Madrid Marathon 2026
See more about the offers- Next eventย :ย End of April 2026
- Last eventย :ย Sun, April 27, 2025
The event in a few words
Madrid isn't just about soccer! ๐ There's also the marathon ๐โโ๏ธ, which has earned the gold label ๐ from the World Athletics Federation and stands out as one of the biggest running events in Spain ๐ช๐ฆ. The icing on the cake: it's now part of the prestigious Rockโnโroll Marathon Series circuit, a collection of events across about ten countries, featuring routes dotted with concerts ๐ถ, shows ๐ญ, and lively refreshment stations ๐ฅณ. So, expect a feast for your legs, eyes, and ears as you race through the heart of the Spanish capital! ๐ We're looking forward to seeing you next April, when the beautiful weather arrives, for the 46th edition of the Madrid Marathon.
Located in the heart of Spain, Madrid thrives to the rhythm of fans from two globally renowned soccer clubs - Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid ๐. While the city has a deep-rooted football culture โฝ, it's also a major economic hub in Southern Europe and a cultural hotspot. Several world-renowned museums ๐๏ธ, like the Prado, the Reina Sofia ๐, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza ๐ผ๏ธ, add to Madrid's charm, along with its cosmopolitan vibe, historical sites ๐ (Plaza Mayor, the impressive Royal Palace ๐คด, and the Almudena Cathedral โช), ultra-modern districts (including the business district with its skyscrapers ๐๏ธ), bustling shopping avenues ๐๏ธ, vast green spaces ๐ฒ like the Retiro Park, the Royal Botanical Garden, and the Campo del Moro Garden ๐ผ. And what about the movida? Ah, the infamous creative cultural movement that livens up Madrid's nightsโฆ โจ๐ While the nightlife might not be the best pre-marathon activity ๐ , it's definitely worth exploring post-race: you simply must drag your tired feet to century-old bistros for some delicious tapas ๐ and wander through the vibrant neighborhoods under the starlit sky ๐๐.
So, what about the running? The organizers of the Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Madrid Marathon have indeed pulled off a masterstroke (pun intended ๐): offering a comprehensive tour of the city and a range of distances for all runners ๐คฉ. While the Madrid marathon, established in 1978, remains the crown jewel, you can also opt for the Madrid half-marathon (introduced in 2012) or the 10 km ๐ค (added in 2010). According to previous participants (and there were many, with 38,000 runners from around the globe in 2023 ๐), these well-organized events showcase landmarks like the National Library ๐, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium ๐๏ธ, the Cuatro Torres ๐, the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, the Casa de Campo, and the Buen Retiro Park โฒ. And because not just anyone makes it into the Rockโnโroll Marathon Series ๐ธ, rest assured the routes feature live bands and performances ๐๐ that might just make you forget the courses aren't as flat as a soccer field (360 m of elevation gain for the marathon... Yes, it's going to be tough! ๐). You can also expect the support of thousands of spectators ๐ cheering you on with Iberian fervor. Letโs rock in Spanish on Sunday, April 27, 2025 ! ๐
Oh, and one more thing: once you've crossed the finish line ๐, make sure to recover in one of the city's tapas bars ๐. Go easy on the cerveza ๐ป and local white wines ๐ท, but donโt hesitate to try the famous cocido de tres vuelcos (stew), soldaditos de Pavia (breaded cod sticks), or bartolillos (cream-filled pastries ๐คค) to replenish your energy (and calories! ๐ซ). And if you're utterly exhausted, there's always a tourist bus ๐ that can take you to the most famous spots in the city, in case you didnโt have the chance to admire them during the raceโฆ ๐
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
MarathonTOP
Half Marathon
10โkm
- End of April 2026
- Elevation gainย :ย 390mD+
- 10,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx42.195โkm
A few more words
Ready to take on the 42.195 km of Madrid ๐ช๐ธ and its 414 m elevation gain? A fantastic challenge awaits you, here are the details: ๐
The race kicks off with a lively start ๐โโ๏ธ at the Plaza de Gregorio Maranon, right in the city center, in the cool morning air (8 AM) ๐ฌ๏ธ. From there, you'll dash up a slight incline towards the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium ๐๏ธโฝ๏ธ, 1.5 km further north, before heading to the Plaza de Castilla on a perfectly flat section ๐. At the 4 km mark, the course loops back along the iconic Cuatro Torres ๐. You'll then return to the Plaza de Castilla before taking the long Calle Bravo Murillo, and turning onto Calle de Raimundo Fernandez Villaverde. At the 8 km mark, you'll pass the Complejo Azca, the economic and financial heart ๐ฐ of the capital of Spain, where you'll see magnificent buildings that can rival those in New York ๐.
