Movistar Madrid Half Marathon 2026

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! 💣

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 💃🏻.