Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon 2026: date, course, registration, 2025 results and tips to experience the #RunAndFeel spirit
The island of Ibiza is synonymous with parties, but every spring another soundtrack takes over: the rhythm of thousands of running shoes on the asphalt. The Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon 2026 (18 April) celebrates its ninth edition with three distances—marathon, 22 km and 12 km—and a unique atmosphere where sport, tourism and Mediterranean culture blend together. In this article we explain everything you need to know about this special event, review the 2025 results, analyse the course and offer practical tips to prepare and enjoy it.
History and growth of the Ibiza Marathon
The Ibiza Marathon was born in 2017 with the aim of showcasing the island’s sporting side and attracting runners from all over the world. In the first editions only the full distance was held, but soon the 22 km and 12 km races were added to encourage runners of different levels. Over the years it has become one of the most international events on the Spanish calendar: in 2024 it attracted around 4,800 entrants—one third of them from abroad—and in 2025 registrations exceeded 5,000, with runners from more than 30 countries.
A festive spirit is also a hallmark. The organisers put on a runners’ expo with activities for the whole family, live music and an Ibiza Kids Run so youngsters can feel part of the celebration. Everything revolves around the #RunAndFeel motto, inviting participants to enjoy a complete experience: running, watching the sunset and sampling local cuisine.
Course and distances: three ways to discover the island
The 2026 edition again offers three options, all finishing by the sea on the promenade of Santa Eulària des Riu.
- Marathon (42.195 km). Start: Ibiza port at 3:30 pm. The route crosses four of the island’s five municipalities, with a hilly and demanding first half followed by a more favourable second part. The course is certified by the Spanish Athletics Federation and ends at sunset in Santa Eulària des Riu.
- 22 km. Start: Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera at 5:15 pm. This intermediate race traverses the island’s interior with gentle undulations at the beginning and a very fast final stretch to the seafront. It’s ideal for those who don’t want to face the full marathon but want more than a 10 km.
- 12 km. Start: Marina Santa Eulària des Riu at 5:15 pm (provisional). A flat seaside race to enjoy the #RunAndFeel vibe without complications—perfect for beginners and accompanying runners.
All routes share a spectacular finale: the last kilometres run alongside the Mediterranean with the sunset as a backdrop. There are also live music points along the course to keep spirits high.
Highlights from the 2025 edition
Although 2026 looks set to be the most crowded edition ever, it’s worth remembering what happened a year ago. In 2025 Kenyan runner Samson Kipchirchir Keiyo claimed the marathon victory in 2:19:59, ahead of compatriot Dennis Kipruto Kimetto (2:28:51) and Portugal’s Nelson Fonseca (2:44:40). The women’s title went to Briton Ruth Hawkins with 3:02:57, followed by Lot Stevens (3:17:29) and Aly Renyard (3:18:59).
The 22 km race in 2025 delivered exciting duels. Bahrain’s Hassan El Abassi triumphed in 1:02:20, just shy of the course record, while Kenyan athlete Sumun Deborah set a new women’s record of 1:10:33, ahead of compatriot Nancy Jepleting (1:11:58) and France’s Latifa Mokhtari (1:14:08). Participation was historic: 3,600 runners from 35 countries with an almost even gender split (49 % women).
These results show that the Ibiza Marathon is on the rise, able to attract elite African runners and recreational athletes looking for an attractive destination and a challenging yet manageable course.
How to register: fees and services
Registration for 2026 is open on the official website. In 2025 bibs sold out weeks in advance, so it’s a good idea to sign up early. Approximate prices are:
- Marathon: around €85.
- 22 km: about €55.
- 12 km: roughly €35.
Your entry includes a bib with timing chip, technical T-shirt, finisher’s medal, access to the expo and aid stations. There are bag drop facilities, pacing groups, on-course entertainment, photo services and travel packages with official hotels.
Tips to prepare for the Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon
- Train on hilly terrain. Both the marathon and the 22 km feature a first half with gentle climbs and descents. Include hill sessions and strength work in your training.
- Simulate the start time. The afternoon start means running under daylight and finishing at dusk. Practice long runs at similar times to adapt to the temperature and refine your pre-race nutrition.
- Dial in hydration and fuelling. Ibiza can be warm even in April. Test your hydration strategy and the gels or drinks you’ll use on race day.
- Use power-based training. Running power metrics help you manage effort on hills; check out our article on running with power to learn how to use this tool.
- Incorporate HIIT sessions. Protocols like the Norwegian 4×4 improve VO2 max and enable you to sustain higher paces.
- Leverage SnapRace. Our app helps you design personalised plans, analyse your pacing and share achievements with friends. It also lets you discover new routes and organise group runs.
- Plan your trip. Book accommodation early—there are official packages near the finish line with transfer services. Take advantage of your stay to explore sites like Dalt Vila, Cala Jondal or Es Vedrà.
Beyond running: the #RunAndFeel experience
Taking part in the Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon is about more than running. The expo offers local product tastings, nutrition talks and yoga and mobility workshops. After crossing the finish line you can enjoy live concerts on the promenade and the culinary offerings of Santa Eulària. And if you travel with family, don’t miss the kids’ race or the cultural activities organised by the local authorities.
Conclusion
The Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon 2026 looks set to be a must for anyone seeking to combine sport and travel. A demanding yet spectacular course, a runner-focused organisation and a festive atmosphere that will make you feel the island’s magic. Ready to experience the #RunAndFeel? Lace up your running shoes, download the SnapRace app to train smart and secure your bib before it sells out.