This spring, Vitoria-Gasteiz will once again become one of Spain’s key running destinations. The Martín Fiz Marathon 2026, sponsored by TotalEnergies, will take place on 10 May 2026 and will bring together thousands of runners to race through the streets and parks of the capital of Álava. Inspired by the legacy of legendary athlete Martín Fiz, the event offers distances for every level — 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and a children’s race — and provides a great opportunity to enjoy the city’s green belt and its strong sporting atmosphere.
A marathon with history and an inclusive spirit
The race was founded in 2003 as a tribute to Martín Fiz, world marathon champion and one of the great figures of Spanish athletics. Over the years, it has established itself as a major fixture on the national calendar, with a strong identity built around mass participation, accessibility and equality.
In 2025, it broke records with more than 5,000 runners and historic female participation: women made up 40% of the total field and 63% of the 5 km race. Ander Barrio and Ane Alberdi won the marathon in 2:33:16 and 2:53:00 respectively, while thousands of participants also enjoyed the shorter distances.
That growth has encouraged the organisers to keep expanding the event. The Martín Fiz Marathon 2026 retains its inclusive essence, with courses designed so that every runner can find their own challenge. Beyond celebrating the winners, the event also highlights inspiring stories such as Santiago Hitos, the veteran runner who has completed every edition, and Joan Torné Tuyà, who in 2025 set a world record for the number of half marathons completed.
Date, start times and distances
The programme will take place on Sunday, 10 May 2026 from 8:30 a.m. at Paseo de Cervantes, next to Mendizorroza Stadium. Once again, the event is designed as a true running festival, with options for all types of runners:
- Marathon (42 km): the classic distance for those looking to complete 42.195 km.
- Half marathon (21 km): ideal for runners seeking a demanding challenge on a fast, flat course.
- 10K: perfect for chasing a personal best or getting started in road racing.
- 5K: aimed at beginners or those who want to enjoy the event without highly specific preparation.
- Children’s race: designed so younger runners can enjoy athletics in a safe and fun environment.
All races share the same start and finish area, which helps create a lively atmosphere and makes it easier for family and friends to follow the event. The organisers also pay special attention to athletes with disabilities, with adapted categories and dedicated logistical support.
Registration and prices
Registration has been open since 17 July 2025 and will remain available until 1 May 2026 through the official platform. The organisers continue to offer tiered pricing and group discounts:
- Marathon: €47 until 31/12/2025, €55 until 28/02/2026, €62 until 31/03/2026 and €65 until 30/04/2026.
- Half marathon: €30 until 31/12/2025, €35 until 28/02/2026, €40 until 31/03/2026 and €45 until 30/04/2026.
- 10K: €18 until 31/12/2025, €20 until 28/02/2026, €22 until 31/03/2026 and €25 until 30/04/2026.
- 5K: €12 until 31/12/2025, €14 until 28/02/2026, €16 until 31/03/2026 and €18 until 30/04/2026.
Group entries include a 5% discount for teams of 5 to 9 people, 7% for groups of 10 to 14 and 10% for groups of 15 or more. Each registration includes a race bib with timing chip, official T-shirt, sponsor gifts, refreshments, accident insurance, finisher medal and digital diploma.
Please note that registration is only confirmed once payment has been completed. For more information and to sign up, visit the official registration platform.
Course and race experience
The Martín Fiz Marathon makes the most of Vitoria-Gasteiz’s Green Belt, a network of parks and paths surrounding the city. The course starts on Paseo de Cervantes, heads towards Europa Conference Centre and skirts the edge of the old town without going deep into it, helping runners maintain a smooth rhythm. It then follows part of the Zadorra River area before returning towards Mendizorroza. The shorter distances share sections of the same course.
It is a mostly flat route, with wide avenues and green areas, making it ideal both for runners targeting a personal best and for those who simply want to enjoy the atmosphere. The organisers plan to provide aid stations every 5 km, entertainment points and the festive atmosphere that has become one of the event’s trademarks. A course map is available on Runnea.
What’s new and official training sessions
As part of the build-up to the race, the organisers will once again run several official training sessions. On 21 February 2026, triathlete Ruth Brito will lead a free training session from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Beti Jai-Mendizorrotza complex. The session, aimed especially at encouraging female participation although open to everyone, is designed to provide practical tools for preparing for the race with greater confidence. You can read more in Planeta Meta.
The organisers will also continue to reinforce their message of equality and inclusion through initiatives such as the 5 km race, designed to attract new runners. To better understand the event’s recent evolution, it is also worth revisiting the 2025 race report.
Tips for preparing for the Martín Fiz Marathon
If you dream of crossing the finish line in Vitoria-Gasteiz, it’s worth starting your training plan well in advance. Here are a few useful recommendations:
- Plan at least 12 weeks of specific training, combining long runs, quality workouts and cross-training such as cycling or swimming.
- Train on varied surfaces to simulate the course better: combine asphalt with park paths and dirt sections.
- Practice your fueling and hydration strategy during long runs so you avoid improvising on race day.
- Include pace changes and intensity sessions, for example with fartlek workouts, to improve endurance and responsiveness.
- Listen to your body: respect rest days and support your plan with strength and mobility work to prevent injuries.
The SnapRace app can help you plan your sessions, log your mileage and share your progress with other runners. It also allows you to create custom workouts, take part in virtual challenges and analyse your metrics so you arrive at the race better prepared.
Discover Vitoria-Gasteiz: culture and nature
Taking part in the Martín Fiz Marathon is also a great excuse to get to know Vitoria-Gasteiz better, the capital of Álava and the seat of the institutions of the Basque Autonomous Community. The city was named European Green Capital and stands out for its balance between historic heritage and natural spaces. A few suggestions to round off your running trip:
- Wander through the medieval old town and visit Santa María Cathedral and the old city walls.
- Explore the Green Belt, with parks such as Salburua and Zabalgana.
- Enjoy Basque cuisine in pintxo bars and traditional restaurants.
- Visit places such as the Artium museum or the Natural Sciences Museum.
- Head to Gorbeia Natural Park if you want to extend your trip.
Whether you are aiming for a personal best or taking on your first major running challenge, Vitoria-Gasteiz offers an ideal setting for a weekend full of running, history, nature and atmosphere.
In short, the Martín Fiz Marathon 2026 is much more than a race. It is a tribute to one of the great names in Spanish athletics, an event open to runners of all levels, and a wonderful way to discover one of the most pleasant cities for running. Book your bib, start training in good time and get ready for a memorable experience. See you on the start line!