The Madrid Alpine Marathon 2026 (MAM) returns to challenge the most adventurous trail runners in Spain. This mountain marathon is far more than a race; it’s a high-altitude adventure through one of the country’s most iconic protected areas and the only official 42.195 km event authorised inside the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about registration, key dates, the course and how to prepare for its demanding 44 km of technical terrain and sustained elevation gain.
History and uniqueness of the MAM
The MAM was founded in 1998 as a small mountain race linking the Álvaro Iglesias mountain hostel with the highest peaks of the Guadarrama range. As the event grew in popularity, organisers moved the start and finish to Cercedilla to better protect the natural environment. Now in its 29th edition, the marathon remains true to its roots: a strict limit of 400 bib numbers, zero tolerance for litter (no plastic cups, no waste on the trails) and a spectacular course that summits iconic peaks such as Pico de Peñalara (2,428 m) and Bola del Mundo (2,265 m). It is the only marathon authorised within the national park and stands out for its strong sustainability commitment.
Key dates and registration for 2026
The 2026 edition will take place on Sunday 14 June. Registration opens on 27 February 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and will close as soon as the 400 available entries sell out. To secure a bib, monitor the official website of the organising club, Agrupación Deportiva Marathon, or authorised registration platforms. The entry fee includes accident insurance and access to pre-race activities, but it is non-refundable, so be certain of your availability before signing up. The same weekend also features the Cross del Telégrafo, a 19 km race held on Saturday 13 June, which typically sells out quickly.
Course: 44 km and 5,800 m of cumulative elevation gain
The MAM course is both brutal and breathtaking. Starting and finishing in Cercedilla, runners first climb through Las Dehesas before ascending towards Puerto de Navacerrada. From there, the true alpine challenge begins. Participants summit Bola del Mundo, descend to Puerto de Cotos and then tackle the climb to Pico de Peñalara, the highest point in the Sierra at 2,428 m above sea level. After traversing panoramic ridgelines, the course heads back towards Navacerrada and returns to Cercedilla.
The race covers approximately 44 km with more than 5,800 metres of cumulative elevation gain and loss, demanding sustained climbing strength and technical descending skills. There are 8 aid stations with fluids and 4 with solid food. No plastic cups are provided, so runners must carry their own bottle or collapsible cup.
Training tips to prepare for the MAM
- Train for sustained elevation: include long runs with 800–1,000 m of vertical gain and technical descents to simulate race conditions. Poles can help on steep climbs and reduce impact on the knees during descents.
- Adapt to altitude: since several sections exceed 2,000 m, training in mountainous terrain will help mitigate the effects of altitude and improve endurance.
- Practise self-sufficiency: always train with your hydration system, energy nutrition and mandatory kit. Race day is not the time to test new equipment.
- Build strength and downhill technique: incorporate leg and core strength sessions and practise descending on rocky terrain to improve stability and reduce injury risk.
- Plan your pacing strategy: study the elevation profile carefully. Avoid going too hard in the opening stages and manage your effort wisely to handle the later climbs.
Rules and mandatory gear
To ensure safety and environmental protection, the organisers require a mandatory kit including a hydration pack or belt with at least 0.5 litres of capacity, thermal blanket, whistle, fully charged mobile phone, waterproof jacket with hood, hat or buff, visible bib number and trail running shoes. Recommended items include collapsible poles, sunscreen and a GPS device with the course track loaded.
There are no disposable cups at aid stations, so you must drink from your own container. Equipment checks may be carried out at any time, and non-compliance may result in disqualification. Littering or leaving marked trails is strictly prohibited to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem.