The Madrid Marathon 2026, officially known as the Zurich Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Madrid, is already building excitement. On Sunday, 26 April 2026, the streets of Spain’s capital will once again transform into a major sporting and cultural spectacle. After the success of recent editions — which attracted tens of thousands of runners and turned the city into a giant music-filled celebration — Madrid is preparing to host one of the largest and most iconic races in the country.
Celebrating its 48th year and part of the prestigious Rock ’n’ Roll circuit, the event offers three distances — marathon, half marathon and 10 kilometres — and has become a true running festival with more than 30 music and entertainment stages along the course, according to the organisation’s official information.
History and scale: an event that keeps growing
The Madrid Marathon was first held in 1978 and has grown steadily ever since. In 2025 it reached a historic milestone: the organisation sold out 45,000 race bibs more than three months before race day, with 13,000 marathon runners, 23,000 half-marathon participants and 9,000 athletes in the 10 km race.
This record participation generated an economic impact of more than €64 million for the city, as reported in the 2025 sell-out announcement. The edition also stood out for its international profile: 30% of runners came from outside Spain and represented 113 nationalities, with France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and the United States among the most represented countries.
Female participation also reached record levels, with women representing 19% of marathon runners, 40% of half-marathon participants and 57% of 10K entries.
The 2026 edition is expected to surpass 47,000 participants, including more than 10,000 international runners from over one hundred countries. Organiser AD MAPOMA — a leading organisation in sports event management in Spain — continues to promote the marathon as a major international tourism platform.
The race holds a World Athletics Gold Label and is part of the Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series, placing it alongside other major European running events.
Distances and start times: 42K, 21K and 10K for everyone
The Madrid Marathon offers three official races:
- Marathon (42.195 km): the main event starts at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. The course includes around 360 metres of elevation gain, making it a demanding yet spectacular challenge.
- Half marathon (21.097 km): sharing much of the marathon course, the half marathon also begins at 9:00 a.m. It’s perfect for runners seeking a serious challenge without the full distance.
- 10K: the popular 10 km race starts at 8:00 a.m. and allows participants to enjoy the atmosphere with a more accessible effort.
The organisers recommend arriving early at the start areas near Paseo de la Castellana and remaining calm while accessing the start zones. All races include aid stations every few kilometres and medical support services. Along the route, more than 30 music groups, percussion bands and DJs will cheer on runners and spectators, turning the race into a true celebration.
Course and iconic landmarks of Madrid
One of the highlights of the Madrid Marathon is its sightseeing-friendly route. The course passes many of the city’s most iconic locations, including Paseo de la Castellana, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, Plaza de Cibeles, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Casa de Campo and Retiro Park.
As noted in the Finishers guide, the race offers a unique combination of culture, history and sport. The elevation profile isn’t extreme but it is noticeable. The rolling terrain of Castellana and the climbs towards Príncipe Pío and the Argüelles area put runners’ legs to the test.
In contrast, the final kilometres include fast downhill sections leading into Retiro Park, where the finish line awaits. Thousands of spectators line the streets, creating an electrifying atmosphere. More than thirty music stages with rock bands, percussion groups and folk performances ensure that both runners and spectators stay entertained throughout the race.
Training tips for a hilly marathon
Tackling the Madrid Marathon requires specific preparation. The climbs and descents place significant stress on the muscles, so it’s important to include strength training and hill workouts in your programme.
- Add hills to your weekly routine: find routes with elevation or use a treadmill incline.
- Strengthen your legs and core: exercises such as squats, lunges and deadlifts help improve stability and endurance.
- Practice downhill running: downhill sections can fatigue your quadriceps, so include controlled descents in long runs.
- Build a solid base: follow a structured training plan of around 12–16 weeks.
- Test nutrition and hydration: April temperatures in Madrid can be warm.
- Listen to your body: increase mileage and intensity gradually to reduce injury risk.
If your goal is the half marathon or the 10K, the training base can be shorter, but it’s still advisable to include strength work and hills to improve running efficiency.
Preparation and logistics: organise your trip perfectly
The Zurich Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Madrid is much more than just a race. To enjoy the experience stress-free, it’s worth planning the logistics in advance. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Register early: race bibs sell out quickly, so sign up as soon as registration opens.
- Bib collection: the runners’ expo is usually held at IFEMA or another exhibition venue.
- Accommodation and transport: hotels near the start area fill quickly, so book early.
- Explore the city: visit the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum or stroll through Retiro Park.
- Prioritise rest: avoid excessive walking the day before the race.
Female participation and inclusivity
One of the most celebrated aspects of the Madrid Marathon is its growing female participation. According to the organisers, in the 2025 edition women accounted for 57% of 10K entries, 40% of half-marathon runners and 19% of marathon participants.
These figures reflect a clear trend toward greater equality in sport and establish the race as a benchmark for inclusivity. The race atmosphere is welcoming and festive, with adapted categories for athletes with reduced mobility and enthusiastic crowd support for all participants.
SnapRace and the running community
For runners looking to make the most of their preparation, SnapRace can be a valuable companion. The app allows you to create personalised routes, receive real-time voice guidance, track your training sessions and share achievements with a global running community.
You’ll find other marathon guides on our blog that may inspire your next challenge, such as the London Marathon 2026 or the Transgrancanaria Classic 2026.
Final thoughts
Running the Madrid Marathon is about much more than completing 42 kilometres — it’s about experiencing a unique blend of sport, music and culture in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. With the right preparation and good planning, you’ll be able to enjoy this great running festival to the fullest. Whether you choose the marathon, the half or the 10K, the most important thing is joining a community of runners who share the same passion. See you at the start line!