Rest assured, the entire stretch up to the 21 km mark is on a gentle downhill ๐ฎโ๐จ and straight roads, which should help you gather strength for the remainder of the race ๐ช. In the meantime, you'll make a loop in the eastern center ๐ of the city, passing through the Salamanca district ๐ฆ, a major commercial and aristocratic area where you can admire luxurious apartments and buildings ๐ซ. At the 19 km mark, you'll reach the Plaza de Callao, one of the city's main squares ๐๏ธ, before heading towards the Puerta del Sol, the "Gate of the Sun" ๐. As you can guess, you're entering one of the most interesting parts of your route, where you'll have the opportunity to see many beautiful monuments ๐ฝ. Noteworthy among them are those at La Plaza de la Villa, beautifully preserved historic sites from the 17th century, designed in the unique Baroque style of Madrid architecture. Tempting, right? If you're up for it ๐ข, know that less than a km away, you'll pass the stunning Royal Palace ๐ and the Plaza de Espaรฑa ๐, all while enjoying an incredible atmosphere ๐ and energetic concerts ๐ธ.
We hope these activities will give you enough energy for the second half โ๏ธ of your race. Yes, you'll be halfway through! Make sure to take a moment to admire the Faro de Moncloa ๐ and enjoy the greenery of the university city ๐ณ and the Parque del Oeste as you pass through! Next, you'll enter the lush Casa de Campo before running alongside the amusement park ๐ข that will make your head spin ๐คช (your legs will already be feeling it! ๐). You'll come close to the old town, running along the river ๐ฆ. At the 36 km mark, you'll get into the thick of it, passing by the Almudena Cathedral โช๏ธ where your legs might start begging for mercy ๐ . Hang in there because a gentle incline will lead you to the finish line! Take heart: you'll pass by the Reina Sofia Art Center ๐จ, the Atocha Station, the Prado Museum, the Neptune Fountain โฒ๏ธ, and the Palacio de Cibeles ๐ฐ. You'll finally cross the finish line ๐ on the Paseo de Recoletos ๐, near the magnificent National Library ๐.
If itโs any consolation, the entire course is dotted with entertainment ๐ฅณ that should give you wings! ๐ชฝ Refreshment stations are also scattered along the route, approximately every 5 km ๐.
Half Marathon
Road Running- End of April 2026
- Elevation gainย :ย 204mD+
- 7,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx21.0975โkm
A few more words
Curious about what the middle distance of the event has to offer? ๐ง With a total of 204 mD+ and 21.097 km, the Madrid Half Marathon takes you through some of the city's most memorable spots. Let's dive into the details right here ๐.
First off, the initial 19 km are shared with the marathon route: starting at Plaza de Gregorio Maranon, under the cool morning air (8am) ๐คญ, then a gentle climb towards the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium ๐๏ธโฝ๏ธ, before reaching the Plaza de Castilla (thankfully, it's flat!). A U-turn ๐ by the iconic Cuatro Torres ๐ at the 4km mark, followed by 6km of sheer joy on a gentle descent towards the Plaza de Castilla! ๐ Next, you'll take Calle Bravo Murillo and turn onto Calle de Raimundo Fernandez Villaverde. At km 8, you'll pass by the Azca Complex, the financial heart ๐ด of the city. Then, you'll loop through the eastern center ๐ of the city, particularly through the Salamanca district ๐ฆ, a major commercial and aristocratic area of the city.
At km 19, the Plaza de Callao awaits you, and further on, the Puerta del Sol, the "Gate of the Sun" ๐. As you can see, you're entering one of the most interesting parts of your journey, where numerous beautiful monuments ๐ฝ are a must-see, including La Plaza de la Villa where you'll find beautifully preserved historical sites from the 17th century, done in the unique Madrilenian Baroque style. Your next stop will be the Congreso de los Diputados, the Fountain of Neptune โฒ๏ธ, the Palace of Cybele ๐ฐ before storming down to the Paseo de Recoletos, your finish line ๐.
