The Madrid City Council has decided to reorganize the intense race calendar that runs through the heart of the Spanish capital. For 2026, 36 applications were submitted to host events along the Paseo de la Castellana axis, but starting next year only 19 races will be authorized. The new regulation requires that each race must have had at least 5,000 participants in its most recent edition. The aim is to balance sporting activity with neighborhood coexistence and traffic flow along one of the busiest avenues in the city. The measure, which has sparked debate within the running community, seeks to preserve the most iconic events without oversaturating the city center.
Why Is the Number of Races Being Limited?
Madrid’s popular race calendar has grown exponentially over the past decade. Every weekend features numerous road races, urban trail events, and charity runs. While this boom reflects the rise of running culture, it has also created traffic disruptions, prolonged street closures, and complaints from residents. Faced with 36 requests to use the Castellana in 2026, city officials have applied technical criteria based on participation and organizational capacity: only races that can prove more than 5,000 registered runners will be allowed to pass through the city center.
The goal is to preserve neighborhood coexistence while ensuring that major events can continue without paralyzing urban mobility. Additionally, the measure will encourage redistribution of races to other districts and parks, promoting a more balanced use of public space. Events that are not authorized for the central axis will need to redesign their routes in areas such as Casa de Campo, Madrid Río, the Green Cycling Ring, or peripheral districts with lower traffic impact.
The 19 Races Authorized on Paseo de la Castellana
According to the approved calendar, thirteen mass-participation races and six institutional or federated competitions have received permission to cross central Madrid. These are well-established events that attract thousands of runners and significant public attention.
- Major mass-participation races:
- 15K MetLife Madrid Activa. A fast course starting in Plaza de Castilla and finishing downtown, offering 15K and 5K options.
- Movistar Madrid Half Marathon and ProFuturo Run. One of Europe’s most attended half marathons.
- Madrid Firefighters’ Race. A traditional and charitable event along iconic avenues.
- Villa de Madrid Duathlon. A combined run-and-bike event using part of the central axis.
- Madrid in Motion Against Cancer. A large solidarity walk/run supporting cancer research.
- Zurich Rock’n’Roll Running Series Madrid. The city’s marathon and half marathon, part of an international circuit.
- Women’s Race (Carrera de la Mujer). A massive event promoting equality and breast cancer awareness.
- Madrid Vintage Run by TotalEnergies. A retro-themed race celebrating running history.
- Gran Premio Internacional Madrid Marcha Silbö Telecom. An elite-level race walking competition.
- San Juan Night Race. A summer evening race through illuminated city streets.
- Norte vs Sur Race. A team-based competition between northern and southern districts.
- King Felipe VI Popular Race. A symbolic city-center event.
- Ibercaja Madrid Corre por Madrid. A classic 10K race ideal for first-time competitors.
- Institutional and federated competitions:
- Superheroes Run. A charity race with participants dressed as superheroes.
- Carrera Marca – Fans’ Derby. A traditional rivalry race between football supporters.
- Ponle Freno Madrid. A road safety awareness race.
- Speed Run Madrid. A 5K event organized by the regional athletics federation.
- Corporate Race (Carrera de las Empresas). A company team competition promoting workplace wellness.
- Nationale-Nederlanden San Silvestre Vallecana. The iconic New Year’s Eve race featuring both popular and elite fields.
These events have demonstrated strong organizational capacity and large participation figures, securing their place in the city center. For many runners, they represent annual milestones and a key part of Madrid’s sporting identity.
What Happens to the Races That Are Not Approved?
The remaining fifteen races do not meet the 5,000-participant requirement. However, they will not be canceled. The city’s Sports Department is working with organizers to redesign alternative routes outside the Castellana corridor. Locations such as Casa de Campo, Madrid Río, and the Green Cycling Ring offer viable options with reduced urban disruption.
This redistribution may even become an opportunity to diversify race experiences. Running alongside the Manzanares River or through expansive green areas reduces traffic pressure and brings events closer to different neighborhoods.
How Does This Compare to Other Cities?
Madrid is not alone in regulating its race calendar. Barcelona has long limited the number of events allowed to cross major avenues such as Diagonal, prioritizing official marathons and half marathons. Valencia, internationally known for its marathon, also distributes events between the historic center and the City of Arts and Sciences.
These policies aim to strike a balance between promoting sport and ensuring efficient urban management. It is likely that other Spanish cities will adopt similar criteria in the coming years.
Tips for Runners Under the New Regulation
- Plan your season early. Races authorized in the city center may sell out faster.
- Explore new routes. Events outside the Castellana will offer fresh environments and varied terrain.
- Support emerging races. You’ll help strengthen the local running community.
- Respect urban coexistence. Follow instructions, arrive early, and be mindful of the collective impact.
- Use SnapRace. Check updated race calendars, filter by distance, and adapt your training plans to route changes.
Madrid’s heart will continue to beat strongly during its major events, but with a more rational calendar. This new stage seeks balance between passion for running and urban quality of life.
What do you think about this measure? Have you participated in any of the authorized races? Share your experience and discover new routes with SnapRace.