via Sagasta and Almagro streets.

Next, you'll come upon La Puerta de Alcala, standing at the center of Plaza de la Independencia 🆓's roundabout. You'll move away from Parque del Buen Retiro through Velazquez, Juan Bravo, and Principe de Vergara streets, circle around it, and head towards the finish line passing by the Botanical Garden 🌸, the Prado Museum, the Neptune Fountain ⛲️, and culminating at Plaza de Cibeles. You'll become a finisher on Paseo de Recoletos 🏁.

GPX
  • Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 9:00 AM
  • 900+ runners in the last edition

A few more words

For this 5.8 km race, you'll start at Paseo de Recolteos, just a short distance from the National Archaeological Museum 🦕. Next, you'll encounter La Puerta de Alcala, prominently situated in the center of Plaza de la Independencia 🆓. Your route will then take you around Parque de El Retiro via Avenida Menendez Pelayo.

Between the 3 km and 4 km marks, you'll pass the Royal Tapestry Factory Foundation on Paseo de Reina Cristina 👑. To head back to the finish line, the route goes past the National Museum of Art Reina Sofia and CaixaForum Madrid on Paseo del Prado before you cross the finish line at Paseo de Recoletos 🏁 and achieve your finisher's status.

The devil's in the detail

Rafaelhoteles Atocha is the official partner hotel for the Movistar Madrid Half Marathon. Conveniently located near the Madrid Puerta de Atocha train station and just a 15-minute walk from the Reina Sofia Museum, as well as from the race's start and finish lines, it offers exclusive rates and conditions for all participants in need of accommodation.

From April 5 to April 8, 2024, Rafaelhoteles Atocha provides exclusive accommodation conditions to all participants of the Movistar Madrid Half Marathon, featuring the best prices and a warm welcome, allowing participants to focus solely on their race and enjoy the city of Madrid:

  • An additional 15% discount on website rates

  • 50% off parking fees

  • Early breakfast available from 6:00 am on race day

  • Special athlete-friendly daily menus at a special rate of 19€ for staying participants

  • Possibility to collect your bib number at the hotel's front desk (upon request via email at atocha@rafaelhoteles.com)

  • Late checkout (4:00 pm) on race day

The 5 km race is a charity event supporting an organization that helps children in need. This organization, named Profutura, aims to improve the educational program for children around the world through digital systems.

Once you have booked your bib number, you'll need to complete your participant form. You will then receive communication from the organizer a few days before the race. You'll also be added to the list of registered participants at that time.

Yes, the maximum time to finish the Movistar Madrid Half Marathon is 3 hours from the official start.

The race will provide liquid refreshments at the 5, 10, and 15 kilometers points, as well as both liquid and solid refreshments at the finish line.

Here are the marathon registration fees:

  • From May 1 to June 15, 2023: 30€

  • From June 16 to September 30, 2024: 35€

  • From October 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024: 40€

  • From March 1 to March 27, 2024: 45€

  • Registration on-site on April 5 and 6, 2024: 65€

You can pick up your race kit on April 5 and 6 at a location yet to be determined, from 10am to 8pm.

Any more questions?

To view the race regulations, click here.

If you're the organizer of this race and want to enhance your page's content, claim it here.

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