If it's any consolation, know that the entire course is peppered with entertainment ๐ฅณ that's bound to give you wings! ๐ชฝ Plus, there are refreshment stations spread out about every 5 km ๐.
Road Running 10โkm
Road Running- End of April 2026
- Elevation gainย :ย 120mD+
- 2,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx10โkm
A few more words
For those who love fast and intense races, these 10 km of Madrid with a downhill profile are perfect for a great time! โฑ๏ธ
Starting from Plaza de Gregorio Maranon at 8 AM, youโll face a slight uphill until the 2nd km near the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium ๐๏ธ. After that, it's 8 kilometers of gentle downhill running at full speed! โฝ๏ธ The heritage festival kicks off at the 8 km mark as you pass the Plaza de Callao, then further on to the Puerta del Sol, the "Gate of the Sun" ๐. Youโll enter one of the most interesting sections of your route, with many beautiful monuments ๐ฝ to see, including the Congreso de los Diputados, the Fountain of Neptune โฒ๏ธ, the Palacio de Cibeles ๐ฐ before speeding towards the Paseo de Recoletos, your finish line ๐.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
For the Marathon: โฌ65 until 09/30/2024, then โฌ75 until 12/31/2024, then โฌ85 until 02/28/2025, then โฌ95 until 04/15/2025
For the Half Marathon: โฌ35 until 09/30/2024, then โฌ50 until 12/31/2024, then โฌ60 until 02/28/2025, then โฌ70 until 04/15/2025
For the 10K: โฌ25 until 09/30/2024, then โฌ30 until 12/31/2024, then โฌ35 until 02/28/2025, then โฌ40 until 04/15/2025
Please note, a license from the Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) is mandatory for participation. This license is not included in the registration fee. The license costs โฌ5 for the marathon, โฌ3 for the half marathon, and โฌ3 for the 10K.
You can pick up your race bib at the CORRIDOR FAIR (IFEMA) during the following hours:
Friday, April 25, 2025, from 10 AM to 8 PM
Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 AM to 8 PM
Please be aware that no race bibs will be distributed on race day.
For the Marathon: start at 9 AM
For the Half Marathon: start at 9 AM
For the 10K: start at 8 AM
The races will start at Paseo de la Castellana (Plaza de Gregorio Maraรฑรณn). You can use public transportation, especially the metro:
Line 7 and 10: stop "Gregorio Maraรฑรณn"
Line 5: stop Rubรฉn Darรญo
Participants must possess a federation license or a runner's card issued by the RFEA (Royal Spanish Athletics Federation) on the day of the event. Those who do not have a federation license or a runner's card issued by RFEA can acquire a one-day federation license during the registration process.
Yes, there is a maximum time allowed to complete each distance:
For the Marathon: 6 hours
For the Half Marathon: 3 hours
For the 10K: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yes, pacers will be available to help you achieve your goals for each distance:
For the Marathon: 3h, 3h15, 3h30, 3h45, 4h, 4h15, 4h30, 5h
For the Half Marathon: 1h30, 1h40, 1h50, 2h
For the 10K: 40 min, 45 min, 50 min, 55 min, 60 min
There will be refreshment stations at the following kilometers:
5.5
10
15
20.5
23
26
30.5
35
38
40.5
at the finish lines
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the races.
Hereโs how the ranking works:
Overall Men and Women
Spanish Ranking
Category Rankings
Rankings for male and female wheelchair athletes
Athletes with functional disabilities (physical disabilities, cerebral palsy, and brain injuries)
Athletes with sensory disabilities (blind and deaf)
Athletes with intellectual disabilities
Trophies will be awarded to:
Top three places in the general male ranking
Top three places in the general female ranking
First place in the Spanish ranking
First place in the Spanish ranking
Top three places in the male wheelchair ranking
Top three places in the female wheelchair ranking
Additionally, financial prizes will be awarded to the winners, with amounts varying based on the race, category, and position of the runner. To see these prizes, click here.
Want to lend a hand? You can sign up as a volunteer by clicking here.
Have more questions? You can contact the organizers via email: info@rocknrollmadridrun.com
There will be free changing rooms available for participants. They will be located in the Meta neighborhood on Paseo de la Castellana, between Hermosilla and Marquรฉs de Villamagna streets, and will be accessible from 7 AM to 3:30 PM on April 27, 2025.
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