On March 15, 2026, the streets of Badajoz filled with runners and spectators to celebrate the 32nd edition of the Popular Badajoz City Marathon and the 10th Half Marathon. More than 1,400 athletes set off from the La Granadilla sports facilities, turning the city into the epicentre of athletics in Extremadura. In this article we review the winners, standout times, what the route is like and the keys you should keep in mind if you are thinking of running this event in the future.
Winners and standout times
The 2026 edition offered two races: a 42 km marathon and a 21 km half marathon. Both delivered a competitive spectacle with exciting finishes and high-level marks. Below are the main podiums; if you want to consult all the classifications you can check the official results on the Chipserena platform or the race report on Ruta Running that details each category.
Marathon (42 km)
- Men’s winner: Moroccan runner Bilal Marhoun debuted in Badajoz by setting a constant pace from the very first kilometre and crossed the finish line in 2:23:38. He was followed by Jesús González Cidón (2:29:37) and Juan Ramón Sánchez Bayón (2:32:56).
- Women’s winner: Ecuadorian athlete María Mercedes Pila took the title in 3:01:51 despite suffering physical problems at the fourth kilometre. The podium was completed by María Cárdenas Rodríguez (3:02:07) and Tina María Ramos (3:14:23).
Half marathon (21 km)
- Men’s winner: Pedro José Cano Román, from Salvaleón, dominated the half marathon with 1:11:45, ahead of Afzal Abdul Aziz (1:12:53) and Pedro Galán (1:15:32).
- Women’s winner: Gracia Márquez Matamoros, from Puebla de la Calzada, won in 1:28:15. The fight for second place was very close: María de las Nieves Gremio (1:28:44) beat Portuguese runner Sónia Marisa Rainho Ribeiro (1:28:47) by just a few seconds.
These results reflect a high competitive level and a heterogeneous participation of regional, national and international athletes. The narrow differences in the women’s marathon and half marathon show that the event in Badajoz continues to attract talented female runners.
What the Badajoz course is like
The Badajoz City Marathon and Half Marathon are run on a single-loop urban course that starts and finishes at the Municipal Sports City La Granadilla. The race regulations describe the route as a single lap of 42.195 km for the marathon and 21.097 km for the half marathon, with practically no elevation change. The altitude ranges between 168 and 178 metres above sea level and the average temperature in March is around 13 °C, ideal conditions to chase personal bests.
In 2026 the course included some modifications due to heavy rains in the days before, although the iconic points were maintained: the passage through Plaza Alta and Puerta de Palmas, the section along the Guadiana river and the foray into the Old Town, where the cobblestones and slopes required a more stable stride. The 9:00 am start for the marathon and 10:30 am for the half allowed participants to enjoy a festive atmosphere with constant support from spectators.
In addition to the route conditions, the organisation took care of every detail: plentiful refreshment points, musical entertainment and volunteers scattered throughout the circuit. To see the complete map or plan your strategy, you can consult the official site of the Municipal Sports Foundation.
Keys to prepare and enjoy the race
If you are thinking of running in Badajoz in future editions, you should adapt your training to the peculiarities of the course and the early date of the race. Here are some tips based on the experience of local runners and training science:
- Build a solid base during winter: gradually increase your mileage in the months leading up to March to arrive with sufficient aerobic endurance. Include long runs and tempo sessions at marathon pace.
- Practise on uneven surfaces: the cobbles of the Old Town and the paved sections require stability. Add sessions on cobbled circuits or uneven paths to strengthen your ankles and improve balance.
- Do not neglect hills: although the total elevation is low, some short ramps can break your rhythm. Include hill repeats to gain strength and recovery capacity.
- Include strength training: working glutes, core and legs reduces injury risk and improves running economy. Our blog features a comprehensive guide to strength training for runners that can complement your plan.
- Plan the taper: in the final weeks reduce mileage, take care of nutrition and stay hydrated. This marathon guide offers strategies you can adapt to Badajoz.
- Leverage technology: the SnapRace app lets you create personalised plans, record your training, monitor pace and share your progress with friends. It also includes hydration and nutrition reminders during the race.
Atmosphere and tradition: why it is worth coming back
Beyond times and results, the Badajoz City Marathon stands out for the involvement of the entire city. Neighbours, athletics clubs and local businesses throw themselves into cheering on the runners. The course passes some of the most emblematic places in the regional capital and offers a journey through its history and heritage. For many participants, the hospitality of the public and the friendly organisation are the main reasons to return year after year.
With more than three decades of history, this race has established itself as one of the great dates on the regional calendar. Taking part means experiencing a sporting festival in which individual effort mixes with the collective pride of a city that beats to the rhythm of the strides. Will you write your own story in the next edition?
story in the next edition?Final thoughts and call to action
The 2026 Badajoz Marathon and Half Marathon produced thrilling moments and showed that running in Extremadura is in excellent health. If you dream of living a similar experience, start preparing today. Download the SnapRace app, explore our training guides and reserve your place in the next edition. See you on the start line!