The Cities Race Against Pancreatic Cancer has become an essential event for runners who want to make a difference. On 23 November 2025 it returns to Madrid under the motto “Our challenge, hope”, proving that sport and solidarity can go hand in hand. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about schedules, registration, the importance of the cause and some training tips for your 5K or 10K.
Date, venue and distances
- Date and venue: Sunday 23 November 2025 at Juan Carlos I Park in Madrid. The start is on the Paseo de Otoño inside the park.
- Timetable: the 5 km and 10 km races start at 10:00 a.m.; the 5 km walking march leaves at 10:05 a.m.; the children’s 400 m race starts at 11:30 a.m.
- Routes: the course follows the park’s paths. Adults can choose a 5 km loop or run two laps to complete 10 km. The solidarity walk covers 5 km and the children’s race 400 m.
- Entry fees: registration costs €12 for the adult race or walk and €6 for the kids’ race. All proceeds go to pancreatic cancer research.
- Bib collection: race bibs, shirts and timing chips are collected on race day from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the park.
- Categories and prizes: there are men’s and women’s categories for 5K and 10K plus a kids’ category. The top three finishers receive trophies and all children get a gift.
Why run against pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive tumours. Around 9,000 cases were diagnosed in Spain in 2023 and nearly 10,000 new cases are expected in 2024. Only about 8.6 % of patients survive five years after diagnosis and 80 % die within the first year. The disease is already the third leading cause of cancer death because it is usually detected late.
Survival rates vary depending on how far the tumour has spread. Data from the National Cancer Institute’s SEER programme show that the five‑year relative survival rate is 44 % when the tumour is localised, 16 % when regional lymph nodes are involved and just 3 % once there are metastases; overall survival combining all stages is 13 %. These statistics highlight the urgent need to invest in research and early diagnosis.
The Cities Race channels 100 % of entry fees into scientific projects. It is promoted by ACANPAN, AESPANC and the Spanish Gastroenterology Association and organised by Last Lap. Thanks to events like this, organisations can fund research scholarships, awareness campaigns and networks of specialist centres. Taking part is an easy way to help science move forward and to honour those who are fighting this disease.
Recap of the previous edition
In 2024 the race celebrated its tenth edition under the slogan “Ten years driven by hope”. Around 2,000 runners took part in Madrid and the event raised funds for research scholarships. The 2024 event was also held in several other cities and offered a virtual option so people could join from anywhere. In Madrid the 10K was won by Eugenio Moreno (34:02) and Inés Cano (41:56), while the 5K titles went to Raúl Bragado (17:04) and Marina Pariente (20:34). These stories show that the race is not only about solidarity but also a sporting festival open to all levels.
How to prepare for the Cities Race
Training plan for your first 5K
If you’ve never run a 5K, it’s a good idea to follow a progressive 6–8 week plan. Setting a concrete goal – such as running 5 km without stopping – will keep you motivated. A beginner programme combines running and walking segments, gradually increasing the running time and reducing the rests. For example:
- Week 1: alternate 5 minutes of running and 3 minutes of walking, repeated three times.
- Week 2: run for 8 minutes and walk for 2 minutes, three repetitions.
- Week 3 and beyond: progressively increase the running segments (10 min, 12 min, etc.) and shorten the walk breaks until you can run continuously for 30 minutes.
Alongside your run/walk workouts, include at least two rest days or cross‑training sessions (such as cycling or swimming) each week. Wear suitable shoes, stay hydrated, eat well and avoid increasing your training volume too quickly to prevent injuries.
Tips for tackling a 10K
Preparing for a 10 km requires a solid aerobic base and a structured plan. Training programmes typically combine easy runs, speed work and intervals, one long run at a comfortable pace and strength and running technique exercises. The variety of stimuli improves performance and helps prevent injuries. Other key points:
- Plan duration: 6–10 weeks is usually enough to get race‑ready.
- Gradual progression: increase weekly mileage by about 10 % and include easy weeks to absorb the workload.
- Rest: schedule at least one or two rest or active recovery days per week.
- Strength and technique: work on your core, legs and glutes and practise drills to improve running economy.
- Realistic goals: decide whether you simply want to finish or aim for a time (such as sub‑60 minutes) and adjust your training pace accordingly.
Listen to your body, stretch regularly, work on mobility and remember that recovery is as important as the workouts themselves.
How to get to Juan Carlos I Park
Juan Carlos I Park is located in the north‑east of Madrid and is easy to reach by public transport:
- Metro: Feria de Madrid station on Line 8.
- Bus: EMT lines 104, 112 and 122 stop nearby.
- Car: there is a free car park in the park, although it often fills up at weekends.
To collect your bib calmly, try to arrive with plenty of time. The park has paved paths, green areas and services such as free bike hire and a small tourist train, making it an ideal place to enjoy a morning with family and friends.
Conclusion
The Cities Race Against Pancreatic Cancer 2025 is much more than a sporting event: it’s a call for solidarity and hope. Taking part lets you enjoy a pleasant course in Juan Carlos I Park, support research into a disease with a low survival rate and share your passion for running with thousands of people. Whether you choose the walk, the 5K or the 10K, start preparing your body and mind today. Sign up and run for life!
Useful links
- Official Cities Race website – registration and regulations.
- Corriendo Voy 2025: race details in Madrid – schedule and distances.
- Corriendo Voy 2024: tenth edition recap – participants and winners.
- ACANPAN: importance of pancreatic cancer research – incidence and survival data.
- American Cancer Society: pancreatic cancer survival rates – updated statistics.