On February 22, 2026, Castellón de la Plana will once again host its biggest running weekend. The bp Castellón Marathon 2026, together with the FACSA Castellón 10K, brings together a lightning-fast course, thousands of amateur runners, and many of the world’s top distance athletes. If you’re looking for a winter marathon in Spain with mild weather, an electric atmosphere, and a real chance to set a personal best, keep reading—this guide covers everything you need to know, including sustainability updates and practical training tips.
History and prestige of the event
The bp Castellón Marathon was born in 2010 and has since become one of Spain’s fastest urban races. The event holds the World Athletics Road Race label, which recognizes its organizational standards and course quality. In 2022, Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw stunned the running world by setting what was then the women’s 10 km road world record in Castellón with 29:14—clear proof that this circuit is built for speed. Recent editions have delivered elite performances as well: Kenya’s Yomif Kejelcha won the 10K in 26:31 and Morocco’s Wesley Ledama took the marathon in 2:09:41. The marathon currently ranks 63rd worldwide, and the 10K is considered among the most prestigious in the world.
Beyond the fast layout, the race stands out for the citywide support it receives. Organization is led by the Club d’Atletisme Running Castelló in collaboration with the City Council and the Municipal Sports Board. Every February, the streets come alive with cheering crowds, percussion bands, and local supporters—many runners say Castellón becomes Spain’s running capital for a day.
What’s new and the goals for the 2026 edition
The 2026 edition arrives with record-level ambition. At the official presentation, local authorities announced they aim to surpass last year’s 4,000+ participants, strengthening the race’s position as a national benchmark. One of the biggest highlights is the environmental commitment: the marathon has earned the Sustainable Sports Event Seal from the Spanish Olympic Committee, supported by GO2 by Global Omnium. This includes measuring the event’s carbon footprint and implementing reduction actions such as renewable energy use and recycling stations, in partnership with Ecoembes, which will place around forty containers along the route.
Institutional and corporate support also grows: Aeroport Castelló joins as a collaborator to help facilitate travel for national and international athletes, and sportswear brand JOMA returns as technical sponsor, providing high-quality race shirts for both the marathon and 10K. Ambassadors Martín Fiz and Ismanon will again motivate participants in the pre-race training sessions, and the Expo Marathon will feature talks, presentations, and activities for the whole family.
As for the schedule, activities begin on Friday, February 20 with guided training sessions and the opening of the expo, continue on Saturday with the Breakfast Run and the kids’ marathon, and culminate on Sunday with the 10K start (9:00 a.m.) and marathon start (9:17 a.m.) on Avenida Vila-real. Full program details are available in the official organizer brochure (informational brochure).
Course and logistics: a flat route by the sea
One of Castellón’s biggest strengths is its almost completely flat course. The joint start is set in front of El Corte Inglés on Avenida Vila-real. For the first 6 km, marathoners and 10K runners share wide streets until reaching Avenida Valencia, where the 10K athletes turn toward the finish while marathoners continue toward El Grao and the coastal district. The route offers Mediterranean views, long straight sections, and very few sharp turns, making it easy to hold a steady pace. The finish line is in Ribalta Park, the epicenter of the celebration.
- 10K start: 9:00 a.m. on Avenida Vila-real. Registration fee: around €35. Ideal if you’re chasing a 10K personal best.
- Marathon start: 9:17 a.m. Registrations are around €100 and include the official shirt, medal, and aid stations every 2.5 km.
- Expo Marathon: hosted at Sala El Grau near the Casino, open Friday and Saturday for bib pickup, visiting stands, and attending elite-athlete talks.
- Side events: kids’ marathon, Breakfast Run, training and nutrition talks, drum groups, and DJs at different points along the course.
- Travel and accommodation: Castellón has high-speed train connections and is close to Castellón Airport. The city offers hotels and apartments just minutes from the start; booking early is recommended.
If you’re traveling from outside the area, take the opportunity to explore the beaches of El Grao, the historic center, and the region’s Mediterranean cuisine. February usually delivers mild temperatures (10–16 °C), ideal for racing and sightseeing. The organizers recommend arriving early to pick up your bib and enjoy the expo without rushing.
Training and preparation tips
Even with a flat course, a marathon requires structured preparation. Most runners start 16–20 weeks out, gradually building weekly mileage. One approach that’s gaining popularity is the 80/20 distribution: around 80% of training volume at easy pace, with the remaining 20% dedicated to intervals and faster workouts. In our article about the 80/20 method, we explain the foundations and benefits of this philosophy.
Beyond building a strong aerobic base, make sure to include race-specific sessions, strength work, and a well-practiced fueling plan. Here are the key points to arrive in top shape:
- Marathon-pace sessions: train at your goal pace (for example, 3 × 5 km or a continuous 15 km) to prepare both legs and mind for the effort.
- Strength and technique work: dedicating two days per week to strength training, core work, and running drills improves efficiency and helps prevent injuries.
- Nutrition and hydration: practice taking gels and isotonic drinks during long runs. Don’t wait until race day to try new products.
- Rest and recovery: progress comes from absorbing training. Respect rest days and aim for at least seven hours of sleep.
- Use of technology: apps like SnapRace help you log sessions, analyze progress, and share your runs with friends. The app also offers predefined routes in Castellón and motivation features that can support you throughout the build-up.
If this is your first marathon, consider racing the 10K or a half marathon a few weeks earlier as a fitness test. You can also draw inspiration from our training guide to structure your weeks and adjust workloads to your level.
Plan your trip and enjoy Castellón
Castellón de la Plana blends sport and tourism. After crossing the finish line, you can unwind on the beaches of El Pinar or Gurugú, stroll through the historic center to visit El Fadrí and the Basilica of Santa María, or enjoy an arroz a banda in El Grao. The city invests in sports tourism, so you’ll find runner-friendly menus and accommodation deals during race weekend.
To make getting around easier, the organizers have arranged free shuttle buses between the city center, the expo area, and the start. You can also use the public bike rental system to move around in a more sustainable way. The atmosphere and entertainment will make the weekend just as enjoyable for supporters as it is for runners.
Conclusion: a must-do race for runners
The bp Castellón Marathon and the FACSA Castellón 10K have earned a prominent place on the global calendar thanks to their speed, festive atmosphere, and growing commitment to sustainability. If you plan to race in 2026, start organizing your training now, secure your bib on the official website maratonbpcastellon.com, and plan your trip to discover a welcoming city that truly embraces sport. And remember: run smart, enjoy the journey, and take advantage of tools like SnapRace to help you cross the finish line with a smile.