Madrid Marathon 2026
Book now- Next eventย :ย Sun, April 26, 2026Date confirmed
- 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
- Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 8:45 AM
- 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- Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 8:45 AM
- 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- Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- 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: โฌ70 until 09/30/2025, then โฌ80 until 12/31/2025, then โฌ90 until 02/28/2026, and finally โฌ100 until 04/15/26
For the half marathon: โฌ40 until 09/30/2025, then โฌ50 until 12/31/2025, then โฌ60 until 02/28/2026, and finally โฌ70 until 04/15/26
For the 10 km: โฌ25 until 09/30/2025, then โฌ30 until 12/31/2025, then โฌ35 until 02/28/2026, and finally โฌ40 until 04/15/26
Note that a license from the Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) is mandatory to participate. This license is included in the bib price.
You can collect your race bib at the Runner's Expo - IFEMA (Av. del Partenรณn, 5, Barajas, 28042 Madrid) during the following times:
Friday, April 24, 2026, from 10 AM to 8 PM
Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 AM to 8 PM
Please note, no bibs will be issued on the day of the race.
Runners must present the following to collect their bibs:
The registration certificate or the QR code with final instructions, which will be sent to runners on April 20, 2026
Identification card or passport
If you do not receive the QR Code BEFORE April 21, you can download the REGISTRATION certificate by entering your registration information from this link: https://www.rockthesport.com/fr/evenement/zurich-rock-n-roll-running-series-madrid-2026
Starts will take place from Paseo de la Castellana (Plaza de Gregorio Maraรฑรณn)
Marathon: start at 8:45 AM
Half marathon: start at 8:45 AM
10 km: start at 8:00 AM
The race starts are located at Paseo de la Castellana (Plaza de Gregorio Maraรฑรณn). You can get there using public transportation, especially the metro:
Line 7 and 10: stop at "Gregorio Maraรฑรณn"
Line 5: stop at "Rubรฉn Darรญo"
Participants must hold a federation license or a runner's card, issued by the RFEA (Royal Spanish Athletics Federation), on the day of the event. Those without a federation license or runner's card can purchase a one-day federation license from the organization during the registration process.
Yes, there is a maximum time allowed to complete each distance:
Marathon: must be finished by 4:35 PM
Half marathon: must be finished by 1:25 PM
10 km: must be finished by 10:40 AM
Yes, pacers will be available in each race to help you reach your goals:
For the marathon: 3h, 3h15, 3h30, 3h45, 4h, 4h15, 4h30, 5h
For the half marathon: 1h30, 1h40, 1h50, 2h
For the 10 km: 40 min, 45 min, 50 min, 55 min, 60 min
Marathon: 5, 11, 15, 18, 23, 26.5, 29, 32, 35.8, 38, 40 km, and finish line.
Half marathon: 5, 11, 18 km, and finish line.
10k: 3, 7 km, and finish line.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter the races.
Here's how the ranking works:
Overall male and female ranking
Spanish ranking
Ranking by categories
Classification for male and female athletes in athletic wheelchairs
Athletes with physical, cerebral, or brain injuries
Athletes with sensory impairments (blind and deaf participants)
Athletes with intellectual disabilities
Awards will be given in the form of trophies:
Top three overall male positions
Top three overall female positions
First place in Spanish ranking
Top three male wheelchair positions
Top three female wheelchair positions
Additionally, several cash prizes will be awarded to winners; the amounts depend on the race, category, and runner's position. To view these prizes, click here.
Want to lend a hand? You can register as a volunteer by clicking here.
Have more questions? You can contact the organizers via email: info@rocknrollmadridrun.com
Lockers will be available for participants and are completely free. The locker area is located at the finish line zone on Paseo de la Castellana, between Hermosilla and Ortega y Gasset streets.
The locker closing times, depending on the distance, are as follows:
10K: closes at 10:30 AM.
21K: closes at 2:00 PM.
42K: closes at 5:00 PM.
Yes, it's definitely possible; you just need to present the registration documents of the person concerned.
Interested in following the race? You can do so through the RNR Madrid app.
You can check the race rules here
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